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WHAT ARE THE INSTRUMENT AND ARTICLES OF GOVERNMENT?

Enshrined in Statutory Instrument 1992, the Education (Government of FE Corporations) (Former Further Education Colleges) Regulations came into force on 30 September 1992. The Instrument of Government was subsequently modified by Order of the Secretary of State on 1 August 1999. The Instrument and Articles of Government have been updated over a period of years, the last version came into force by Order of the Secretary of State on 1 January 2008. The Instrument and Articles of Dunstable College set out the law of the land in respect of Governors' responsibilities. It is essential that all Governors understand their responsibilities and their role in the life of the College.

Instrument of Government
This outlines the composition of the Corporation and the way in which it must conduct its business. Key issues are as follows:

Membership: the Corporation has a Nominations Committee which deals with membership issues and has established a Corporation of twenty Members. Conduct of the Corporation: the Instrument of Government lays down the conduct of the Corporation which is further developed by the Code of Conduct and the Standing Orders of the Corporation agreed locally by the Corporation.

Accounts and Audit: the Corporation has specific duties and responsibilities with respect to accounts and audit. Such duties are enshrined in the College's Financial Regulations and the Financial Memorandum with the Learning and Skills Council. The Corporation has also established an Audit Committee for which the terms of reference explicitly deal with the requirements specified in the Instrument of Government and by the Learning and Skills Council's Audit Code of Practice.

Governors' Term of Office: the Corporation has agreed that Governors will serve for an initial four-year term unless otherwise stipulated in the resolution making the appointment. Re-appointment of a Member for a further four-year term will be scrutinised by the Nominations Committee, including consideration of other candidates. The Student Governors will serve until the end of the academic year in which they are elected. The Principal is, ex officio, a Member of the Corporation.

The Articles of Government
The Articles of Government deal with the duties and responsibilities of the Corporation, its Chief Executive (the Principal) and the role of the Academic Board. In addition, the Articles also address the role of Committees and the delegation of functions, as well as the Corporation's duties as an employer, its role with regard to learners and financial matters.