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: Gain valuable board-level experience and make a real impact.
- Other info: Unpaid role requiring 8-10 hours per month, with a 4-year commitment.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team dedicated to preserving London's wildlife and green spaces.
- Qualifications: Over 18 with expertise in finance, HR, or marketing preferred.
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.
- 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.
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 ProcedurePlease 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.
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 in City of London employer: CapelManorCollege
Capel Manor College is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a collaborative and impactful work culture that empowers individuals to contribute meaningfully to the community. As a Governor, you will have the unique opportunity to influence the future of environmental education in London while developing your leadership skills in a supportive environment. With a commitment to safeguarding and promoting student welfare, the College values diversity and encourages personal growth, making it an ideal place for those passionate about making a difference.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land College Governor in City of London
✨Get Involved with Local Causes
Start connecting with local nonprofits or social impact projects in your area. Attend their events, offer to help out with community initiatives, or just drop by to chat about their mission. This way, you’ll not only learn about the work they do but also make meaningful connections that could lead to volunteer opportunities.
✨Leverage Social Media for Social Impact
Platforms like Twitter and Instagram are goldmines for discovering volunteer opportunities in the nonprofit sector. Follow organisations you’re passionate about, engage with their posts, and keep an eye out for their volunteer calls. It’s a great way to show your interest and dedication!
✨Utilise Volunteer Matching Platforms
Sites like VolunteerMatch or local community boards are perfect for finding short-term and long-term volunteer roles. These platforms can connect you with causes that align with your passions and skills, and often allow you to browse opportunities tailored to your interests.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website
When you spot an organisation you like, don't hesitate to visit their website and check out their volunteer section. Many nonprofits have dedicated pages for volunteers where you can apply directly – and we’ve found that this route often leads to quicker responses and more personalised interactions!
We think you need these skills to ace College Governor in City of London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Share Your Passion for Social Impact:When you're applying for a volunteer role at a nonprofit like CapelManorCollege, don’t just list your skills. Show us why you're passionate about social impact! Use your cover letter to tell a story about what drives you and how you've been involved in similar initiatives. Personal connections to the cause can really make your application stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to showcase any previous volunteer work or projects that demonstrate your commitment to social impact. Whether it’s fundraising, community outreach, or project management, detail your contributions and the results achieved. This kind of experience is invaluable in the nonprofit sector and can help us see your potential!
Get Creative with Your CV:In the world of nonprofits, a standard CV might not cut it. Consider using a more creative format that showcases your personality while maintaining professionalism. Use headings like 'Community Engagement' or 'Social Impact Projects' to highlight your experiences related to the role. Remember, we want to see what makes you unique!
Keep It Community-Focused:Make sure your application emphasises collaboration and community. Volunteer roles are about working well with others and contributing collectively towards a common goal. In your cover letter, mention any teamwork experiences or community projects you've been part of, and how you contributed to their success. This shows that you’re ready to jump into the collaborative spirit here at CapelManorCollege.
How to prepare for a job interview at CapelManorCollege
✨Know Your Passion
Dive deep into the mission of CapelManorCollege and understand the issues they tackle. When they ask about your motivation to volunteer, share specific experiences that link your passion to their cause—whether it’s local community work or a broader social impact.
✨Bring Your Skills to the Table
Highlight any relevant skills that can aid in their projects, such as fundraising, project management, or community organising. Be prepared to share examples of how you’ve used these skills in past volunteer roles or relevant experiences.
✨Get Ready for Scenario Questions
In non-profit interviews, especially for volunteer roles, you might get scenario-based questions. Think about times when you've encountered challenges in team work or community engagement, and how you resolved them—this shows your problem-solving abilities.
✨Show Your Commitment
Since this is a volunteer role, they’ll likely want to see your commitment to the cause over an extended period. Be ready to discuss how much time you can dedicate, any special skills you can bring, and your eagerness to learn and grow with the organisation—this excites them to have you on board!
