East Durham College Full Board Meeting 23rd October 2025
Present:
S Laverick (acting Chair), S. Bullock, V Bailey, H Driscoll, G Edmunds, A Jefferson, R Harrison (Teams), S Robson, T Brown, Oliver Fishburn.
In Attendance:
C Briggs – Vice Principal Curriculum and Performance
J Mitchelson – Vice Principal Finance and Business Planning
H McCoy – Assistant Principal Performance
J Lanagan - Assistant Principal Curriculum Planning and Partnerships
S Pritchard – Clerk to the Corporation
V Charlton – Committee Secretary
Apologies for Absence
Apologies were received from J Bromiley, A Brennan, and M Anderson.
Conflicts of Interest
The Principal declared a conflict of interest in relation to the AOB item relating to senior post holders remuneration and it was agreed that he would leave the meeting for the element of that discussion relating to his role as CEO/Principal.
Minutes of the Previous Meeting 3 July 2025
The minutes of the meeting held on 3 July 2025 were reviewed and approved as a correct record.
Matters Arising
It was noted that there were no matters arising that were not addressed in the reports.
Principal’s Reports (confidential)
Principal’s Update
The Principal presented his update to the Board which was confidential.
The Board noted the report and agreed:
- to enter into an agreement with the Football Foundation for grant funding for the 3G pitch.
Quality and Curriculum Update
Initial Student Outcomes 2024/25Report (confidential)
The Vice Principal Curriculum and Performance presented an overview of student outcomes for 2024/25. The report was confidential.
The Board noted the report.
Initial Recruitment 2025/26 and Associated Budget Implications
The Assistant Principal Curriculum and Partnerships presented the confidential report. The Board noted the current enrolment and recruitment performance and the associated financial implications for 2025/26.
The Board noted the report.
Finance and Resources Update (confidential)
Finance Report including Financial Outturn
The Vice Principal Finance and Business Planning presented the confidential report.
The Board noted:
- the draft closing position for the 24/25 academic year
- the financial ratios associated with the results
- the update on the 25/26 academic year
Action: The Vice Principal to produce a consistent approach to future reporting, including regular tracking of movements from both budgets and prior periods, clearer comparison to previous figures and suggested ratios to be reported by exception with explanation of actions taken.
The Board noted the report.
Financial Authorisation Limits
The Vice Principal Finance and Business Planning presented the report which was confidential.
The Board approved:
- The proposed changes to the risk management financial indicators
- The proposed changes to internal authorisation limits in the Financial Regulations
- The updated Financial Regulations policy, including new authorisation limits and updated regulatory procurement limits.
Action: The Clerk to update
Health and Safety and Estates Report
The Vice Principal Finance and Business Planning presented the report, which was confidential. It was noted that the business continuity plan is under review in line with the draft Emergency Response Plan and that lockdown and flood procedures are part of this plan.
Action: future reports to include trend data from previous years.
The Board noted the report.
Annual Risk Compliance Statement & Post End of Year Review
The Principal presented the confidential report. The Board noted the approach taken to risk management at the College and the highest-ranking strategic risks facing the college at the end of 2024/25
The Board noted the report and confirmed that it agrees with the judgement of the CLG that the College is fully compliant with the recommendations of the UK Corporate Code of Governance (2024) regarding the monitoring of the college’s risk management and internal control framework.
Risk Management Strategy
The Principal presented the updated Risk Management Strategy, which requires Board approval every two years, and highlighted the revised processes for managing risk and is aligned to strategic risks and strategic objectives.
The Chair acknowledged the value of the revisions and expressed his support for the updated document.
Governance
Governance Report
The Clerk to the Corporation presented the report.
The vacancies in committees arising from recent resignations were noted structure. The Board expressed its appreciation to those governors who have stepped in to provide interim support until new appointments can be made.
The Registers of Interests was circulated and the Clerk reminded Governors of their ongoing obligations in this regard.
Committee Minutes for Approval
UNCONFIRMED Minutes of Audit & Risk Committee (June 25)
Minutes were noted.
UNCONFIRMED Minutes of CQS Committee (June 25)
Minutes were noted.
EDC Corporate Calendar 2025-26. Revised version and new format.
The Board noted the proposed amendments to the corporate calendar.
The Principal suggested that the sequencing of meetings be further reviewed to alleviate pinch points in the preparation of papers, following the changes approved by the Board in July.
The Chair acknowledged these pressures and emphasised the importance of preserving holiday periods to allow staff adequate downtime. Governors also indicated that they would welcome periods during which they are not required to review papers.
Action: CLG and Committee secretary to review and amend the schedule for the next academic year.
Policies and Procedures for Board approval:
The Board was asked to approve the following policies:
• Alcohol and Drugs Policy
• Performance Management Policy
• DBS Policy
• Attendance Management Policy
• Volunteer Policy
• Family Friendly Policy
• Staff Leave Policy
• Safeguarding Policy
• Anti-Bullying Policy
The Board approved the Policies
Any Other Business
Remuneration – for external governors only.
College staff left the meeting.
