Governor Garry enjoys Myerscough Engagement Programme visit

Garry Payne

Garry Payne is the Chief Executive of Wyre Council and volunteers his services to Myerscough College as a Governor in his spare time.

During his visit, Garry said: ‘’Being a Governor is an opportunity for me to share my knowledge and skills set with the College. I was already familiar with Myerscough before I took on the role as when I was Director of Planning & Regeneration (at Wyre Council), I had many dealings with the College on matters related to planning and new development at the College.’’

The role of a Governor at Myerscough College is a very serious one. All of the Governors who serve on the College’s Corporation are committed to Myerscough and act in the best interests of the College.

The Corporation is a legal body constituted under the Further and Higher Education Act 1992 and consists of twenty members from all walks of life and a cross section of the community which it serves, including staff and two students from College. In business terms it equates to a board of directors in a company.

And Garry said it was a very worthwhile visit: ‘’Until taking up my role as a Governor I didn’t appreciate the diverse range of courses offered at the College. It’s great being part of a governing body that wants the best for Myerscough College’s students, but it can be a challenge. Some of the reports can be extremely long and complex.

‘’If I was a student here, as my main hobby is game shooting and I have three working dogs, without doubt the subject areas I would be most interested in would be Agriculture & Countryside, but then again Motorsport would come in useful if I had car trouble!

‘’It is an honour and a privilege to be the Chief Executive of Wyre Council where so many staff are dedicated and committed, and in my private life I am very proud of my family.

‘’When I was young I first wanted to be a gamekeeper; then at 15 years old, a vet. I think my current role as Chief Executive of a local authority is very similar. A gamekeeper looks after his game and has long days at work, and as a Chief Executive I look after elected members and staff at the Council and yes, the days can be equally as long as a gamekeeper!’’

To find out more about governance at Myerscough College, click here: http://www.myerscough.ac.uk/policies/