Barnfield College

Governance

As governors we share this ambition and our role is to agree the educational character and mission of the College and its overall strategic direction. Setting objectives and monitoring results is an extremely important aspect of our responsibilities.

Our primary focus is the learning experience of our students. But it’s also about ensuring the College assets – staff, facilities and finances – are sound and able to meet the needs of the communities we serve.

Direct links with employers and community groups are key to our thinking as it’s our job to meet the changing needs of employers and to support community life.

Only by understanding local needs can we continue to serve local people and the wider regional economy, where many jobs are changing and new employment sectors rapidly evolving. The work of a governor is worthwhile, enjoyable and, at times, challenging.

Our College governors

Governance at Barnfield College is all about diversity of thought and experience. Governors are volunteers, coming from a variety of backgrounds including education, business, law, local government and the not-for-profit sector.

CEO of WHC Group Gill Worgan, a governor herself, is joined at meetings by directors from the College Leadership Team. We also have student and staff governors on the board.

The main board meetings (known as Corporation Meetings) are held nine times a year. In addition we have specialist committees that meet three times a year to discuss significant College activities, such as audits and search and governance. If there are important agenda items that require more time and thought – for example during capital projects – then specific time will be dedicated to these matters.

Barnfield College is part of the WHC Group of colleges which includes West Herts College. Barnfield has campuses in Luton while West Herts has campuses in Watford and Hemel Hempstead. These three towns sit close to the M1 motorway, in a local economy which is significant for its concentration of employment, diverse communities and connectivity to Central England and London.

Board members represent the College at this group level, shaping the future of WHC Group while having oversight of both Barnfield and West Herts.