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

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

The review, carried out by higher education consultant David Fletcher, who was secretary of the 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 the end of the financial year, having confronted a series of problems since it was formed by the merger of further and higher education colleges in August 2007.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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simon.baker@tsleducation.com