Governor - IT, AI and Business Expertise in Wakefield

Hours: approximately 1.5–2 days per month

Term of office: four years (initial one‑year probationary period)

About the Group

Heart of Yorkshire Education Group is committed to being an outstanding, first‑choice education group, passionately serving all of our communities. Our strategic priorities focus on developing future‑ready skills, delivering transformative outcomes, nurturing inclusion and belonging, and operating in a resilient and sustainable way.

The Role

We are seeking a Governor with strong IT and AI expertise, gained in a relevant professional role, alongside demonstrable business experience and the ability to operate at a strategic level (senior management experience is desirable). As a Governor, you will contribute to setting the strategic direction of the Group, overseeing performance and ensuring the effective and efficient use of resources. Governors work collectively to ensure high standards of education, financial sustainability and strong governance.

Key Responsibilities

• Set and periodically review the educational character, mission and strategy of the Group
• Monitor performance, quality of provision and learner outcomes
• Oversee financial sustainability, solvency and the safeguarding of assets
• Approve annual income and expenditure budgets
• Act as a critical friend, providing support and constructive challenge to senior leaders
• Uphold collective responsibility for decisions taken by the Board

Governors are expected to comply with the Code of Conduct, including the Nolan Principles of Public Life, and to act at all times in the best interests of the Group.

Time Commitment and Meetings

The Governing Body generally meets five times per academic year, usually in the early evening (3-4pm). Governors also serve on at least one committee and may be asked to act as a Lead Governor for a specific area such as safeguarding or SEND (depending on their skillset). Meetings take place across the Group’s Wakefield, Castleford and Selby sites.

Person Specification

You will bring:

• IT and AI expertise with relevant business experience.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to contribute effectively to strategic debate.
• Sound judgement, integrity and an independent, inquiring mindset.
• A commitment to further education and to improving outcomes for learners.
• The time and enthusiasm to contribute fully to the work of the Board.

No formal qualifications are required. We welcome applicants from the public, private and community sectors.

Training, Support and Expenses

Full induction and ongoing development are provided. The role is unpaid, but reasonable expenses may be claimed in line with the Group’s policy.

Equality, Diversity and Safeguarding

We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcome applications from all sections of the community. Governors are expected to promote equality and diversity and to take a proactive role in safeguarding and promoting the welfare of learners. Appointment is subject to eligibility checks, including Disclosure and Barring Service requirements where applicable.

The deadline for applications is 3rd August 2026. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview, following which recommendations will be made to the Governing Body.

Should you wish to discuss this further, please do not hesitate to contact us via Sam Cremore, our Head of Governance and Legal Services, on 01924 789208 or at SCremore@HeartofYorkshire.ac.uk. Thank you for your interest, we look forward to hearing from you!

The Heart of Yorkshire Education Group is committed to safeguarding the welfare of all students and this post will be subject to pre-employment vetting in accordance with Keeping Children Safe in Education, this includes an Enhanced Disclosure from the DBS. Sight of evidence of all essential qualifications as outlined in the Person Specification must also be provided.

All posts within the Group are exempt from the provisions of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. This means that applicants are not entitled to withhold information about any convictions that are not "Protected" which for other purposes are "spent" under the provisions of the act.

If you are currently living overseas or have lived/worked overseas in the last five years please be aware that you will be required to provide an overseas criminal record check from the country/countries you have worked/resided in if you are the preferred candidate for the post.

We are proud to be awarded the Investors in Diversity Silver accreditation by the National Centre for Diversity, for our successful implementation of FREDIE (Fairness, Respect, Equality, Diversity, Inclusion & Engagement). We aim to develop a workforce that reflects the diverse community we serve and positively encourage applications from all.