Advice Note for Members for College Sector Boards

20th August 2026

The Standards Commission has reviewed and revised its Advice Note for Members for College Sector Boards. In particular, it has provided more explanation in respect of:

• The requirement to act in the best interests of the college and what this means. It explains that this does not prevent a member from bringing forward relevant experiences or perspectives from any constituency from which they have been appointed, nominated or elected. Such input is appropriate, provided that decisions are ultimately made independently and on the basis of all relevant information and evidence).
• That, in order to maintain public confidence, it is essential that members not only make decisions, but are seen to be making decisions, both in the best interests of the public body and based on the information provided by employees and matters discussed during any discussion at the board meeting in question. Members should not make or be seen to be making decisions based solely on the interests of any constituency (including any organisation, body or group of which they might be or reasonably be considered as representing).
• The important distinction between a member gathering views to inform their perspective and independent judgment (which is appropriate) and seeking instructions from an outside constituency or body about how to vote (which is not allowed).
• How members can distinguish between strategic and operational matters.

The revised version can be found here.