1. The role of governors and the key challenges they face Gerry Webber University Secretary Edinburgh Napier University

2. Outline Scottish HEIs – the context The role(s) of governors Some key challenges Discussion

3. Hold the front page – governance is news

5. The sector in Scotland currently comprises 19 HEIs: 14 campus based universities the Open University in Scotland the University of the Highlands & Islands one (multi-site) agricultural college one independent art schools a conservatoire of music and drama Diversity

6. Ancient Universities (C15 th /16 th and 1858 Act) Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow, St. Andrew’s Chartered Universities (“1960s Universities”) Dundee, Heriot Watt, Strathclyde, Stirling HE Corporations (“1992 Universities”) Abertay, GCU, Napier (now ENU), Paisley (now UWS), RGU plus Queen Margaret University (2007) And others, including: The University of the Highlands & Islands (2011) - a federation SAC (formally in 1990) a private company limited by guarantee Complexity

7. Some important differences Instruments of governance – Royal charters, Papal Bulls etc. – Acts of Parliament, charters and statutes – Ordinances, resolutions and regulations Organs of governance – Court, Senatus Academicus (Academic Board) – General Councils and Rectors

8. Similarities amongst differences Each institution is led by a Principal or Director and governed by a University Court or Board of Governors. Most governing bodies now have 25 members or fewer and a majority of lay members.

9. Ambiguity amidst clarity All higher education institutions are private bodies and all have charitable status, but most rely heavily on public funding and all are treated as “public bodies” for some purposes e.g. under Freedom of Information legislation.

10. Roles of governing bodies (I) CUC Guide (2009): Code of Practice para 4 – Approve mission, strategy, budgets etc. – Appoint the head as chief executive – Ensure control and accountability – Monitor institutional performance

11. Roles of governing bodies (II) Effective governors – Hold to account and help to improve – Think corporately and act collectively – Are “critical friends” of the executive – Are not drawn into executive management – Keep their “noses in and fingers out”

12. Guides emphasise internal formalities Good governors also: – Build constructive relationships – Facilitate external connections – Are influential ambassadors Roles of governing bodies (III)

13. Living in a goldfish bowl

14. Some key challenges Navigating rocks and hard places? Accountability, autonomy & effectiveness Collective efficiency and local responsibility Public goods and private enterprises Financial sustainability and core values Investment and retrenchment Good governance and global spread

15. Discussion The role of governors and the key challenges they face Gerry Webber University Secretary Edinburgh Napier University