Elected, Not Representative: Staff Governors

A recent article titled, "Secretive" university boards "just rubber stamp decisions" highlighted concerns about the makeup and culture of university governing bodies in Australia.

It brought to light significant questions about transparency and inclusion, many of which are pertinent to the UK higher education sector.

Interestingly, one thing that stood out to us was the way staff members on governing bodies were described as “representatives” of their colleagues. In most universities, academic and professional staff are indeed elected or appointed to serve on the governing body. But their role isn't to act as representatives in the parliamentary sense; rather, they are expected to contribute to strategic decision-making in the best interests of the institution as a whole.

This responsibility carries both legal and ethical weight. It requires members to adopt an institutional perspective, something that may at times diverge from the views of their peers.

That tension is familiar to many institutions. But in our experience, it can be constructively managed through thoughtful induction, ongoing training and mentoring, and, crucially, clear communication about roles and expectations.

At AssurED, we support institutions to navigate exactly these kinds of governance challenges. Whether through tailored induction, mentoring, or independent reviews, we help governing bodies work more effectively. Our work ensures that all members, including staff governors, are equipped to contribute meaningfully to strategic decision-making. It’s not just about compliance; it’s about enabling boards to operate with insight and integrity.

If your institution could benefit from a fresh look at governance, contact us today to explore how we can help.