Company number: 12497951
6 Sutton Park Road, Sutton, SM1 2GD

Good Governance, Delegation, and Accountability Policy

Policy Statement

The School is committed to upholding the highest standards of good governance by ensuring clear delegation of authority and rigorous accountability at all levels. Our policy aims to align with the Higher Education Code of Governance, guiding decision-making processes, defining responsibilities, and fostering transparency. This commitment applies to all governance tiers, reinforcing integrity and excellence in fulfilling our educational mission.

Principles

Transparency: Promoting open and accessible governance processes that are clear to all stakeholders.
Accountability: Ensuring all actions and decisions are subject to appropriate oversight and accountability.
Integrity: Conducting all activities with integrity and in accordance with our ethical standards.
Clarity of Roles: Defining roles and responsibilities precisely to enable effective governance.
Empowerment: Empowering individuals and committees to act within the scope of their designated authority.
Responsibility: Accepting responsibility for decisions and actions taken under delegated authority.
Oversight: Implementing robust mechanisms for monitoring and reviewing decisions and actions.
Ethical Conduct: Upholding the principles of ethical conduct in all governance matters.
Equity: Ensuring fair and equitable treatment throughout the governance structures.
Professionalism: Demonstrating professionalism in the exercise of duties and responsibilities.
Review and Adaptation: Regularly reviewing policies and procedures to improve and adapt governance practices.
Engagement: Engaging stakeholders in governance processes to enhance mutual understanding and collaboration.

Regulatory Context

This Policy has been developed in line with the applicable laws, regulations, regulatory advice, and sector best practices, including the following:

Authority	Name	Url
UK Government	Higher Education and Research Act 2017 (HERA) A UK legislation that reformed the higher education and research sector, particularly by establishing the Office for Students and UK Research and Innovation.
Office for Students (OfS)	Regulatory Notices and Advice Regulatory notices are additional information about OfS' regulatory requirements and are part of the regulatory framework. Regulatory advice helps providers understand and meet OfS requirements.
Quality Assurance Agency (QAA)	The Quality Code This code represents a shared understanding of quality practice across the UK higher education sector, protecting public and student interests and championing the UK's reputation for quality.
Advance HE	Code of Governance for Universities A code of governance that sets out the principles and standards that universities in the UK should follow.
Committee of University Chairs	The Higher Education Code of Governance A code aimed at ensuring the highest levels of governance at higher education institutions.

Authority

Name

Url

UK Government

Higher Education and Research Act 2017 (HERA)
A UK legislation that reformed the higher education and research sector, particularly by establishing the Office for Students and UK Research and Innovation.

Office for Students (OfS)

Regulatory Notices and Advice
Regulatory notices are additional information about OfS' regulatory requirements and are part of the regulatory framework. Regulatory advice helps providers understand and meet OfS requirements.

Quality Assurance Agency (QAA)

The Quality Code
This code represents a shared understanding of quality practice across the UK higher education sector, protecting public and student interests and championing the UK's reputation for quality.

Advance HE

Code of Governance for Universities
A code of governance that sets out the principles and standards that universities in the UK should follow.

Committee of University Chairs

The Higher Education Code of Governance
A code aimed at ensuring the highest levels of governance at higher education institutions.

Adherence to High Standards

Title
Rule Good Governance The School aims to follow the Higher Education Code of Governance, as established by the Committee of University Chairs. This Code guides decision-making, delegation, and accountability to ensure the highest standards of transparency and governance. Following this Code will ensure the School operates with transparency and accountability, adhering to established governance standards.

Title

Rule
Good Governance

The School aims to follow the Higher Education Code of Governance, as established by the Committee of University Chairs. This Code guides decision-making, delegation, and accountability to ensure the highest standards of transparency and governance.

Following this Code will ensure the School operates with transparency and accountability, adhering to established governance standards.

Ensuring Transparent Governance

Title
Rule Adopting Clear and Open Practices We will: Establish transparent decision-making processes to ensure that all governance activities are openly communicated and documented. Create accessible channels for stakeholders to provide feedback and raise concerns about governance practices. Implement a clear reporting structure for all major decisions and actions taken by the governing bodies. Develop and publish annual governance reports detailing decisions, accountability measures, and outcomes. Conduct regular reviews of governance transparency to ensure practices remain effective and open. These actions will help build trust and credibility, ensuring that all stakeholders are informed and engaged in the governance process.

Title

Rule
Adopting Clear and Open Practices

We will:

Establish transparent decision-making processes to ensure that all governance activities are openly communicated and documented.
Create accessible channels for stakeholders to provide feedback and raise concerns about governance practices.
Implement a clear reporting structure for all major decisions and actions taken by the governing bodies.
Develop and publish annual governance reports detailing decisions, accountability measures, and outcomes.
Conduct regular reviews of governance transparency to ensure practices remain effective and open.

These actions will help build trust and credibility, ensuring that all stakeholders are informed and engaged in the governance process.

Defining Roles and Responsibilities

Title
Rule Clarifying Governance Structures We will: Define and document the roles and responsibilities of all governing bodies, including the board, academic departments, and administrative units. Ensure that each role has clearly assigned duties and authority levels to avoid overlap and confusion. Provide training for all governance members to understand their specific responsibilities and the overall governance framework. Establish guidelines for delegation of authority to ensure tasks are appropriately assigned and managed. Review and update role descriptions annually to reflect changes in the institutional structure or regulations. Clearly defined roles and responsibilities prevent misunderstandings and ensure that governance tasks are executed efficiently and effectively.

Title

Rule
Clarifying Governance Structures

We will:

Define and document the roles and responsibilities of all governing bodies, including the board, academic departments, and administrative units.
Ensure that each role has clearly assigned duties and authority levels to avoid overlap and confusion.
Provide training for all governance members to understand their specific responsibilities and the overall governance framework.
Establish guidelines for delegation of authority to ensure tasks are appropriately assigned and managed.
Review and update role descriptions annually to reflect changes in the institutional structure or regulations.

Clearly defined roles and responsibilities prevent misunderstandings and ensure that governance tasks are executed efficiently and effectively.

Implementing Effective Decision-Making

Title
Rule Streamlining Governance Processes We will: Develop a standardised process for decision-making that includes consultation, documentation, and approval steps. Implement procedures for regular review of decision-making effectiveness and make improvements as needed. Establish decision-making committees with defined scopes and responsibilities to handle specific areas of governance. Ensure that all decisions are made based on comprehensive data and aligned with the institution’s strategic goals. Monitor and evaluate the outcomes of decisions to ensure they achieve the intended results. Streamlined and effective decision-making processes will improve operational efficiency and align decisions with the institution’s objectives.

Title

Rule
Streamlining Governance Processes

We will:

Develop a standardised process for decision-making that includes consultation, documentation, and approval steps.
Implement procedures for regular review of decision-making effectiveness and make improvements as needed.
Establish decision-making committees with defined scopes and responsibilities to handle specific areas of governance.
Ensure that all decisions are made based on comprehensive data and aligned with the institution’s strategic goals.
Monitor and evaluate the outcomes of decisions to ensure they achieve the intended results.

Streamlined and effective decision-making processes will improve operational efficiency and align decisions with the institution’s objectives.

Upholding Accountability

Title
Rule Ensuring Responsible Oversight We will: Develop a framework for tracking and reviewing the actions and performance of all governance bodies. Set up mechanisms for reporting and addressing breaches of governance standards or unethical behaviour. Implement regular audits of governance practices and financial management to ensure compliance with policies and regulations. Create a system for holding individuals and groups accountable for their decisions and actions within the governance framework. Provide clear guidelines on reporting and investigating any allegations of misconduct. Accountability mechanisms will help maintain high standards of integrity and ensure that all governance activities are conducted ethically and responsibly.

Title

Rule
Ensuring Responsible Oversight

We will:

Develop a framework for tracking and reviewing the actions and performance of all governance bodies.
Set up mechanisms for reporting and addressing breaches of governance standards or unethical behaviour.
Implement regular audits of governance practices and financial management to ensure compliance with policies and regulations.
Create a system for holding individuals and groups accountable for their decisions and actions within the governance framework.
Provide clear guidelines on reporting and investigating any allegations of misconduct.

Accountability mechanisms will help maintain high standards of integrity and ensure that all governance activities are conducted ethically and responsibly.

Aligning with the Code of Governance

Title
Rule Adopting Best Practices We will: Review and align our governance practices with the Higher Education Code of Governance, as established by the Committee of University Chair, to meet established standards. Adhering to the Code will ensure that our practices meet high standards and regulatory expectations, supporting overall institutional effectiveness.

Title

Rule
Adopting Best Practices

We will:

Review and align our governance practices with the Higher Education Code of Governance, as established by the Committee of University Chair, to meet established standards.

Adhering to the Code will ensure that our practices meet high standards and regulatory expectations, supporting overall institutional effectiveness.

Metrics and KPIs

The following metrics will be measured and regularly reviewed as key performance indicators for the School to ensure the effectiveness of this policy and associated operations.

Title
Annual Governance Self-Assessment Complete an annual self-assessment of governance practices with 100% participation from relevant bodies. Self-assessment helps evaluate the effectiveness of governance structures and practices.
Board Meeting Attendance Rate Achieve a 95% attendance rate for all board members at scheduled meetings annually. High attendance ensures active participation in decision-making and oversight, reflecting commitment to governance responsibilities.
Clarity of Delegation 100% of delegation documents will clearly define roles, responsibilities, and reporting lines within 30 days of delegation. Clear delegation prevents overlap and confusion, ensuring accountability and effective management.
Compliance with Legal and Regulatory Requirements Achieve 100% compliance with all legal and regulatory requirements as per annual audits. Ensures adherence to legal standards and protects the institution from potential legal issues.
Documentation of Decision-Making Processes Ensure 100% of major decisions are documented with clear rationale and outcomes. Proper documentation supports transparency and accountability in decision-making.

Title

Annual Governance Self-Assessment
Complete an annual self-assessment of governance practices with 100% participation from relevant bodies.
Self-assessment helps evaluate the effectiveness of governance structures and practices.

Board Meeting Attendance Rate
Achieve a 95% attendance rate for all board members at scheduled meetings annually.
High attendance ensures active participation in decision-making and oversight, reflecting commitment to governance responsibilities.

Clarity of Delegation
100% of delegation documents will clearly define roles, responsibilities, and reporting lines within 30 days of delegation.
Clear delegation prevents overlap and confusion, ensuring accountability and effective management.

Compliance with Legal and Regulatory Requirements
Achieve 100% compliance with all legal and regulatory requirements as per annual audits.
Ensures adherence to legal standards and protects the institution from potential legal issues.

Documentation of Decision-Making Processes
Ensure 100% of major decisions are documented with clear rationale and outcomes.
Proper documentation supports transparency and accountability in decision-making.