Governance
The college corporation is responsible for the overall functioning of Kirklees College.
The Corporation oversees the college’s strategic direction, financial performance and quality of service provided to learners and the community. The Corporation Board is made up of highly experienced individuals, who have extensive experience across industry, business, law, finance and the community, as well as students and staff.
The Corporation meets at least once each term to discuss the college’s strategy and its progress on key performance matters. The Corporation also has several governor committees which look at the college’s performance on finance and quality matters and in more detail at all key areas of the business.
Governors also play an active role in college life through support and advice, as well as attending events and promoting the good work the college does in the community.
The Corporation
Cristina George MBE
Independent Member
Patrons
At Kirklees College, our mission is clear: Creating Opportunities, Changing Lives. We are committed to providing high-quality education that
empowers students, strengthens communities, and supports local industries. Our core values Kindness, Unity, and Excellence guide everything we
do, ensuring that every learner has the opportunity to succeed in a supportive and inclusive environment.
Kirklees College Patrons play a key role in furthering this mission, acting as ambassadors who inspire students, strengthen industry connections,
and advocate for the importance of Further Education in West Yorkshire.
Meet our Patrons
Janie Walters
Independent Governor &
Chair of the Corporation
Professional background
Janie is a certified accountant, now retired, who has worked in the private and public sectors, notably including the Manchester Chamber of Commerce where she was once company secretary. Janie has experience of supporting staff development, mentoring and training apprentices.
Special interests
Mentoring; employer engagement; work readiness
Corporation Roles
Appointed 16 July 2021
Corporation Chair
Member of People, Culture & Governance and Quality, Performance & Standards Committees
Cristina George MBE
Independent Member
The Independent Director of Governance
Clause 4(1) of Schedule 4 to the Further & Higher Education Act 1992 provides that all Further Education Corporations must provide for the appointment of a ‘Clerk’ within their governing documents. Many colleges use a different title for the person who occupies this key statutory role; at Kirklees we call it the Director of Governance.
The Director of Governance is independent from management, in order to be able to offer impartial advice to the Corporation.
The main responsibilities of the Director of Governance are:
1. To support the Corporation in meeting high standards of governance and fulfilling legal or regulatory requirements.
2. To provide guidance on legal issues relating to governance, as well as the implications of policy or regulatory developments.
3. To advise the Corporation with regard to the operation of its powers.
4. To advise the Corporation with regard to procedural matters.
5. To advise the Corporation with regard to the conduct of its business.
As an independent officer of the Corporation, the Director of Governance plays a key role in ensuring that the college’s system of checks and balances operates effectively.
The Director of Governance is appointed by and accountable to the Corporation only. There is a clear separation of functions and lines of reporting and the main responsibility for managing the Director of Governance rests with the Chair of the Corporation.
The current Director of Governance & Compliance, Carol Tague, may be contacted at ctague@kirkleescollege.ac.uk.
Governance Documents
Corporation Board and Committee Minutes
Meeting Minutes
Academic Year 2024- 2025/2025 -2026
- Corporation minutes 23-10-25
- Audit Committee minutes 08-10-25
- Audit Committee minutes 12-03-25
- Audit Committee minutes 27-11-24
- Corporation minutes 03-04-25
- Audit Committee Minutes 26-06-25
- Corporation Minutes 12-12-24
- Corporation Minutes 24-10-24
- Curriculum Strategy Committee Minutes 14-11-24
- Finance & Resources Committee Minutes 31-03-25
- Corporation Minutes July 2025
Other Documents
Corporation Documents
External Governance Review 2025
Terms of Reference
- Safeguarding Committee ToR - December 2025
- Finance & Resources Committee ToR - December 2025
- Audit Committee ToR - October 2025
- People, Culture & Governance Committee ToR April 2025
- QPS Committee Terms of Reference April 2025
- Safeguarding Committee ToR June 2024
- Finance & Resources Committee ToR - April 2025
- Audit Committee Terms of Reference October 2025
- Curriculum Strategy Committee 4 APril 2025
Written Resolutions
Could you be a Kirklees College Governor or co-optee??
Whether you are an experienced trustee or board member or are looking to take your first step at board level, we want to hear from you. We need talented people to join our team who are well networked and will bring a high level of understanding of the barriers to learning many of our learners face.
You might be an environmental or digital guru, a community or faith leader, have expertise in policing or family law, have overcome barriers to learning yourself or have experience of promoting equality and diversity. Whatever your background, you will be a strong believer in the transformative power of education and will share our college values.
If you can’t commit to a full governor role, bring your specialist knowledge to one of our committees as a co-optee.
Information for Prospective Applicants
Here at Kirklees College, we are always interested in hearing from members of the community who wish to serve on our Board of Governors or join one of our committees as a co-optee.Â
We welcome all applications and would particularly like to hear from individuals with a financial background. Board experience is not required – your skills, experience, and enthusiasm for our goals and values are what matter most.
To apply, please email the application form and EDI monitoring form to Carol Tague, Director of Governance and Compliance, ctague@kirkleescollege.ac.uk.
Please note that current students and staff are not able to apply for this role.Â