East Durham College Full Board Meeting 7th May 2026
Present:
J Bromiley, S. Bullock, M Anderson, G Edmunds, S Laverick, A Jefferson (TEAMS), A Brennan, H Driscoll, R Harrison, C Lauder, O Fishburn & L Watson
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
N Eldrett - Enrichment and Wellbeing Officer
S Pritchard – Clerk to the Corporation
V Parkin – Committee Secretary
Apologies for Absence
Apologies were received from E Farajpour-Javazavi, I Wright, S Robson, V Bailey
Conflicts of Interest
No conflicts of interest were declared.
Minutes of previous meeting
The minutes of the meeting held on 19th February were reviewed and approved as a correct record.
Matters Arising
No matters arising.
Student Union Report
The Student Wellbeing and Enrichment Coordinator, along with student governors, presented the report outlining the activities carried out by the Student Union. Key highlights included:
- Student governors are coming to the end of their roles which they have served for the last two academic years. The student governors noted their confidence has grown and thanked the governors for their support.
- Enrichment clubs
- Fundraising events
- The EDC kindness campaign which aims to create a strong and meaningful message that is linked to Ofsted, regional issues and local demographic using student voice to embed a powerful and authentic message of kindness in College.
- The new Higher Education end of year celebration event.
The Chair thanked the student governors for their hard work and professionalism, noting the excellent effort when presenting the reports and them being a credit to student voice.
The Board noted the report.
Principal’s Reports
Principal’s Update (confidential)
The Principal presented the report which was considered confidential.
The Board noted the report.
Student Voice Report and Policy
The Assistant Principal (JL) presented the report, noting an enhanced range of opportunities available to students and feedback received from completed surveys have helped the College inform the Together We Change campaign.
Students across both campuses have attended strategic workshops to look at the College’s values, take part in several activities and an opportunity to share their thoughts. In response the Principal noted an update will be shared with Governors on 21 May at the strategic planning session.
The Chair welcomed the positive level of student involvement, which was supported by the Student Governors.
The Board noted the report.
Finance and Resources
Estates Update
The Vice Principal for Finance and Business Planning presented the report.
The Chair noted the format of the Estates Paper will be different going forward as agreed by FGP committee to better reflect the College’s overall strategy and strategic priorities.
The Vice Principal confirmed that estates planning and investment are closely aligned to the wider financial strategy and strategic focus of the College.
A governor provided an update on student feedback, noting that students have been complimentary about the estates works currently underway, highlighting reduced noise and disruption. The Board recognised the complexity of managing estates activity while maintaining a positive student experience.
The Board noted the report.
Finance Update
The Vice Principal for Finance and Business Planning presented a report which was considered confidential.
ACTION: The Vice Principal to provide an update (if applicable) to the June FGP Committee on the funding streams.
The Board noted the report.
Budget Assumptions 2026-27
The Vice Principal for Finance and Business Planning presented a report providing an update on the College’s financial position which was considered confidential.
ACTION: The Vice Principal (JM) to present a further update on the College’s financial position at the next FGP Committee.
The Board noted the report.
Internal Audit – Extension
The Board was asked to approve the extension of the College’s contract with WBG for internal audit services by three years, as permitted under 2023 tender and associated contractual terms.
The Board approved the reappointment of WBG for a further three-year term.
Human Resources Update
The Assistant Principal (HMc) presented the report highlighting further updates to the gender pay gap percentages which was requested by FGP committee for a clearer comparison. It was considered confidential.
The Chair requested a formal proposal outlining options for Governors to meet with staff.
ACTION: The Assistant Principal (HMc) to develop a proposal for Governor–staff engagement, to be considered by the Finance and General Purposes Committee.
Governance
Governance Report
The Clerk presented the report.
The Board approved the appointment of NT as a governor for a term of four years and appointment to the Finance and General Purposes Committee.
The Board noted the report.
Minutes (unconfirmed by committees):
The Chair noted the minutes were unconfirmed by committees.
Minutes of
Audit & Risk Committee (Mar 26)
The Chair of Audit and Risk confirmed they were happy with the contents.
The minutes were noted.
Minutes of CQS Committee (Mar 26)
The minutes were noted.
Minutes of FGP Committee (Mar 26)
The minutes were noted.
Any Other Business
Student Governors left the meeting.
Confidential Item Discussed.
