Are you a business leader or corporate professional looking to make a meaningful impact outside the boardroom? Use your expertise to shape education, influence communities, and grow as a leader.
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.
This is an opportunity to:
- Apply your corporate skills in a leadership role
- Gain board-level experience and enhance your CV
- Contribute to local economic growth and social mobility
- Support a vital sector during a time of transformation
What are we looking for?
We welcome professionals from a broad range of sectors, including but not limited to:
- Finance, Audit & Risk
- HR, People & Culture
- Strategy, Transformation & Operations
- Technology, AI & Digital
- Legal, Governance & Compliance
- Marketing, PR & Communications
- Education, apprenticeships, or vocational courses
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.
Time commitment
- Attending board and committee meetings (in person or remote)
- Reading papers and preparing questions
- Participating in training and occasional college visits
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.
Where you’ll be needed
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.
What’s in it for you?
- Enhance your board‑level and governance experience
- Develop strategic oversight and leadership outside your day‑to‑day role
- Expand your professional networkGive back in a way that creates long‑term, measurable impact
What will you be doing?
- Set strategic direction and help define the college’s mission and goals
- Hold leadership to account—monitor finances, performance, and outcomes
- Ensure governance excellence and decide in the best interests of learners and stakeholders
- Act as a charity trustee, ensuring financial sustainability and legal compliance
You’ll also engage with senior leaders and external stakeholders, including local employers, regulators, and community partners.
FE College Governor - Halifax - Volunteer employer: Governors for Schools
The Education Training Collective (Etc.) in Stockton-on-Tees offers a unique opportunity for senior leaders to make a significant impact in the education sector while championing community growth and development. As a Chair of Corporation, you will not only enhance your governance portfolio but also contribute to shaping the future of over 11,000 learners each year, all within a supportive and collaborative environment that values strategic ambition and accountability. With a commitment to fostering inclusion and innovation, this role allows you to lead with purpose and drive meaningful change in the local economy and beyond.
