Governance

Barking & Dagenham College Corporation

Legal Status

Barking and Dagenham Corporation is a Further Education Corporation established under the Further and Higher Education Act 1992.

The highest level at which the constitution of the Corporation is defined is the Instrument and Articles of Government. The legal responsibilities of the Corporation are set out in Articles 3:1:

The Corporation shall be responsible for the following functions:

The determination and periodic review 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 determination and periodic review of the educational character and mission of the institution and the oversight of its activities
Approving the quality strategy of the institution
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, including, where the Clerk is, or is to be appointed as, a member of staff, the Clerk’s appointment, grading, suspension, dismissal and determination of pay in the capacity of a member of staff
Setting a framework for the pay and conditions of service of all other staff

We're recruiting

The College is looking for individuals with a broad range of skills and expertise to join the Corporation Board and assist in driving forward the strategic direction of the College, whilst ensuring the College delivers its Vision, Mission and Values.

The College is based in East London and provides vocational, technical and professional education and training pathways from Entry through to Masters Level.

If you feel that you could fulfil the role of a Governor in a Further Education College, please submit a CV in the first instance to Victoria Eastwood, Chief Governance Officer: victoria.eastwood@bdc.ac.uk. Alternatively please email to arrange an informal discussion.

We are particularly seeking people with the knowledge, skills and experience in any of the following areas: Education (HE and/or FE), SEND, Quality, Estates or SME's, but all applications will be considered.

The Corporation operates through a Committee structure comprising five Committees which meet regularly and report to the Corporation:

Audit Committee
Curriculum & Quality Committee
Policy & Resources Committee
Remuneration Committee
Search & Governance Committee

Minutes prior to 2021 are available on request.

The Instrument and Articles of Government set out the regulatory framework within which a further education college or corporation operates. They define the legal responsibilities of the governing body, ensuring that it acts legally and they provide the underpinning authority for the proper management of college business. The Instrument outlines the constitution of the corporation, the appointment and dismissal of its members and the conduct of meetings.

The Articles define the powers and duties of the corporation, the principal (chief executive) and the clerk. They cover the responsibilities of the governing body, the role of its committees and they set out the basis for dealing with certain matters including audit arrangements, the appointment and dismissal of staff and student discipline.

The Corporation has established standing orders to further prescribe its operation which are available on request to the Clerk.

You can view the college’s Instrument & Articles of Government here.

If you feel you could contribute to the strategic directions of the College and are passionate about being part of the College's journey please send your CV to the Chief Governance Officer, Victoria Eastwood.

Please also refer to the fact sheet The Role of a College Governor.

The Corporation is currently looking for new Student Governors to join the Board.

Student Governors attend meetings of the College Board of Corporation to draw upon their own knowledge and experience as members of the student body in order to exercise judgement and make decisions. Student Governors are encouraged to give student opinion and thoughts on projects, initiatives and strategy before they are put into practice.

Find out more about the role and the benefits of becoming a Student Governor here.

If you would like any further information or an informal discussion about the role please contact the Chief Governance Officer, Victoria Eastwood, via email or on 020 3667 0084.

The Corporation & Committee Terms of Reference documents describe the purpose, scope and authority of the committee.

They are available to read via the below links.

Audit Committee Terms of Reference

Corporation Statement of Governance & Terms of Reference

Curriculum & Quality Terms of Reference

Performance & Standards Terms of Reference

Policy & Resources Committee Terms of Reference

Remuneration Terms of Reference

Search & Governance Committee Terms of Reference

Useful documents:

BDC Meeting Schedule 23-24

Annual Statement of Senior Post Holder Remuneration 2023