Agenda and minutes

Apologies were received from Sir Andrew Burns, Felicity Chilton, Professor Geoff Crossick, Professor Maria Delgado, Michael Hoffman, Ann Holmes, Andy Taylor and Nicy Roberts.

In the absence of 3 co-opted Governors the Chairman informed the Board that the meeting would be inquorate and, whilst able to consider the agenda items and put forward any views, it would not be possible to approve the minutes of the previous meeting (items 3, 17 and 28), amendment to Board terms of reference (item 6), skills survey actions arising (item 7) and endorsement of the TRAC return (item 19). It was noted that, where appropriate and in cases where the Board was minded to approve recommendations, any immediately required decisions would be progressed under the urgency provisions of Standing Order 41(a).  

The Board noted that the Chairman had received a letter from Keith Salway of the Joaninha Trust thanking the School for making accommodation available for their annual award auditions and confirming that this year’s winner was from Royal College of Music.

On behalf of the Board, the Chairman congratulated the Principal on her recent Member of the Order of Australia award. The Principal informed Members that the investiture would be at Australia House in March.

There were no declarations of interest.

To agree the public minutes and summary of the meeting held on 19 November 2018.

The Board considered the public minutes of the meeting held on 19 November 2018.

Shreela Ghosh asked that her apologies for absence be recorded for this meeting.

The formal approval of the minutes would take place at the next Board meeting in May.

To receive the public minutes of:-

a)    the Finance & Resources Committee held on 12 November 2018; and

b)    the Audit & Risk Management Committee held on 14 November 2018.

The public minutes of the Finance & Resources and Audit & Risk Management Committee meetings held in November 2018 were noted.

Report of the Town Clerk.

The Town Clerk’s report on outstanding actions was noted.

Report of Town Clerk.

The Town Clerk’s paper on the Board’s terms of reference was considered and it was noted that the proposed minor amendment would be progressed under the urgency provisions.

Report of the Town Clerk.

The Town Clerk’s report on the skills survey was noted and the Principal confirmed that comments on this paper had been received from Geoff Crossick regarding further clarification of strength / weaknesses of Board Members’ current skill sets. She said that it was considered that these comments should be considered in more detail with the report accordingly recast and then taken back to the Governance and Effectiveness Committee at its next meeting in April. Governors confirmed that this course of action would be appropriate.

In response to a question from a Governor, the Town Clerk undertook to confirm which Board members had not submitted a response to the survey.    

Report of the Assistant Town Clerk and Culture Mile Director.

Governors noted the report of the Assistant Town Clerk and Culture Mile Director on the Visitor Strategy.

Report of the Principal.

The Board considered the Principal’s public report.

Governors noted with interest the successful funding bid for remote learning digital work. The Principal confirmed that remote instrumental tuition, booked and paid for on-line, is seen as the ‘direction of travel’ that could be hugely beneficial for satellite and also international students. The Board was also told about the alumni community app, produced by the drama department, that was seen to provide a more interactive experience. 

Report of the Principal.

The Principal reported on the research and knowledge exchange annual report 2017/18 and the Board noted the presentation given.

It was noted that Maria Delgado had submitted comments on the item and had particularly welcomed the AHRC application. The Principal told the Board that Maria Delgado’s research expertise would be of great benefit going forward.

Discussion turned to the presentation and the Principal said that the School needed to clarify the reference to it as ‘an institute of social impact’ as this was a significant area of focus. Students had shown particular interest in this issue and the intention was to harness the positive energy that arose from it. The Principal confirmed that there was an opportunity to include all departments in the initiative and to bring them together in a co-ordinated and strategic way. A Governor made the point that the ability to show social impact and work with and assist, for example, some of the ‘less glamourous’ schools supported by the CoL would resonate well with current and potential donors.      

Report of the Principal.

The Principal updated the Board on the Barbican Guildhall creative alliance.

Report of the Principal.

The Board noted the Principal’s paper on the Prevent annual return.

Report of the Town Clerk.

The Town Clerk’s report on action between meetings was noted.

There were no questions.

There was no urgent public business.

MOTION - That under Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the public be excluded from the meeting for the following items of business on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Part I of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act.

The Board noted that under Section 100(A) of the Local Government Act 1972, the remaining items of business would involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Part I of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act.

To agree the non-public minutes of the meeting held on 19 November 2018.

The non-public minutes of the meeting held on 19 November 2018 were noted.

To receive the non-public minutes of:-

a)    the Finance & Resources Committee held on 12 November 2018; and

b)    the Audit & Risk Management Committee held on 14 November 2018.

The non-public minutes of the Finance & Resources and Audit & Risk Management Committee meetings held in November 2018 were noted.

Report of the Principal.

The Principal reported on the submission of the TRAC return for 2017/18.

Report of the Head of Music Administration, Music.

The Board noted the Principal’s waiver report on the Steinway lease agreement.

Report of the Principal.

Governors had before them the Principal’s paper on the estates strategy.

Report of the Principal.

The Principal presented her non-public report.

Governors agreed to continue after the usual 2 hour guillotine for business.  

Report of the Principal. 

Members considered the Principal’s report on the School’s Brexit planning.

Report of the Principal.

The Principal reported on access monitoring.

Report of the Principal.

Governors considered the Principal’s report on the management information dashboard 2018/19 (period 9).

There were no non-public questions.

There was one urgent item of business raised.

To agree the confidential minutes of the meeting held on 19 November 2018.

The confidential minutes of the meeting held on 19 November 2018 were noted.