Governance Responsibilities
The Trafford College Group is a Further Education Corporation, established under the Further and Higher Education Act 1992. The Group consists of Trafford College, Stockport College, The Cheadle College and Marple Sixth Form College with additional banded entities such as The University Centre Stockport. The Group structure and ethos of “One College, Local Difference” ensures that each college retains its local identity in order to meet the needs of its specific community.
The Trafford College Group is administered under the Instrument and Articles of Government (statutory instruments made under the Act), which sets out the rules for the constitution and operation of the corporation, as well as the machinery for college decision-making.
The corporation's main responsibilities are as follows:
The determination, periodic review and development of the educational character and mission of the Institution and the oversight of its activities
Publishing arrangements for obtaining the views of staff and students on the review of the education character and mission of the Institution and the oversight of its activities
The effective and efficient use of resources, the solvency of the Institution and the Corporation and safeguarding their assets
Approving annual estimates of income and expenditure
The appointment, grading, suspension, dismissal and determination of the pay and conditions of service of the holders of senior posts and the clerk
The determination, periodic review and development of the educational character and mission of the Institution and the oversight of its activities
Governance arrangements
The Board of the Corporation consists of 23 members. Membership is made up of 19 voluntary independent members who have the necessary skills to ensure that the Board of the Corporation carries out its legal responsibilities and statutory duties as detailed above. The Principal and Chief Executive, Student Governors elected by the students of The College Group and 1 Staff Governor elected by the staff of The College Group. The Board is constantly refreshing its membership and would welcome applications from interested people who can give time to support the college’s ongoing development.
The Board organises its responsibilities through a committee structure and is supported in its activities by an experienced Corporation and Deputy Corporation Secretary. Minutes of all non-confidential Board Committee and Working Group meetings are published in line with statutory requirements and on The College Group website, following members’ approval. The Board works to its Statutory Instrument & Articles of Governance with members acting in the capacity of trustees with the college holding exempt charitable status. The Board has adopted the Association of Colleges Code of Good Governance for English Colleges and operates its business in line with its standing orders.