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- Tasks: Join the governing body to shape the future of education and training at New College Swindon.
- Company: New College Swindon, a vibrant institution dedicated to community learning and development.
- Benefits: Make a real impact on learners' lives and contribute to community growth.
- Other info: Commit to a four-year term with flexible meeting options and comprehensive support.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team influencing educational direction and sustainability.
- Qualifications: Experience in HR, corporate services, SEND, or safeguarding is essential.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 ÂŁ per year.
Shape the future of education, training and skills at New College Swindon as a new member of their governing body.
Location: Swindon, Wiltshire
Who we are
New College Swindon sits in the heart of Swindon, providing further and higher education to communities across our town and the wider region. Following a merger and our establishment as a new education institution, our existing governing body has worked collaboratively with our senior leadership team to establish a collective vision and forward-looking strategy, which will help guide the delivery of our organisational purpose, ensuring that our local communities are able to enjoy better lives through learning.
New College Swindon is a relatively large college, formed in 2020 as the result of a merger between the two colleges which previously served our town. With a turnover of around ÂŁ40 million per year, we currently deliver education and training to almost 14,000 students through one of the broadest curriculum offers in the sector, with delivery supported by a dedicated team of over 650 staff.
We deliver a broad range of provision, including academic qualifications, vocational and technical provision, higher education courses and apprenticeships. Our delivery takes place across two campuses at Queens Drive and North Star, along with a dedicated Adult Learning Centre in the town centre.
About the roles
Governors at New College Swindon play a vital strategic role in shaping the educational direction, performance, and long-term sustainability of the college. As members of the Corporation, our governors are responsible for ensuring that the college fulfils its purpose and achieves its organisational mission. A core part of the role is to determine and uphold the college’s educational character, setting its strategic vision, values and goals. Governors work closely with senior leaders to monitor progress against these aims and ensure that the student experience, teaching quality and outcomes remain at the highest possible standard alongside other important responsibilities relating to the safe and viable running of the organisation, including financial oversight, safeguarding and regulatory compliance.
Through these responsibilities, governors help secure high-quality education, safeguard the college’s future and positively impact learners and the wider community.
We have reflected on the future skills needs and expertise that we need within our governing body, considering how diversity of thought will support our future success. As such, we now welcome applications from individuals with professional expertise in the following areas to join our main board and other committees:
- An experienced, strategic HR and/or corporate services professional.
- An expert in the area of SEND, high needs provision and safeguarding.
Who we are looking for
HR & corporate services: We seek to appoint a new governor to our board with experience in strategic-level HR and corporate services leadership. You will have experience in people management, organisational development and strategic workforce planning alongside knowledge of employee relations and organisational development. We believe your insights will support our leaders in ensuring that our college remains a place where our staff are motivated, feel valued and respected.
SEND, high needs & safeguarding: We also seek to appoint a new governor with expertise in SEND & High Needs provision, as well as safeguarding. You will be an experienced professional who will be able to offer insights and advice on how we can further ensure that our spaces remain safe, inclusive and supportive for all learners.
Commitment and expectations
We ask our board members to be willing to commit to a four-year term of office. Appointed individuals will need to attend approximately eight meetings per year, including board and committee meetings. While this commitment is a minimum requirement, to be an effective governor, we hope that appointed individuals will be able to offer more of their time to the College through attending events and visiting the College where their time allows. Meetings commence at 4 p.m. and usually last no longer than two hours. Our full board meetings are held in person at the college. We also try, where possible, to hold our committee meetings in person; however, many are held virtually.
New governors will all be supported through a comprehensive induction and training process and ongoing support thereafter.
Peridot Partners and New College Swindon are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and our client expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references before any final offer can be made.
To formally apply, please submit a CV and supporting statement (ideally maximum 2 sides of A4 each) that clearly outlines your suitability for the role against the criteria provided in the person specification, including your interest and motivation in applying for this position.
We are a Disability Confident employer.
New College Swindon is a vibrant, dynamic and innovative further and higher education college at the heart of the Swindon community. Formed through the merger of New College and Swindon College in 2020, it serves learners across Swindon and the surrounding region, providing high-quality education, training and development opportunities for people aged 16 to 99+.
The college works closely with both local and national employers to nurture the next generation of skilled, creative and aspirational thinkers. This commitment is reflected in its guiding ethos of “One college for Swindon,” which ensures accessible, flexible and excellent learning for the whole community.
The college’s mission, “Better Lives Through Learning,” is delivered through strategic themes that focus on great teaching and learning, an innovative and responsive curriculum, high-quality digital and physical learning environments and a strong commitment to meeting the needs of employers and customers.
New College Swindon strives to maintain financial sustainability so it can continually reinvest in its facilities, staff and student support services. Its vision is ambitious: to be recognised locally as excellent and nationally as one of the best colleges in the country.
These ambitions are underpinned by core values that champion collaboration, ambition, respect, excellence and the celebration of success across the organisation.
New College Swindon offers a broad range of academic and technical pathways, including A Levels, T Levels, vocational qualifications, apprenticeships, higher education and adult learning.
The college plays a central role in regional skills development, exemplified by its partnership in the Swindon and Wiltshire Institute of Technology (SAWIOT). This collaboration provides higher-level technical training across STEM disciplines, supporting local industry needs and offering advanced opportunities for learners looking to progress into high-demand sectors.
New College Swindon’s commitment to community impact extends beyond the classroom. Through events, employer engagement, enrichment activities and well-being support, the college encourages students to thrive both personally and professionally.
We understand that different members of the community have different access needs and have made some modifications to the way we do business to accommodate people from diverse communities and abilities.
Timetable
Closing date: 9 a.m. Monday 13th April 2026
Candidates informed of outcome: Thursday 23rd April 2026
Interviews: Thursday 30th April or Friday 1st May 2026
Governors | New College Swindon employer: Peridot Partners
Contact Detail:
Peridot Partners Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Governors | New College Swindon
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the education sector. Attend local events, join online forums, or even reach out to current governors at New College Swindon. Building relationships can open doors and give you insider info on opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion! When you get the chance to chat with decision-makers, let them know why you're excited about shaping education at New College Swindon. Share your vision and how your expertise can make a difference. Enthusiasm goes a long way!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the college's recent initiatives and challenges. This will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate that you’re not just another candidate but someone who genuinely cares about the college's mission and future.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at New College Swindon. So, get your CV and supporting statement ready and hit that submit button!
We think you need these skills to ace Governors | New College Swindon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself: When writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to get to know the real you, so don’t be afraid to share your passion for education and how you can contribute to our mission at New College Swindon.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of a governor. Highlight your relevant experience in HR or SEND, and show us how your skills align with our goals. A well-structured CV can make all the difference!
Craft a Compelling Supporting Statement: Your supporting statement is your chance to really sell yourself! Use it to explain why you’re interested in the role and how your background makes you a great fit. Keep it concise but impactful—ideally no more than two sides of A4.
Follow Application Instructions: Make sure to follow the application instructions carefully. Submit your CV and supporting statement to the right email address and include all the required details. This shows us that you pay attention to detail, which is super important for a governor!
How to prepare for a job interview at Peridot Partners
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand New College Swindon's mission and values. Familiarise yourself with their recent developments, like the new facilities and strategic goals. This will help you demonstrate your genuine interest and how your expertise aligns with their vision.
✨Showcase Relevant Experience
When discussing your background, focus on experiences that directly relate to the role of a governor. Highlight your strategic HR or SEND expertise, and be ready to share specific examples of how you've positively impacted organisational development or safeguarding in previous roles.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare insightful questions that show your understanding of the college's challenges and opportunities. For instance, inquire about their strategies for enhancing student experience or how they plan to address future skills needs in the community. This shows you're not just interested in the role but also in contributing to their success.
✨Be Yourself
While professionalism is key, don’t forget to let your personality shine through. New College Swindon values collaboration and respect, so being authentic and approachable can help you connect with the existing governing body. Remember, they’re looking for someone who fits well with their team culture!