FE Governor

FE Governor

Weymouth Full-Time 36000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Join the board to provide strategic leadership and ensure compliance for the college.
  • Company: Weymouth and Kingston Maurward College offers diverse courses and impactful community partnerships.
  • Benefits: Shape education, enhance your career, and make a difference in learners' lives.
  • Why this job: Be part of a proactive board making real changes for students in a supportive environment.
  • Qualifications: Experience in FE curriculum, governance, and farm management is preferred.
  • Other info: Commitment of two days per month with flexible meeting options.

The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.

Overview

Weymouth and Kingston Maurward College is based across two campuses, with differing provision across academic, vocational and land-based courses, ranging from agriculture and animal care to construction and creative arts. The college contributes to the local community and economy by developing successful partnerships to ensure students acquire the skills needed. The two legacy colleges merged in August 2024, and the corporation board are supporting the continuing integration and further strategic progression following the merger.

With a 2025 Ofsted rating of ‘Good’, and recognition that the contribution to regional skills needs is strong, the College is proud to have an impact across its geographical setting and beyond. With a wide range of facilities, including an animal park, restaurant, hair and beauty salon and children’s nursery, the College places great emphasis on its career focussed and hands-on learning to support learners.

In the short-to-medium term, new governors will join the corporation board in strategic planning relating to the newly merged college status, with exciting chances to offer new opportunities to students and widen their horizons in an area where there are high levels of deprivation. Fostering resilience and helping learners be ready for the world of work are key aspects of the College’s purpose. There are also a variety of harmonisation and systems development projects underway that have been brought about through the merger.

In the medium term, the college is finalising their estates strategy for a varied estate that includes a farm, a listed house and numerous buildings in need of capital spend, including investment committed through the merger process.

In the longer term, the corporation board will have a focus on further strategic change to support the needs of learners and the local context. Board members are pro-active in their planning and desire to ensure best possible outcomes for learners and the College and incoming governors will join a highly communicative and engaged board.

Weymouth and Kingston Maurward College has a turnover of circa £27m, employs 683 staff and has over 3,100 learners in total*. Individuals with a desire to have an impact in such a large learning environment are sought.

*Total number of learners:
• 16-19: 2397
• Adult: 330
• Higher Education (HE): 133
• Apprenticeships: 190

Skills

  • Education/Teaching
  • Environmental Sustainability
  • Address: Weymouth and Kingston Maurward College, Kingston Maurward, Dorchester DT2 8PY
  • Usual start time of meeting: Board – Monday 4pm; F&R – Monday 2pm; A&R – Wed 2pm; SGR – Tue 2pm; Q&S – Mon 2pm; Estates – Tuesday 4pm

What does the role include?

Governors work together as a board to provide strategic leadership, ensuring the College Corporation or company is legally compliant, financially sustainable, and delivers excellent value for public funds. FE College Corporations / companies operate as independent charitable institutions, with governors acting as charity trustees and the governing board ultimately accountable for overall performance. The principal regulator of FE and Sixth-Form College corporations is the Secretary of State for Education, and the Department for Education (DfE) works closely with the FE Commissioner and sector stakeholders to both regulate and support FE governance. Where needed, support is provided by the Commissioner’s team of advisers and National Leaders of Governance for FE, who offer peer-led mentoring. To read further about regulation, support and intervention please refer to the sixth-form College Corporations: governance guide, linked within the further reading below. The following webpage provides further information and reading to any potential volunteers: https://governorsforschools.org.uk/fe/the-role-of-a-further-education-governor/.

What are the benefits?

Volunteering on a College Corporation board is a meaningful way to shape learner’s lives and strengthen education in your community. You will play a vital role in setting strategic direction and holding executive leaders to account — ensuring the College delivers the best outcomes. This is a great opportunity to support your career development and give back to education.

Further information:

You can also find out more public information about the College on the Get Information About Schools Page: https://get-information-schools.service.gov.uk/Establishments/Establishment/Details/130653 Weymouth and Kingston Maurward College reference number is 130653. After applying you can access our free eLearning ‘An Introduction to Further Education Governance’ in preparation for a role: https://governorsforschools.org.uk/fe/the-role-of-a-further-education-governor/. The Department for Education (DfE) has produced a guide for governors in FE settings. This gives more detail about how governance should look and what the role and remit of governors in this setting will be. View links to this guide and further reading: https://governorsforschools.org.uk/fe/recommended-fe-reading/ If you have any questions before applying, please contact our FE Recruitment Team at fegovernorrecruitment@governorsforschools.org.uk.

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FE Governor employer: SGOSS - Governors for Schools

Weymouth and Kingston Maurward College is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that prioritises career-focused, hands-on learning and community impact. With a commitment to employee development through comprehensive induction programmes and ongoing support, the college fosters a collaborative culture where new governors can significantly influence educational outcomes in a region with high levels of deprivation. Joining our engaged board provides a unique opportunity to contribute to strategic planning and make a meaningful difference in the lives of learners across diverse academic and vocational disciplines.
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Contact Detail:

SGOSS - Governors for Schools Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land FE Governor

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the current educational landscape, particularly in the FE sector. Understanding the challenges and opportunities faced by colleges like Weymouth and Kingston Maurward will help you articulate how your experience aligns with their strategic goals.

✨Tip Number 2

Network with current or former governors from similar institutions. They can provide insights into the role and expectations, as well as tips on how to effectively contribute to governance discussions.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare to discuss your experience in governance and how it relates to the specific needs of the college. Highlight any relevant projects or initiatives you've been involved in that demonstrate your ability to support strategic planning and decision-making.

✨Tip Number 4

Show your passion for education and community development. Be ready to share examples of how you've positively impacted learners or communities in the past, as this will resonate with the college's mission and values.

We think you need these skills to ace FE Governor

Understanding of FE curriculum and student data
Experience in farm, land-based and livestock management
Knowledge of governance and assurance processes
Strong analytical skills
Experience in strategic planning within an educational context
Ability to apply good governance practices consistently
Familiarity with quality and standards in the FE sector
Change management experience
HR functions knowledge
Passion for improving education outcomes
Understanding of rural and seasonal challenges
Excellent communication skills
Commitment to community engagement

Some tips for your application 🫡

Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities of a governor at Weymouth and Kingston Maurward College. Familiarise yourself with the college's mission, values, and the specific skills they are looking for, such as FE curriculum knowledge and farm management experience.

Tailor Your CV: Craft your CV to highlight relevant experience in further education governance, land-based management, and any analytical skills you possess. Be sure to include specific examples of how your background aligns with the college's needs and strategic goals.

Write a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should express your passion for education and your desire to contribute to the college's mission. Discuss your understanding of the challenges faced in rural education and how your experience can help address these issues. Make it personal and engaging!

Proofread and Edit: Before submitting your application, take the time to proofread your documents. Check for spelling and grammatical errors, and ensure that your writing is clear and concise. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.

How to prepare for a job interview at SGOSS - Governors for Schools

✨Understand the College's Vision

Before your interview, take some time to research Weymouth and Kingston Maurward College's mission and values. Understanding their commitment to community engagement and student success will help you align your responses with their goals.

✨Showcase Relevant Experience

Be prepared to discuss your experience in further education governance, particularly any roles that involved strategic planning or curriculum oversight. Highlight specific examples where your contributions led to positive outcomes.

✨Demonstrate Analytical Skills

As a prospective governor, you'll need to show that you can think critically about governance issues. Prepare to discuss how you've approached problem-solving in previous roles, especially in relation to financial sustainability and compliance.

✨Express Passion for Education

Convey your enthusiasm for improving educational outcomes and supporting learners. Share any personal stories or motivations that drive your commitment to education, particularly in challenging environments like those faced by the college.

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