Corporate Governance

At UCS College Group, our governance framework is built on three foundational instruments. These documents define how the Group is constituted, how authority is delegated, and how responsibilities are distributed across our leadership and committees. Understanding these instruments is essential for effective governance and compliance.

  • Articles of Association: Establishes the formation of the Group and sets out the composition and powers of governors, procedures for winding up, and the overarching legal structure.
  • Instrument of Government: Details the roles and responsibilities of governors and the Governance Professional (GP), including the composition and powers of the UCS Senate which governs our Higher Education provision.
  • Scheme of Delegation: Breaks down the responsibilities of governors and executives into individual tasks, clarifies the roles of the CEO, GP, and senior executives, and includes Terms of Reference for committees and a matrix of delegated decision-making powers for members of the committees (what they can approve, recommend, inform, decide, etc. on behalf of the Group Board).

These governance instruments are reviewed regularly and are central to our compliance with company and education law, Ofsted, the Office for Students and other regulatory bodies. They ensure clarity, accountability, and transparency in all governance activities.

Our Governance Structure

The Group Board is the corporate governing body responsible for the strategic leadership and oversight of UCS College Group. It ensures the delivery of high-quality education, financial sustainability, and compliance with statutory duties.

Key responsibilities include:

  • Developing and approving the educational vision, mission and strategy for the Group
  • Approving budgets and financial plans
  • Overseeing performance and risk management
  • Ensuring effective governance across all campuses and subsidiaries.

Our Group Strategy for 2022-2027

“Transforming lives and communities through innovative learning and partnerships”.

The Strategic Planning Framework which is in place until 2027 includes four overarching strategic aims are Our People, Our Students, Our Partnerships and Our Operations. These have been developed in response to the current context and the Group’s overall vision. 

In addition, the framework identifies three cross cutting themes that will influence our response to the digital transformation, climate emergency and continued work to strengthen equality, diversity, and inclusion for all.

The safe delivery of inspirational teaching, learning and assessment also remains our core priority. We will continue to inspire all our students to achieve their full potential, by delivering a high-quality inspirational experience. As an anchor organisation embedded into our community, we commit to working in partnership with all our stakeholders to deliver our Vision.

If you are interested in understanding more about our governance model or in becoming a Governor, please contact our Governance Professional:  

Strategic Planning Framework 2022-27

Now, more than ever, we need to respond to the significant challenges and opportunities ahead. We are well connected locally, regionally and nationally, we are financially resilient and well placed to support our partners in Somerset to regenerate the economy and help attract inward investment to the region.

Accountability Statement & Local Needs Duty

As an anchor organisation embedded into our community, we commit to working in partnership with all our stakeholders to deliver our Vision.

Accountability and civic impact

Functioning at the intersection of education, industry, and local government, our Board of Governors act as the ultimate custodians of our civic responsibility.

The Board actively shapes national skills policy, champions local labour agreements, and ensures we remain a powerful anchor organisation driving prosperity and inward investment across the South West.

Senior Leadership Team

The Senior Leadership Team translates our ambitious vision into operational reality. Click the link below to find information on our leadership.

Governors

Our Board of Governors provides the critical oversight, accountability, and strategic governance required of a national educational leader. Click the link below to find out more information.

Board Meeting Minutes

We regularly publish the minutes from our Board of Governors meetings, ensuring our strategic decisions, financial oversight, and policy implementations remain fully accessible to our community, partners, and stakeholders.

Other corporate board committee minutes are available on request. Please get in touch with Isabella Byrne, Director of Governance & Compliance, byrnei@ucscollegegroup.ac.uk.

Shape the future of UCS College Group

Join our Board of Governors and play a pivotal role in driving excellence, innovation, and student success across our College Group.