As separate legal entities, charities, operating under the Education Act 1994, Charities Act 2011 and in some cases the Companies Act 2006 there is much that makes their governance complex.
The Education Act 1994 requires that the Governing Body takes fair and reasonable steps to ensure that students’ union governance, finance and democratic processes are effective, resulting in a Code of Practice that defines this relationship.
Some of the key challenges include working in a member-led environment, ensuring pursuit of charitable objectives for their members as beneficiaries, having a high turnover of sabbatical officers and student trustees and balancing the need to be financially robust and risk aware organisations whilst ensuring progression and inclusivity of their members.
Want to find out more?
Complete the form by clicking below and we will be in touch shortly to discuss your requirements.
We recently commissioned Advance HE to undertake two external governance reviews at the University, including a collaborative piece of work with the trustees of our Students’ Union on the SU’s governance arrangements. The team at Advance HE demonstrated an extensive knowledge of governance within the UK higher education sector, and their professional, flexible and inclusive approach ensured that the projects were delivered on time and on budget, and meeting the agreed scope in full. The final reports and recommendations were presented clearly and easy for the governing body to engage with. We would welcome the opportunity to work with Advance HE again.Bryn Morris, Registrar and Secretary, University of Essex
Reviewing Effectiveness
We review the effectiveness of Students’ Union Boards of Trustees or equivalent, using multi-disciplinary teams with governance expertise across the HE, charity and corporate sectors, as well as, deep understanding and first-hand experience of SU legalities, frameworks, practices and culture. Lines of enquiry might include examining the effectiveness of the students’ union and higher education institution governance arrangements, trustee training and development, pursuit of charitable objectives and compliance with relevant legislation.
Working with Advance HE on our governance review has been an absolute pleasure. They have a comprehensive understanding of the democratic and governance workings of Students’ Unions, which meant that we did not have to spend time explaining our structures to them. As we were their first SU client we were able to structure the work with them that will definitely benefit any other SU who works with them in the future. I would absolutely work with them in the future on similar projects.Craig Stephens, Chief Executive, University of Essex Students' Union
Who we've worked with
Keep up to date with Advance HE
Monthly Governance Bulletin
Every month we send out a newsletter that collates the latest news from the month and our most recent resources, including blogs and Advance HE reports. The newsletter also highlights upcoming dates for key events and programmes within the Advance HE portfolio.
Governance News Alerts
Our News Alerts provide regular updates from across the sector on the latest policy changes or introductions, updated guidance and news. We provide an at-a-glance view of the piece along with the implications for boards and governors.
Resources and guidance
Advance HE is committed to producing and sharing news, guidance, research, publications, resources and toolkits to support good governance. Take a look at our Governance guidance pages where these are collated.