Governing Board for Merged Service Skills & Learning Adult Community Education

Context

A partnership agreement between Bournemouth Borough Council, Dorset County Council and Borough of Poole created a single joint adult learning service which came into being on 1 May 2013. Due to local government reorganisation in April 2019, the partnership agreement is now between Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole (BCP) Council and Dorset Council.

Membership of the Governing Board

• The relevant Portfolio Holder from BCP Council and Dorset Council
• One designated service unit head or director from each of the two partner councils
• The service manager
• The staff governor
• 2 learner governors
• 1 employer representative
• 1 sector representative
• The Curriculum and Quality Manager
• The Business and Support Services Manager

Meetings

The Governing Board formally meet approximately three times a year and more frequently by exception if necessary.

The Chair of the meeting is the BCP Council Service Director.

A quorum of 7 members in attendance is required for voting and decision making including at least one Member Portfolio Holder and one service unit head/director.

Responsibility and accountability

The Governing Board oversees the work of the joint service and is responsible for advising and approving strategic and financial planning decisions in respect of the service subject to each authorities overall corporate budget and policy setting requirements.

The Governing Board on behalf of the two authorities formally reviews and approves an annual business plan for the joint service prior to the commencement of each academic year. The business plan constitutes the service specification setting out what the merged adult learning services will deliver. The business plan takes account of annual changes to funding levels and targets set by the funding agencies. It also includes an element of forward planning for strategic development over a three year period.

The Governing Board on behalf of the two authorities monitors the performance and achievement of the service as set out in the business plan.

Members of the Governing Board report on the service within their own council’s procedures and requirements. Members may required to attend relevant meetings of the partner authorities in order to be accountable for the service, including amongst others Overview and Scrutiny meetings, working parties, Cabinet and Council meetings.

The Governing Board monitors and oversees the operation of the overall governance arrangements for the service.

Read more of our policies below