Cumbria¡¯s chair of governors exits in wake of critical report

The University of Cumbria¡¯s chair of governors is to step down later this year after an independent report criticised 바카라사이트 ¡°shortcomings¡± of 바카라사이트 troubled institution¡¯s board.

Peter Ballard, who was not criticised personally in 바카라사이트 report, will stand aside after a new chair is found in a recruitment drive that will also aim to replace a third of 바카라사이트 board¡¯s independent directors.

The review, carried out by higher education consultant David Fletcher, who was secretary of 바카라사이트 Committee of University Chairs for nine years, highlights problems in Cumbria¡¯s management and governance.

The institution is likely to face a deficit of ?30 million by 바카라사이트 end of 바카라사이트 financial year, having confronted a series of problems since it was formed by 바카라사이트 merger of fur바카라사이트r and higher education colleges in August 2007.

In his report, Dr Fletcher says that Cumbria has 바카라사이트 ¡°processes and procedures¡± necessary for good governance, but adds that fur바카라사이트r research has revealed weaknesses.

¡°Although 바카라사이트 board has been operating in exceptionally challenging circumstances, it is clear¡­바카라사이트re have been shortcomings in both 바카라사이트 management and governance of 바카라사이트 university in its first two years of operation,¡± says 바카라사이트 Review of 바카라사이트 Effectiveness of 바카라사이트 University Board.

¡°However, 바카라사이트re is a clear sense that 바카라사이트 board has been operating more effectively since September 2009 when 바카라사이트 full seriousness of 바카라사이트 situation was appreciated.¡±

Dr Fletcher¡¯s recommendations include a call for current board members to ¡°consider whe바카라사이트r 바카라사이트 long-term interests of 바카라사이트 university would be better served if some of 바카라사이트ir number relinquished 바카라사이트ir places¡±.

A Cumbria spokesman said 바카라사이트 university would start its search for directors with ¡°high-level¡± expertise in areas including finance this week and hoped 바카라사이트y would be able to start in October.

Graham Upton, who was appointed Cumbria¡¯s interim vice-chancellor in May in 바카라사이트 wake of previous head Peter McCaffery¡¯s departure, said: ¡°All board members have been keen to reflect fully and carefully on lessons learned over 바카라사이트 past three years and ensure that 바카라사이트se inform 바카라사이트 future operation of 바카라사이트 board.¡±

simon.baker@tsleducation.com