At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a governing board to shape education and influence communities.
- Company: Join an Ofsted Outstanding group of colleges making a real impact.
- Benefits: Enhance your governance portfolio and expand your professional network.
- Other info: Flexible commitment of 2-4 days per month with ongoing support.
- Why this job: Make a lasting difference in learners' lives and local economies.
- Qualifications: Senior leadership experience and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 70000 £ per year.
Become a Chair of an FE Corporation. Use your expertise to shape education, influence communities, and lead with purpose.
Are you a senior business leader, board member, or experienced governor looking to make a meaningful impact beyond your executive or non-executive career? The Education Training Collective (Etc.) is an Ofsted Outstanding group of colleges and training providers serving Teesside and beyond, supporting around 11,000 learners each year from Entry Level to Level 7. Bringing together Stockton Riverside College, Redcar and Cleveland College, Bede Sixth Form College, NETA Training and Innersummit, the Etc. combines high performance with real heart - raising aspirations, widening opportunity, and equipping people and employers with the skills needed for the Tees Valley’s growth, regeneration and transition to greener industries. Recently recognised as a Clean Energy Technical Excellence College (CETEC), the Etc. is strengthening its role in leading clean energy and low-carbon skills development across the region.
With the current Chair preparing to step down, the Etc. is seeking a new Chair of Corporation to provide strategic leadership and guide the Board through an important period of delivery, growth and change, including the development of a new Strategic Plan from September 2026, the completion and opening of a major NETA capital investment, and progression of Office for Students registration. Working closely with the Chief Executive and Group Principal, the governance team and an engaged Board, the Chair will enable excellent decision-making, foster robust and well-structured discussion, and strike the right balance of support and challenge.
The role suits a senior leader with strong board-level experience, whether from education or another sector, who brings sound judgement, influential communication skills and a genuine commitment to inclusion, ambition and improving life chances for learners and communities.
Why this role matters
Further education colleges educate and train over 1.6 million learners each year, equipping people with the technical, professional, and vocational skills our economy depends on—from engineering and digital technology to health, construction, and advanced manufacturing. As Chair of the Corporation, you will lead the board of an FE institution (and registered charity), helping to ensure effective governance, financial sustainability, and accountability for performance. Your leadership will support the college principal and senior team while ensuring the board remains focused on delivering its mission in the best interests of learners, employers, and local communities.
This is an opportunity to:
- Lead a governing board with purpose and impact
- Apply your senior leadership and board experience in a charitable and public-interest setting
- Influence education, skills, and local economic growth
- Champion strong governance, accountability, and strategic ambition
- Support a vital sector through change, challenge, and opportunity
What will you be doing?
As Chair of the Corporation, you’ll play a pivotal leadership role in setting the tone, culture, and effectiveness of governance. You will:
- Lead the board strategically: ensure the corporation sets clear priorities aligned to the college’s mission and long-term goals
- Support and challenge senior leadership: build a constructive relationship with the principal/CEO, offering guidance while ensuring appropriate accountability
- Enable effective governance: chair board meetings, guide discussion, build consensus, and ensure high-quality decision-making
- Act as a charity trustee: help oversee financial sustainability, legal compliance, and the effective stewardship of public funds
- Promote good governance culture: foster inclusion, integrity, transparency, and collective responsibility across the board
- Represent the college externally: act as an ambassador with stakeholders including employers, regulators, local authorities, and community partners
- Support board development: help recruit, induct, and develop governors to ensure a strong and effective corporation
Who are we looking for?
We are seeking individuals with significant senior leadership, board, or governance experience, and the credibility to lead a diverse governing body with confidence and integrity. What matters most is your ability to:
- Think strategically and lead with sound judgement
- Chair meetings effectively and build productive board relationships
- Balance support and challenge
- Understand risk, accountability, and organisational performance
- Commit to improving opportunities for learners and communities
Previous FE experience can be helpful, but it is not essential. We welcome applications from experienced leaders who can bring transferable skills, fresh perspective, and a strong commitment to public service. Full induction, development, and ongoing support will be provided.
Time commitment
The Chair role requires a greater commitment than that of a governor, but it remains manageable alongside many senior professional roles. You should expect to commit approximately 2–4 days per month, including:
- Chairing board meetings and, where relevant, committee or strategy sessions
- Meeting regularly with the principal/CEO and clerk/governance professional
- Reviewing board papers and preparing for meetings
- Supporting governor recruitment, development, and effectiveness
- Undertaking training, college visits, and occasional stakeholder engagement
Some meetings may be held remotely, while others may take place in person or on a hybrid basis.
Where you’ll be needed
We are recruiting a Chairs of FE corporations in Stockton-on-Tees. Some colleges operate with remote or hybrid governance arrangements, while others may seek someone able to engage in person on a more regular basis. We will aim to match you with opportunities that reflect both your experience and your availability.
What’s in it for you?
As Chair of an FE corporation, you will:
- Lead with purpose in a significant board-level role
- Extend and enhance your governance portfolio
- Expand your network across policy, education, business, and civic leadership
- Make a lasting and measurable difference to learners, communities, and the economy
About Boards for Education
Boards for Education is a charity that sources and supports volunteers onto governing boards. We aim to improve educational outcomes for children, young people, and adult learners by strengthening governance across the education sector. We offer specialist governor, chair, and trustee recruitment services as part of our mission to build exceptional boards.
Ready to lead with purpose?
If you are ready to bring your board-level leadership, strategic insight, and commitment to public value into the education sector, this is a powerful opportunity to make a difference. Help shape the future of skills, opportunity, and social mobility by becoming a Chair of an FE corporation. Apply now to explore Chair opportunities at colleges across Stockton-on-Tees.
Chair of Corporation in Stockton-on-Tees 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 Chair of Corporation in Stockton-on-Tees
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We think you need these skills to ace Chair of Corporation in Stockton-on-Tees
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show off Your Leadership Skills:When applying for a volunteer role in corporate leadership management, it’s crucial to highlight specific leadership experiences in your CV. Include any relevant projects or initiatives where you took charge, and explain how you motivated others. We want to see your flair for guiding teams and making decisions!
Demonstrate Your Passion for Volunteering:Unlike a paid job, volunteering is all about your dedication. In your cover letter, express your genuine interest in contributing to BOARDS FOR EDUCATION’s mission. Talk about why volunteering in corporate leadership resonates with you and what value you can bring to the team. We love to see applicants who are in it for the right reasons!
Befriend the STAR Method:Utilise the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to describe your past experiences in your application. This structured approach helps us see your thought process and the impact of your actions quickly. It keeps your narrative clear and shows us your capability in real-world scenarios related to leadership.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to personalise each part of your application for BOARDS FOR EDUCATION and the corporate leadership role. Reflect on their values and how your experiences align with them. We want to feel like you’re a perfect fit, so don’t be shy—let your personality shine through!
How to prepare for a job interview at BOARDS FOR EDUCATION
✨Show Your Passion for Leadership
Since you're applying for a volunteer role in corporate leadership management, it’s crucial to convey your genuine passion for leadership. Share examples of how you’ve inspired teams or led projects, even in a voluntary context. Let’s highlight your commitment to helping others grow!
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
You can expect scenario-based questions that test your leadership and managerial skills. Think about challenges you've faced in previous roles or projects and ready some examples of how you handled team dynamics, conflict resolution, or decision-making under pressure. We want to show that you can adapt and lead in various situations!
✨Connect Your Values to BOARDS FOR EDUCATION’s Mission
As a volunteer, aligning with BOARDS FOR EDUCATION's mission is key. Before the interview, dig into their values and goals, and think about how your own values resonate with theirs. Bring these connections into the conversation to demonstrate that you’re not just looking to fill a position, but actually contribute meaningfully to their objectives.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Your Availability
Since this role is voluntary, be ready to discuss your availability and how you plan to manage your time between your current commitments and your potential responsibilities at BOARDS FOR EDUCATION. Highlighting your readiness to engage in their initiatives will show that you’re serious about making a difference!
