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Association of Colleges

Publication of the Foundation Code

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The final work on the development of the Foundation Code has been completed, and it has been endorsed by the Minister for Further Education and Skills, John Hayes, on behalf of DBIS and DfE. Printed copies of the Code are being sent to Chairs and Principals of all English Colleges under covering letters from John Bingham (Chair, AoC) and Martin Doel (CEO, AoC). Sufficient printed copies for members of each College’s governing body are being sent separately to all Clerks. Governing Bodies are being asked to discuss the Code, and to consider adopting it during the 2011/12 Academic Year.

John Hayes’ endorsement of the Code and contribution of the foreword reflects the importance that Government and its Agencies place upon the Code in the context of the freedoms and flexibilities being extended to Colleges, not least in the form of amendments now being introduced into the Education Bill currently in its final stages in Parliament. There is no doubt the major emphasis of freedom and responsibility expounded by the Government will be much in evidence as a result of this Bill becoming an Act and Governing Bodies will need to address a range of new opportunities and associated risks. The Code has been designed such that it does not conflict with any of the existing Instrument & Articles in force for any College that was incorporated under the 1992 Act and as subsequently amended.

Since this is a ‘Foundation’ Code work will continue with BIS to progress strands of additional work which will further inform, guide and support the further development of the Code. At the very least the Code will provide a level of consistency across our Sector, acting as a catalyst toward even higher standards of governance, irrespective of the location, type or size of College.