ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on what governing bodies need to do to ensure that their institutions spot the bends and make the appropriate turns. The governing body, however, often occupies the role of team coach; agreeing the game plan, encouraging and motivating, observing from the side-lines and looking for ways to improve performance. The key role of the governing body is to ensure the sustainability and long-term reputation of the institution – and it does that by making significant and strategic decisions, establishing policies, and overseeing the institution’s activity. As risks have increased and government has been articulating ever more requirements on governing bodies, governors’ requirements of their institutions have also changed. Governing bodies will need to be better informed, benefit from a greater skills mix, have a stronger partnership relationship with the Executive and be even more actively involved in setting the leadership tone.
