Governance

A Guide to the Governing Body: 

The Governing Body has a minimum of 12 members, each contributing their specific expertise, skills and experience. All Governors serve on a voluntary basis and have always shown a high level of commitment to Holy Cross College, its mission and the community.  The composition of the Governing Body is laid down by the College’s Instrument and Articles of Government, and comprises: 

• At least 8 Foundation Governors, who are appointed by the Trustees – the Diocese of Salford. 
• Up to 6 co-opted Governors 
• At least 1 Staff Governor 
• At least 1 Parent Governor 
• At least 1 Student Governor 
• The Principal 

Associate Members may be appointed for their expertise to serve on a specific committee. The full Governing Body meets on a termly basis and has a number of committees which undertake detailed work on its behalf. 

The Responsibilities of the Governing Body: 

The main part of the Governing Body’s work is strategic, as the day-to-day running of the College and the operational management is the responsibility of the Principal and Senior Leadership Team. The key responsibilities of the Governing Body are: 

• To determine the educational character and mission of the College, and to ensure the College management is fulfilling the mission 
• To ensure the solvency of the College and the safeguarding of its assets 
• To approve the annual estimates of income and expenditure 
• To oversee the appointment, grading, suspension, dismissal and the determination of the pay and conditions of the Principal, Vice Principal, Finance Director and the Clerk 
• To set a framework for the pay and conditions of service for all staff 
• To contribute to the leadership of the College in ways which promote the quality of teaching and raise student achievement 

The Roles and Responsibilities of Individual Governors: 

In legal terms, the Governing Body has a corporate identity separate from its members. This means that responsibility for actions and decisions rest with the Governing Body as a whole and not with individual Governors. Governors are expected to act collectively in the best interests of the College. 

The Roles of the Committees: 

The College conducts much of its business through a number of committees. Each committee has Terms of Reference which have been approved by the full Governing Body. These Committees are: 

• Finance & Resources 
• Audit 
• Quality & Standards 
• Catholic Life & General Purposes 
• Remuneration 

Each committee meets on a termly basis, with the exception of the Remuneration Committee which meets annually. Further information, including membership, can be accessed in the documents section. 

External Governance Review: 

The last external review of governance took place in 2024, and the overall finding on board effectiveness was as follows: 

''There is much that is good about governance at Holy Cross College, with positive and strong Board interaction. There is a transparency of information and a healthy approach to evaluating how governance is operating…with the Board measuring impact on college strategy, effectiveness and outcomes''. 

Among the key strengths identified were: 

• Experience and committed governors with wide-ranging skills and experience 
• Alignment of key strategic decisions with core values, vision and strategy 
• Engagement to consider how the college offer meets student and community needs 

The next external review is due in 2027. 

Governing Body Opportunities: 

Vacancies occur in the Governing Body from time to time, and expressions of interest in becoming a Governor at Holy Cross College are always welcome. If you would like to make a valuable contribution to your community and think that you might be interested in becoming a Governor, please contact the Clerk to Governors at governors@holycross.ac.uk