University of West London and Ruskin College 

GOVERNANCE AND COMPLIANCE 

Governance effectiveness reviews 

The requirement. AHEP Consulting was appointed in early 2024 to review corporate governance arrangements at the University of West London and, separately, at its subsidiary Ruskin College. The two institutions work to different codes: the CUC HE Code and the AoC Code. 

The approach. Two consultants with complementary governance experience led both reviews. Shared stakeholders were interviewed once to serve both, reducing cost and the demand on people’s time. Evidence came from an anonymous governance survey, document review, meeting observation and stakeholder interviews. Early findings went to the sponsor before reports were drafted. 

The outcome. The Ruskin report went to its Board of Trustees in July 2024, setting out how practice met the six principles of the AoC Code, with four recommendations and six suggestions. The University of West London report went to Governance and Nominations Committee in September 2024, finding arrangements effective, with nine recommendations covering earlier governor input to strategic decisions, assurance on academic governance, and aspects of board and committee operation. 

“The process of using AHEP Consulting for two governance effectiveness reviews was seamless, with clear communication, evident expertise and understanding of the context of the institutions under review.” 

University Secretary and review sponsor