Governance

North Kent College Corporation Board

The Corporation Board is the governing body of North Kent College. It provides strategic leadership, ensures accountability, and safeguards the long-term success and sustainability of the College.

The Corporation Board comprises of 20 governors including:

• The Chief Executive/Executive Principal
• 2 Student Governors
• 2 Staff Governors 
• 15 External Governors

Our external Governors are drawn from a wide range of business, professional, public sector, and community backgrounds. They bring valuable skills, experience and insight to the College, united by a shared commitment to education and public service. In return, they find the role of Governor highly rewarding - offering an opportunity to contribute directly to the College’s impact on learners, employers and the wider community.

Our Vision, Mission and Strategic Purpose

The work of the Corporation Board is guided by the College’s Vision and Mission, as set out in the Strategic Plan.

Vision

To be recognised nationally as a leading vocational centre, delivering outstanding teaching and learning, responsive to local and regional industry needs, and producing learners who are the first choice of employers.

Mission

To provide high-quality education, learning and training which, through partnership working, offers young people and adults the opportunity to achieve their potential and contribute to the success of their communities.

The Board ensures that every aspect of College strategy and governance aligns with this mission - maintaining a strong focus on student success, quality improvement, employer engagement, and community benefit.

The Role of the Corporate Board

The Corporation Board operates as a strategic, decision-making body responsible for setting the educational character, mission, and long-term direction of the College. As charity trustees, Governors act collectively in the best interests of the College, upholding the Nolan Principles of Public Life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty, and leadership.

The Board’s core responsibilities include:

• Determining and reviewing the educational character and mission of the College;
• Approving the College’s strategic and quality improvement plans;
• Ensuring the effective and efficient use of resources and safeguarding assets;
• Approving the annual estimates of income and expenditure and ensuring financial solvency;
• Appointing and appraising senior postholders and setting a framework for staff pay and conditions;
• Overseeing compliance with statutory, regulatory and funding requirements.

Strategic Role and Delegation 

The Corporation Board operates at a strategic level and does not become involved in the day-to-day management of the College. Operational leadership and management are delegated to the Chief Executive / Executive Principal, who is accountable to the Board for implementing the agreed strategy and ensuring the effective and efficient running of the College.

The scope of this delegation is defined in the Instrument and Articles of Government, the Scheme of Delegation, and the Financial Regulations, all of which are available on the College website.

Commitment to Effective Governance

The Corporation Board is committed to maintaining high standards of governance in line with Department for Education expectations, the Association of Colleges (AoC) Code of Good Governance, and wider sector best practice. This includes:

• Acting with integrity, objectivity and accountability in accordance with public service principles;
• Conducting annual self-evaluation and external governance reviews every three years;
• Ensuring Board membership reflects an appropriate mix of skills, experience and diversity;
• Maintaining transparency, robust risk oversight and strong financial stewardship;
• Supporting the College to remain responsive to the evolving needs of learners, employers and local communities.

Corporation Board and Committee Structure

Committee Membership

While the full Corporation Board considers major strategic, policy and performance matters, much of the detailed work is carried out through a series of statutory and non statutory committees. This structure allows the Board to focus its expertise, ensure proper scrutiny, and maintain effective oversight across all areas of operation in support of the College’s Vision and Mission.

• Audit Committee (Statutory Requirement): Provides independent assurance on governance, risk management, internal control, and audit arrangements.
• Search, Governance & Remuneration Committee (SG&R): Oversees the recruitment, succession planning and appraisal of Governors.
• Quality & Standards Committee (Q&S): Monitors the quality of education, training and student outcomes.
• Estates Strategy & Capital Projects Committee (ESCP): Oversees the College’s estates strategy, campus development and major capital investments.

Audit Committee (Statutory)

Louis Jones - Chair
Mandeep Sahota
Sue Hubble 
Martin Jenkins
Teja Biring
Rocksea Ogefere

Search, Governance & Remuneration Committee

Sarah Henwood - Chair
David Martin
Jane Spurgin
Louis Jones
David Gleed - For Search & Governance 

Quality & Standards Committee

David Martin - Chair
David Gleed
Sue Hubble
Joanna Grant
Darren Higbee 
Jane Spurgin

Estates Strategy & Capital Projects Committee

Teja Biring - Chair
Louis Jones
Irene Redman
Peter McGahan
David Gleed
Keith Norman (Co-opted Governor)

Corporation Board Meeting Schedule 

  pdf Corporation Board & Committee Meeting Schedule 2025/26 (131 KB)

Minutes

We are committed to openness and accountability and therefore have the minutes of the Board meetings and key documents available on our website, to ensure transparency. We are committed to the equality and diversity of all of our students, staff and stake holder.

Committees' Terms of Reference

  pdf Search & Governance and Remuneration Committee Terms of Reference (177 KB)

  pdf Search, Governance and Remuneration Committee Business Plan (354 KB)

  document Audit Committee Terms of Reference  (147 KB)

  pdf Quality & Standards Committee Terms of Reference (214 KB)

  pdf Estates Strategy & Capital Projects Committee Terms of Reference (120 KB)

Becoming a Governor

The Corporation Board of North Kent College welcomes expressions of interest from individuals who share our passion for education, training and community development. Governors play a vital role in shaping the College’s strategy and ensuring the highest standards of governance. We particularly welcome applications from people with professional, business, public‑sector or community expertise and from those who reflect the diversity of our region. To find out more, please contact  Yolanda  Hughes,  Clerk  &  Governance Advisor  to  the  Board,  at  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Join the North Kent College Corporation

North Kent College welcomes applications from people across our communities who share our passion for education, training and lifelong learning. Serving as a Governor is an opportunity to make a real difference - shaping the College’s strategy, supporting our staff and students, and helping ensure that our resources are used wisely to deliver the best outcomes for learners and employers.

Our Vision is to be recognised nationally as a leading vocational centre delivering outstanding teaching and learning, responsive to local and regional industry needs, and producing learners who are the first choice of employers. Our Mission is to provide high-quality education, learning and training which, through partnership working, offers young people and adults the opportunity to achieve their potential and contribute to the success of their communities.

Responsibilities of a Governor

• Uphold the Seven Principles of Public Life (Nolan Principles) – selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership;
• Adhere to the College’s Code of Conduct and governance framework;
• Complete an annual Register of Interests declaration;
• Attend meetings, training and events to contribute effectively;
• Participate in self-assessment and governance reviews.
• Governors act collectively as the College’s charity trustees, ensuring decisions are made in the best interests of students and in accordance with public service values.

Time Commitment and Expectations

• Attend five Board meetings per academic year (mix of Teams and in-person, approx. 2 hours each);
• Serve on at least one specialist committee (usually between 3 & 6 meetings per year);
• Participate in termly Governance Immersive Curriculum Visits;
• Attend College events such as awards ceremonies and exhibitions;
• Engage in ongoing training and development;
• The average time commitment is around 6–10 hours per month. Additional Link Governor roles are available in areas such as Safeguarding, SEND, Equality & Diversity, and Careers & Employer Engagement.

Support and Development

• Structured induction and mentoring for new Governors;
• Annual governance development sessions;
• Access to DfE and Association of Colleges resources and events;
• Networking opportunities with Governors and sector leaders.
• The College provides updates on policy, funding and statutory requirements to help Governors remain informed and effective.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

North Kent College is committed to ensuring its Corporation Board reflects the communities it serves. We particularly welcome applications from individuals who bring diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives.

Benefits of Becoming a Governor

• Contribute to the success and growth of one of Kent’s leading education providers;
• Influence the College’s strategic priorities and ensure quality learning for all students;
• Gain leadership and governance experience;
• Work alongside professionals in education, business, public service and the community.
• Governors serve in a voluntary capacity but gain immense satisfaction from helping the College, its students and communities thrive.

How to Apply to be a Governor

If you are interested in becoming a Governor or learning more about the role, please contact: Yolanda Hughes, Clerk & Governance Advisor to the Corporation Board Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

You can also learn more about our current Governors in the Governor Profiles section of this website.

Ofsted Results

Our Ofsted results from our inspections are available for you to download from the Ofsted website.