Governor (Co-optee), The Manchester College Board (Educational Experience)

About the opportunity

LTE Group is seeking to appoint an experienced educationalist to join The Manchester College Board as a Governor (Co-optee). This is an opportunity to use your expertise to help make a positive impact on the people and places we serve through the power of learning, training and employment.

As one of the largest FEC’s in the UK dedicated to lifelong learning, LTE Group believes in the power of education to change lives. The Group works across further and higher education, apprenticeships, professional qualifications, commercial learning and justice sector education, with a shared mission to improve the lives and economic success of those we serve.

The role

As a Governor Co-optee of The Manchester College Board, you will provide specialist educational insight and constructive challenge to support the Board’s stewardship of public funds, oversight of quality, and delivery of its legal and statutory duties. You will contribute to the strategic direction of the College and help monitor performance through agreed targets and key performance indicators.

This is a non-executive governance role. It is not responsible for day-to-day operational management, but it carries an important responsibility to act honestly, diligently and in good faith, working within a framework of collective decision‑making in the best interests of the Board and the further education corporation.

We are looking for someone who can bring:

• Significant senior experience in education, with a strong active interest in further and higher education, skills, lifelong learning and learner success.
• Commitment to lifelong learning and to LTE Group’s role as a major provider of education, training and employment support.
• Commitment to quality, raising standards, equality, diversity and inclusion.
• Strategic awareness and the ability to understand how policy and strategy can be monitored and implemented.
• The ability to contribute to establishing performance targets and monitoring performance against them.
• Sound judgement, integrity and the ability to act without self‑interest.
• Critical listening, analytical and problem‑solving skills, with the confidence to ask probing questions and challenge appropriately.
• The ability to work positively with others, share best practice and contribute as part of a team.
• Commitment to attend Board meetings, committee activity, Governors’ workshops and relevant external events.

Key responsibilities

• Contribute to the determination of the College’s educational character, ethos, vision, values and strategic direction.
• Support approval and oversight of quality strategy, curriculum priorities and continuous improvement.
• Monitor College activities, learner outcomes, academic achievement, retention and achievement targets, and the raising of standards.
• Provide informed challenge on the effective and efficient use of resources, public accountability and value for money.
• Help safeguard the assets, reputation and long‑term sustainability of the institution.
• Champion the quality of experience and outcomes for learners, customers, communities and staff.
• Ensure decisions are informed by good governance, legal compliance, public service standards and collective responsibility.

Time commitment and remuneration

The anticipated time commitment is at least 8-10 hours per month. This includes attendance at 4 x Board meetings a year, relevant committee activity, Governors’ workshops, development sessions and occasional external events. The role is remunerated at £3,120 per annum. Initial appointments are for a fixed three‑year term, with the potential for two further three‑year terms. Sensible expenses will be reimbursed.

Eligibility and checks

Governors are required to make an annual declaration of eligibility and interests. Appointments are subject to eligibility requirements, satisfactory references and DBS clearance. Governors are also expected to participate in the annual appraisal programme.

Why join us?

This is an opportunity to bring your educational expertise to a Board that is focused on improving lives and economic success through learning. You will help ensure that The Manchester College continues to provide high‑quality, inclusive and responsive education for learners of all backgrounds and starting points, while strengthening strategic oversight, accountability and standards.

Equality, diversity and inclusion

LTE Group is committed to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion and welcomes applications from candidates with a broad range of backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. We are keen to ensure that our governance reflects the communities we serve and the diversity of our learners, colleagues and stakeholders.

Safeguarding

The LTE Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All applicants will be required to undergo an appropriate DBS check via the Criminal Records Bureau and may be subject to additional online checks as part of our pre‑screening process. Some roles are exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and would require an Enhanced DBS check.

Equal Opportunities Statement

At The Manchester College, we’re committed to providing an environment free from discrimination, bullying, harassment, or victimisation, where all members of our community are treated with respect and dignity. The Manchester College is committed to working in an inclusive way with all the communities where we are geographically located and to developing a workforce and student community that reflects Greater Manchester’s and the UK’s rich diversity and vibrancy.