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. What difference will you make? 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.
Opportunity
- 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 we’re 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
Expect to give approximately 1–2 days per month, including:
- Attending board and committee meetings (in person or remote)
- Reading papers and preparing questions
- Participating in training and occasional college visits
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
This role offers the opportunity to:
- Enhance your board-level and governance experience
- Develop strategic oversight and leadership outside your day-to-day role
- Expand your professional network
- Give back in a way that creates long-term, measurable impact
What will you be doing
- Set strategic direction, help define the college’s mission and goals
- Hold leadership to account, monitor finances, performance, and outcomes
- Ensure governance excellence, make decisions 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.
