At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape education and influence communities as a volunteer college governor.
- Company: Join Boards for Education, a charity dedicated to improving educational outcomes.
- Benefits: Gain governance experience, expand your network, and make a real impact.
- Other info: Flexible time commitment with remote options available.
- Why this job: Help transform lives through education while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Strategic thinking and a commitment to helping others succeed; no prior experience needed.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.
Use your expertise to shape education, influence communities, and grow as a leader. By becoming a volunteer governor at a further education (FE) or sixth form college, you’ll help shape the strategic direction of an organisation that transforms lives through education and skills—while strengthening your own governance experience and leadership credentials.
Further education colleges train over 1.6 million learners annually, preparing the skilled workforce that keeps our economy moving—from engineers and IT specialists to healthcare professionals and construction experts.
As a college governor, you’ll sit on the board of an FE institution (and registered charity), where your insight into strategy, risk, people, or finance will have a direct impact on how public funds are spent, how performance is measured, and how learners are supported to succeed.
What matters most is your strategic thinking, commercial awareness, and commitment to helping others succeed. Prior education experience is not required. Full induction and training are provided, with access to DfE-funded development and peer mentoring where needed.
The time commitment is manageable alongside a full-time role—and many employers actively support staff to take on governance roles as part of their professional development. Some colleges offer remote governance and meetings take place online. This may suit you best, or we may suggest a role where you volunteer on a hybrid basis at a college within a reasonable distance from you. We are recruiting governors for colleges across England, with new opportunities added regularly.
About Boards for Education: Boards for Education is a charity that sources and supports volunteers for governing boards. We aim to improve educational outcomes for children, young people, and adult learners by strengthening governance across the education sector. With more than 25 years’ experience and a national network of partners, we connect schools, academy trusts, colleges, and education charities across England and Wales with skilled, independent volunteers.
If you’re ready to bring your corporate insight to the education sector and help shape the future of skills, opportunity, and social mobility—we’d love to hear from you. Apply now to become a volunteer college governor.
College Governor in London employer: BOARDS FOR EDUCATION
BOARDS FOR EDUCATION is an exceptional employer that offers volunteers the chance to make a significant impact in the educational landscape of Watford. With a strong focus on personal development, you will enhance your leadership skills while connecting with like-minded professionals dedicated to fostering positive change in schools and colleges. This role not only provides a platform for meaningful contributions but also opens doors to valuable networking opportunities within the education sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land College Governor in London
✨Tap into Local Education Networks
Get involved with local adult education centres or community colleges. They often have volunteer opportunities and can connect you to like-minded folks who are passionate about lifelong learning. Plus, it’s a great way to show your commitment to the education field!
✨Join Relevant Online Communities
Explore forums and social media groups dedicated to adult education. Platforms like Facebook and LinkedIn have active communities where you can showcase your willingness to help and gain insights. You might even come across volunteer gigs shared by fellow educators looking for support.
✨Attend Workshops and Seminars
Keep an eye out for workshops and seminars related to adult education in your area. These events are perfect for meeting educators and organisations that might be looking for volunteers. Plus, it's a fantastic chance to upskill yourself and learn the ropes of the industry.
✨Get Involved with Non-Profits
Many non-profit organisations focus on adult education and are always on the lookout for volunteers. Research local ones and reach out to offer your assistance. If they have a project or programme you're interested in, let them know – they’ll often appreciate your initiative and passion for learning!
We think you need these skills to ace College Governor in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Learning:When you're applying for a volunteer role in adult continuing education, let your enthusiasm for teaching and learning shine through! Mention any relevant experiences or projects where you've helped others learn, whether it’s leading workshops, tutoring, or even informal mentoring. We all know that enthusiasm can be contagious, especially in education!
Highlight Relevant Experience:Include any past volunteer work, professional experiences, or personal projects that showcase your commitment to adult education. If you’ve developed any course materials or facilitated learning sessions, be sure to mention them! This is your chance to show how your unique background aligns with the mission of BOARDS FOR EDUCATION.
Include Certificates or Training:If you've got any training or certifications related to adult education—like teaching methodology or learning facilitation—don't forget to add those to your CV. These credentials can really help us gauge your readiness to jump into the role and make an impact!
Tailor Your Cover Letter:In your cover letter, share why you want to volunteer specifically with BOARDS FOR EDUCATION and how you can contribute to our mission. This is not just any role—make it clear how your values align with ours and what you hope to learn from this experience. A personal touch can really set your application apart and show your genuine interest!
How to prepare for a job interview at BOARDS FOR EDUCATION
✨Passion for Lifelong Learning
When interviewing for a role in adult continuing education, make sure to express your genuine passion for helping others learn. Share any personal stories or experiences that highlight your commitment to education and skill development, as they will really resonate with your interviewers at BOARDS FOR EDUCATION.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect to face scenario-based questions that assess your ability to engage adult learners and handle diverse learning needs. Be ready to discuss real-life examples of how you’ve adapted your teaching methods or materials to support different learning styles—this will show the team at BOARDS FOR EDUCATION you can think on your feet!
✨Emphasise Soft Skills
In a volunteer role, your soft skills, like empathy, patience, and communication, are paramount. Highlight experiences where you’ve effectively communicated complex ideas to various audiences or resolved conflicts, as these traits will be especially valued in adult education at BOARDS FOR EDUCATION.
✨Show Off Your Community Engagement
Since this is a volunteer position, don’t just talk about your qualifications—show how you’ve contributed to your community in the past. Whether it’s running workshops or mentoring, bring along any relevant success stories or feedback to share with BOARDS FOR EDUCATION, which will illustrate your proactive approach and dedication.