At a Glance
- Tasks: Help shape the future of students and the local community as a College Governor.
- Company: Capel Manor College, London's leading environmental college.
- Benefits: Make a real difference while developing your skills in a board-level environment.
- Other info: Unpaid role requiring 8-10 hours per month, with a commitment to safeguarding students.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team and contribute to preserving London's wildlife and green spaces.
- Qualifications: Over 18 with expertise in finance, HR, or marketing; education experience is a plus.
About The Role and Person
Over the last 50 years, Capel Manor College has helped thousands of school leavers and adults achieve their dream of working with animals, plants and the environment. As London’s environmental college, the College plays a vital role in the green agenda for the capital, equipping the next generation of land‑based sector workers with the skills and knowledge needed to preserve and protect London’s wildlife, national parks and green spaces. The College will shortly be looking to appoint a number of new Governors to join its Governing body. The role of a College Governor is an extremely rewarding one and provides an opportunity to make a real difference to our students, to give something back to the local community and to use and develop your skills in a board‑level environment.
Responsibilities
- Set the aims and objectives for the College and oversee policies and targets.
- Monitor and evaluate progress, providing support and challenge to the Principal and leadership team.
- Participate in budget management.
- Engage with pupils, staff and the wider College community.
- Attend Board and Committee meetings, review data, and ask probing questions.
Qualifications
- Over 18 years of age.
- Expertise in an area such as finance, human resources, legal, marketing, public relations, estates and property management.
- Experience in Human Resource Management or Finance/Audit background preferred.
- Education experience is advantageous but not essential.
Terms and Commitment
This is an unpaid, voluntary position requiring an 8‑10 hour per month commitment. The term of office is 4 years, with Governors eligible to serve 2 terms.
Application Procedure
Please note that Governors are subject to a criminal records check through the Disclosure and Barring service. If you are interested in becoming a Capel Manor College Governor, please email your CV and a brief covering letter to Jennifer Swift (Director of Governance and Company Secretary) at Jennifer.swift@capel.ac.uk before 5pm on Thursday 30th April 2026.
About the College
Capel Manor College is firmly committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare and safety of our students. All Governors must share and uphold this commitment. Appointed Governors will be required to complete an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Check at Enhanced Level. We are therefore unable to consider applicants who do not have the right to work in the UK.
College Governor employer: Capel
Contact Detail:
Capel Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land College Governor
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former Governors at Capel Manor College. They can give you the inside scoop on what it’s really like and might even put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for the environment! When you get the chance to chat with anyone from the college, make sure to express your commitment to wildlife and green spaces. It’ll help you stand out as someone who truly cares.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those meetings! Brush up on your knowledge of the college’s goals and challenges. Being able to ask insightful questions will show that you’re engaged and ready to contribute.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to follow the proper channels.
We think you need these skills to ace College Governor
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Compelling CV: Your CV is your first impression, so make it count! Highlight your relevant experience and skills that align with the role of a College Governor. Keep it clear and concise, and don’t forget to tailor it to showcase how you can contribute to Capel Manor College.
Write a Personal Covering Letter: This is your chance to shine! Use your covering letter to express your passion for education and the environment. Share why you want to be a Governor and how your background makes you a great fit. Make it personal and engaging!
Showcase Your Commitment: Since this is a voluntary position, it’s important to demonstrate your commitment to the role. Mention any previous volunteer work or community involvement that shows you’re dedicated to making a difference in the local community and supporting students.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s straightforward and ensures your application reaches us directly. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to join our Governing body and make an impact!
How to prepare for a job interview at Capel
✨Know Your Role
Before the interview, make sure you understand what being a College Governor entails. Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities listed in the job description, such as setting aims and objectives for the college and engaging with the community. This will help you articulate how your skills align with the role.
✨Show Your Passion for Education
Capel Manor College is all about making a difference in education and the environment. Be prepared to discuss why you’re passionate about these areas and how you can contribute to the college's mission. Share any relevant experiences that highlight your commitment to education or community service.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
During the interview, you’ll likely have the chance to ask questions. Prepare some thoughtful ones that show your interest in the college’s future and its challenges. For example, you could ask about current initiatives aimed at enhancing student engagement or how the college measures success in its environmental goals.
✨Demonstrate Your Expertise
Since the role requires expertise in areas like finance or human resources, be ready to discuss your background in these fields. Think of specific examples where you’ve successfully managed budgets or led teams, and how those experiences can benefit the college’s governance.