External Review Board

External Governance Review

The Department for Education requires all Further Education colleges to undertake an external review of governance at least every three years. Petroc commissioned Governance4FE to complete its latest review in 2023/24 which was carried out by Fiona Chalk and completed in July

The review highlighted several areas of strength. Governors are actively engaged in the college's strategic direction and oversight, effectively leveraging their skills and knowledge to support the executive team and improve student outcomes. Positive relationships between governors and executives foster open communication and collaboration. Clear and concise board papers must provide relevant information to support decision-making and improvement has been seen here, although more will need to be achieved to ensure full assurance. The college also demonstrates a commitment to improvement.

While the review recognised these strengths, it also identified areas for development. To strengthen financial oversight, the college will enhance financial reporting and oversight to ensure long-term sustainability. To improve board reporting, the college will provide more focused and impactful information to governors. To enhance governor engagement, the college will increase opportunities for governors to interact with staff and students, particularly through site visits and student engagement events. To ensure a smooth transition and continuity, the college will develop and implement a formal succession plan for both board and executive positions.

Recognising that the college was about to embark on its next Strategy development cycle the importance of the underlying Key Performance Indicators to give a line of sight on embedding the vision, values and ethos of the college was seen as critical to success.

The governing body is committed to further elevating its governance practices and ensuring continued success.