Independent; External Governor

Position: Independent (External) Governor (Permanent)
Fairfield School of Business is a community-focused higher education provider committed to unlocking the transformative benefits of education and training for those who may benefit from it, but for whom university study is not a practical option. We are an OfS-registered organisation and as such are fully committed to public interest governance and committee effectiveness.

We are seeking individuals from the business and management sector who are interested in becoming an Independent (External) Members of our Board of Governors. We are particularly interested to hear from candidates with senior executive and/or non-executive experience in medium sized organisations and/or the private education sector. Bringing knowledge and experience in audit or legal would be helpful but is not essential.

Our Governors contribute at the highest levels, utilising their professional expertise to support, question, and advise the senior leadership of FSB on matter of fundamental concern to its sustainability and success. Governors would also use the benefit of their personal and professional networks to keep FSB well appraised of the pollical and regulatory environment that providers like FSB operate within.

As a Governor of FSB, you will be person of good character who is passionate about the mission of education and government’s widening access and participation agenda for higher education. You will be expected to attend and contribute to meetings of the FSB Board and at least one Board Subcommittee which requires the presence of an external member.

The board meets four times per year and Governors also have the opportunity to engage with our students and staff and be part of some of the exciting events in our academic calendar.

You will be joining us during an exiting phase of growth and organizational development, as we finalize our Strategic Plan for the coming years.

Duties

* · to partake in discussions relating to matters of fundamental concern to the sustainability of FSB and the success of its education mission. This includes matters of academic governance, compliance and regulation, commercial operations and the wellbeing of FSB’s community,

* to use their best judgement and the benefit of their experience to support the work of the Board and its Chair

* to prepare and submit any materials requested by the FSB Board or its Chair prior to meetings of the FSB Board, in such a manner as requested by the Chair,

* to attend in person in accordance with the terms of reference for the FSB Board, or to provide to the Chair, in such a manner as requested, their contribution to the Board’s business if they cannot attend,

* to exemplify the Nolan Principles of Public life in all of their work as a Governor of FSB and their dealings with the company, namely: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership

* to recuse themselves from any business where there may be a conflict of interest,

* to effectively reconcile the commercial interests of FSB with the legitimate interests of FSB’s students/learners and the general public interest,

* to promote the work of FSB in the wider community and where requested, represent FSB at external events, subject to appropriate briefings from FSB’s management to support this activity,

* to undertake such other duties as may, from time-to-time, be assigned by the Board to the Independent Governor,

In addition to the above, there is an expectation that the Independent Governor will exert more rigorous challenge to assurances provided by the executive members so as to safeguard public funds.

The qualities of an FSB Governor (Person specification)

A governor of FSB (whether executive, independent or coopted) shall be:

* A fit and proper person in accordance with the definition within the OfS’ Regulatory Framework; by which we mean a person who

* Is of good character

* has the qualification, competence, skills and experience that are necessary for their role

* is able by reason of their health, after reasonable adjustments are made, to properly perform the tasks of the office or position for which they are appointed; and has not been responsible for, been privy…