The changing face of further education (FE) college governance in England and Wales was examined in a study that included the following activities: (1) a survey of 447 FE colleges across England and Wales (response rate, 55%) to identify the composition and operation of governing bodies, proposed changes, perceived developmental needs; and areas of good practice; (2) a survey of individual governors of a sample of 50 colleges; and (3) visits to 9 colleges. The following were among the key findings: (1) changes in governing bodies' composition have been gradual and generally in line with expectations; (2) the conduct of corporation business has become more rigorous, bringing increased pressures on workload; (3) the focus of governance has shifted toward colleges' educational character, direction, and performance as opposed to finance, personnel, and property; (4) levels of governor commitment and fulfillment are generally high; and (5) most governing bodies reported having additional work to do before feeling fully and justifiably confident in their ability to oversee their colleges' core educational role. (Seventeen tables/figures are included. The bibliography lists 18 references. The college and governors' survey instruments are appended along with breakdowns of the responses to them and the checklist of interview questions for the college visits.) (MN)