1. Governors are ALL Governors A Very Personal View Geoff Dawson Pro-Chancellor and Chair of Governors, Sheffield Hallam University

2. VOCABULARY Lots of different names for the composition and sizes of the Governing Bodies of UK Universities – Council, Court, Board of Governors etc All have broadly the same responsibilities – Strategic Direction, Financial Sustainability, Educational Character, Proper Use of Funds, Safeguarding the Reputation of the Institution For today, I will use BOARD and GOVERNORS

3. Differing Backgrounds Governors join Boards from different backgrounds, and are often referred to differently – Lay Governors, ex-officio, Student Governors, Staff Governors, Co-opted Governors, Independent Governors – SHU Board Current Composition has 16 members, inc. the VC, 2 who are current students, 3 who are members of staff, 2 who are ‘co-opted’, and 8 independents – They join by different means (usually by election, or by a ‘Nominations Committee’ led process, or by nomination from local bodies, with formal appointment by the Board)

4. .... but they are all really just GOVERNORS ! No-one is a delegate for, or represents, anyone else (not students, staff, other bodies etc.) Everyone is there as an individual to contribute to the governance of the Institution from their particular skill set and experience, and also shares the consequent responsibility LEAVE HOW YOU CAME TO THE BOARD OUTSIDE THE BOARDROOM! Everyone has an equal voice!

5. Build Relationships With the Chair With the VC With the Clerk to the Board With other governors, especially students........ and get engaged in as many ways as you can – Committees, University Events, External representative events etc.

6. Unique Contribution A key voice on the Board about what is actually happening in the Institution – This is a vital and unique role – Able also to correct ‘dilution of messages/policy’ – Provides an essential viewpoint of what the staff really feel (and also need,.. and want?) –....but must retain your own independence to do this fully

7. Summary Not Staff Governors, just Governors Work at the relationships and engage as fully as you can Contribute as much and as often as you can Remember that you, as an individual, have an equal share in, and responsibility for, the success or otherwise of you institution

8. Questions/Discussion