Chair of governors volunteer roles

Bring your professional skills, passion and enthusiasm for vocational education and belief in the positive impact of education on raising aspirations and providing a base for future success in careers and higher education.

Applications close: 9 a.m. Monday 15th September 2025

Location: Hybrid/Southend, Purfleet and Basildon

Time commitment: 2 – 3 hours per month

About South Essex College

South Essex College is the largest and most diverse vocational curriculum provider across Essex, offering a range of courses from entry-level to honour degrees, and providing bespoke training hand-in-hand with employers in state-of-the-art facilities.

South Essex is a vibrant and ambitious region with the ability to create jobs, attract new industry and cultivate entrepreneurs and investment. As a result of both the pandemic and the need for economic recovery, there has never been a greater need for skilled professionals and retraining in our region, and the College is a key partner in rebuilding the local economy.

In an ever-changing educational landscape, the College occupies a unique space. Located within the Unitary Authorities of Thurrock and Southend and the Local Authority (Essex County Council) in Basildon, the College aims to meet the aspirations and ambitions of each of the Unitary and Local Authority Partners by contributing to their regeneration plans and helping to meet the skills needs of its local communities.

Its aim is to provide young people and adults with the professional and technical skills they require to meet the skills needed of local and regional employers, so that they can gain quality employment and, in turn, improve the local and regional economy.

About the roles

Governors make an invaluable contribution to the development of excellence in colleges. As a member of the governing board, governors set the mission and strategic direction of the College and scrutinise its performance. Governors are volunteers.

Becoming a governor provides many opportunities to contribute to your local community and is an excellent way of developing strategic leadership skills.

Who we are looking for

The College sits in a strong and enviable position to build on its existing solid foundations and move forward, looking to the future to successfully develop and grow. It has high ambitions to continue providing a responsive level of education to its students and to develop and strengthen its activities in alignment with the local economy.

It is in this context that the College is now seeking to appoint new Governors to join the Board and associated Committees with an understanding of the FE sector landscape and a background in:

• Organisational Development
• Education Technology/Digital Transformation
• Marketing
• Education (FE experience)

You will bring senior leadership experience and a portfolio of expertise from your sector to support, challenge, and hold the executive team accountable in all matters concerning the college and its associated business cycle.

More importantly, you will hold a passion and enthusiasm for vocational education and the impact that the sector has on the lives of our students in raising aspirations and providing a base for future success in careers and higher education.

Peridot Partners and South Essex College 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.

Please click 'Redirect to recruiter’ to be redirected to the Peridot Partners website, where you can find full details of the candidate profile and register your interest to apply.

Applications for these roles close at 9 a.m. Monday 15th September 2025.

Join South Gloucestershire & Stroud College and play an important role in the continued success and growth of an exceptionally good college with outstanding features.

Applications close: 9 a.m. Friday 5th September 2025

Location: Gloucestershire, South Gloucestershire and Bristol

Time commitment: c.15 hours per year

About South Gloucestershire & Stroud College

SGS has three main campuses, Stroud, Filton and WISE, as well as many local community venues. We also have venues in Berkeley, the centre of Bristol, at the West of England Academy of Art and Bristol Zoo Gardens. We welcome around 10,000 full-time and part-time students of all ages each year, with our largest cohort being almost 4,100 16–18-year-olds.

As a regional college, we offer a diverse range of vocational and academic courses in a broad spectrum of subjects, from business to sport, performing arts to media. Whatever our students want to study, there is bound to be a course that suits their needs. Furthermore, SGS has an excellent reputation for delivering work-based programmes, such as apprenticeships, higher apprenticeships, and professional training. If it is a practical course for a chosen career, it is likely that we have a solution.

We are committed to giving every one of our students the best possible education.

Our experienced and professional staff work hard to help our students achieve the right qualifications and develop the skills necessary to move into employment or further study, including into our own higher education provision delivered in partnership with the University of Gloucestershire. We are proud of SGS and committed to making the college the best it can be.

About the roles

South Gloucestershire & Stroud College is seeking to appoint additional Governors who will bring their experience and expertise to the Board, providing constructive challenge and support to help drive the college forward.

Being a Governor in the FE sector is like no other voluntary role. With South Gloucestershire & Stroud College (SGS), you will work as part of the Corporation, led by our experienced Chair, Matt Atkinson, in overseeing the strategic direction and pace of the college. Our Governors ensure effective oversight of a high-quality and economically focused curriculum offer, while ensuring organisational finances are well-planned and risk is well mitigated.

The role offers a fantastic opportunity to join an ambitious and committed Corporation and genuinely have an impact on the future success of the college, its students, and its communities.

Who we are looking for

We are looking to engage professional individuals who care about the role skills play in delivering economic growth and social cohesion, and who can demonstrate a track record of significant and impactful strategic leadership that should underpin this passion and commitment.

This experience can be drawn from a variety of sectors, with individuals bringing different areas of expertise. What matters most is the ability to proactively engage with the Board, contributing to its work through effective challenge, scrutiny, and support in all discussions.

Peridot Partners and South Gloucestershire & Stroud College 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 candidates will be subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references before any final offer can be made.

Please click 'Redirect to recruiter’ to be redirected to the Peridot Partners website, where you can find full details of the candidate profile and register your interest to apply.

Applications for this role close at 9 a.m. Friday 5th September 2025.

New College Worcester is a unique education provider with big ambitions. They seek new Governors who can help to shape and support the future of their organisation.

Applications for this role close at9 a.m. Friday 26th September.

Time commitment: 10 – 15 hours per term

Who we are

New College Worcester is a unique college, delivering education to young people who are blind or vision-impaired (VI) in a beautiful, rural setting to the southwest of Worcester. We pride ourselves on providing a caring, safe, supportive and aspirational environment for students to develop their knowledge, skills and personal qualities.

About the role

We are seeking to appoint three new Governors to join our Board as well as having a role on a relevant committee.

As a Governor, you will support our organisational aspirations and ensure that the College can continue to offer high-quality education in a setting where our learners are safe and well cared for. Safeguarding and wellbeing are paramount to us for our learners.

We are looking for Governors with the following expertise:

• Finance, Resources & Safeguarding Committee

Our Finance, Resources and Safeguarding Committee (FRSC) is a space where we discuss a broad range of issues relating to the wider functions of our college, not just finance. Therefore, we seek candidates with expertise that will complement the existing skill sets on the Board, such as health and safety, cyber security, marketing and student recruitment. We would also be keen to hear from those with strategic expertise in finance in an educational context.

• Education Services & Safeguarding Committee

We have a broad range of expertise on our Education Services and Safeguarding Committee (ESSC) and find great value in having a diverse range of experience on our Board to offer guidance, advice and challenge with the decisions we make in relation to our curriculum and care. We seek candidates with strategic experience in the cross-section of the education sector, including secondary, further and specialist provision. Candidates with additional experience in safeguarding in an educational context will be very much welcomed.

• Residential Care & Safeguarding Committee

As a member of our Residential Care & Safeguarding Committee (RCSC), we seek candidates with knowledge and experience of safeguarding young people and vulnerable adults, along with an up-to-date knowledge of relevant policies and practice. This does not need to have been in a formal education setting. We are open to candidates with experience in the residential care sector, especially where this relates to young people.

Peridot Partners and New College Worcester 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.

Please click 'Redirect to recruiter’ to be redirected to the Peridot Partners website, where you can find full details of the candidate profile and register your interest to apply.

Applications for this role close at  9 a.m. Friday 26th September.

This is an exciting opportunity to influence and impact the educational experience and outcomes of children in east Newcastle, North Tyneside, and Hartlepool. At the heart of our trust is the aim to nurture, educate, achieve and transform the lives of all young people within the communities we serve across the North East.

We are a mixed Multi-Academy Trust, with eight schools (6 primary, 2 secondary) and a mix of community and Church of England schools. We are a fully inclusive, working with a range of stakeholders to ensure the best outcomes and destinations for our pupils. 

NEAT is looking for people to take a leadership role as Chairs/Vice Chairs of our Local Governing Committees (LGCs). We're open to hear from any candidates who are motivated to contribute to the enhancement of education in our schools, whether that be with years of education experience, or with new insights and innovative thinking about how schools and Academy Trusts can and should support learners and other stakeholders.We are looking for people who can work with a range of people to support our schools, leading the governors and coordinating with school and trust leaders and external stakeholders. 

Our LGC members (school governors) come from a wide range of backgrounds. What they have in common is that they want to help our schools be the best they can be and our pupils to succeed. People who know our local communities bring real insight to the LGC. 

We're especially keen to support people who may not have much opportunity or experience with governing bodies, and those from underrepresented groups. If you have a passion for supporting pupils and some relevant skills or experience, we're keen to hear from you.

As a governance volunteer, our LGC members have the opportunity to use and develop their skills in:

• building relationships and networks
• teamwork
• communication and influencing
• strategic thinking
• problem solving
• using data
• leadership and Board practice
• specialist areas such as Careers, Health & Safety, Special Educational Needs (SEND), or Safeguarding

Being a school governor is not only a great way to use your existing experience and expertise in your community, but is a great way to learn new skills, receive training in leadership and board skills, upskill and make a difference. There's a wealth of opportunities for personal and professional development, networking, and working with a range of people from different backgrounds, professions, and life experience.

Our governance volunteers (school governors) have direct impact in the community through:

• decision making in the best interests of pupils to improve their education, wellbeing and future prospects and raise community aspirations
• shaping school policies and aims, allowing teachers to focus on delivering high-quality educational experiences
• stakeholder engagement to ensure that the voices of staff, parents, pupils and other stakeholders are heard

Most LGC members have a four-year term of office, except for co-opted members who are appointed for one year. They attend around four meetings each year, which are usually held late afternoon/early evening during term-time. LGC members are also involved in scrutiny activities in school, which usually happen once or twice a term during the school day. LGC members also participate in decision-making panels (for admissions and exclusions) for schools in the Trust. The average time commitment for our LGC members is 8-12 hours per month.

For LGC Chairs, there is need to be involved in contact with a range of stakeholders within the school, the community, and across the trust. This will include more frequent meetings in school, possibly during the day, although many of these may be outside normal school hours. Depending upon school priorities, we would expect the typical Chair time commitment to be around 15-20hrs per month, although some of this can be done online and by phone around work and home commitments.

NEAT takes safeguarding seriously, and all governance volunteers are required to undertake a vetting process (including DBS check) during appointment to best safeguard our pupils and schools.

Join the Board of Hereward College – a further education college like no other – and support them as they continue to improve the life opportunities of young people with special educational needs and disabilities.

Applications close: 9 a.m. Tuesday 26th August 2025

Location: Coventry, West Midlands

Time commitment: Chair (3 – 4 days per month), Governors (10 – 12 hours per month)

About Hereward College

Hereward College is a further education college like no other, passionate about improving life opportunities for young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

Our provision is delivered across a range of course areas, including Art & Design, Creative Media, Sport, Business Studies, ICT, Hospitality, Performing Arts & Music, English and Maths. This provision ranges from Pre-Entry Level to Level 3.

Our learners are supported by a dedicated team of 230 staff, many of whom deliver education, training, care and specific therapies. Whilst our learners may have a physical disability, a communication disorder or other learning difficulties, the one thing they will all have in common is a personal ambition to live a happy, independent and successful life. Through the dedication and passion of our staff, we can help our learners realise their ambitions by achieving some wonderful outcomes with our young people.

About the roles

To ensure that our SLT and wider staff team are supported in their continuous mission to deliver high-quality, individualised provision for our learners, support their families and retain our outstanding national reputation, we now seek to appoint a new Chair and additional governors to our board.

You will play a vital strategic role, offering insight and professional expertise to help our learners achieve successful outcomes, support their families, and help us to realise our ambitions whilst continuing to improve our outstanding national reputation.

Who we are looking for

There is a golden thread that continues to run throughout our board, and that is a passion for improving the life chances and opportunities of our learners. This ethos is something that all candidates will need to possess.

Given the varied, yet specialist nature of our provision, we would welcome applications from individuals with experience gained from a range of appropriate professional backgrounds.

Chair of the Board

Our new Chair should be someone with experience of the boardroom, preferably in a non-executive capacity as a member, committee lead or having been a Chair elsewhere previously. Alongside this, you will need to bring your experience as a senior, strategic leader who has had involvement in organisations of a similar size and complexity.

An understanding and knowledge of the SEND sector will of course be useful given our specialist context, and it will be important that the successful candidate can understand and support us within the landscape that we operate.

Given our ambitions for the future of our organisation which include estate development and the growth of our training subsidiary, we would be interested in receiving applications from candidates who have relevant business experience and who would be able to offer insight and support in realising these ambitions.

Governor roles

Having completed an assessment of the skills and attributes of our current board, we seek to appoint candidates with the following areas of expertise:

• Qualified finance professionals who are able to join not just our board but also our audit committee.
• Legal professionals.
• Those with experience of the FE and SEND sectors with specific knowledge of curriculum, teaching, learning, assessment and internships.
• Experience of business growth and development who can offer insights and support with the growth of Hereward Training Services and who would be happy to become a non-executive Director of our subsidiary.

Candidates for these additional Governor roles do not necessarily need to have had boardroom experience as we will support them with a full induction process. However, professional experience at a senior, strategic level will be important.

Peridot Partners and Hereward College 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 candidates will be subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references before any final offer can be made.

Please click 'Redirect to recruiter’ to be redirected to the Peridot Partners website, where you can find full details of the candidate profile and register your interest to apply.

Applications for these roles close at 9 a.m. Tuesday 26th August 2025.

Join Arts University Plymouth as Chair Designate of the Board of Governors. In this role, you will lead the body accountable for the strategic oversight of a bold, creative, and forward-thinking institution, as it shapes the future of arts education and innovation.

Applications close: 9 a.m. Tuesday 26th August 2025

Location: Plymouth, Devon

About Arts University Plymouth

Established in 1856, we are proud to be the Arts University in Plymouth, Britain’s Ocean City.

Founded in 1856 as Plymouth Drawing School, Arts University Plymouth offers a range of Undergraduate, Postgraduate and Pre-Degree study across Art, Design and Digital Media.

Our campus is home to our creative studios, workspaces and laboratories, our public gallery, ‘MIRROR’, Fab Lab South West, and Plymouth Arts Cinema. Making Futures is the university’s flagship international research platform.

Arts University Plymouth is the UK’s newest specialist arts university, and recently achieved the title of 2025 University of the Year (South West) at the Whatuni Awards, as well as being ranked 5th in the UK for Student Satisfaction and 2nd in the UK for staff to student ratio by the Complete University Guide. With a vision for a new kind of arts university for the 21st century, one that prepares graduates uniquely positioned to provide creative solutions to the complex global challenges of our time, our university is confident that we offer the best education to support the next generation of talent to succeed.

Our 2030 strategy, ‘Creative Education for a Changing World’, will ensure that our work is energised and designed to meet the ambitions of our students and staff, while acknowledging the shifting realm of creativity through new technologies and the workplaces of tomorrow.

About the role

To help us take the next transformative steps in delivering our strategy, we are seeking an experienced Chair with a passion for the power of creative education and research to transform lives, societies and cultures.

This is an exciting non-executive leadership opportunity for someone who can steward the university’s governance towards our 2030 ambitions, whilst working with the Vice-Chancellor’s Executive team to navigate the ever-changing and challenging higher education sector. This role will be pivotal in maximising the institution’s potential and positively impacting students and communities.

As Chair, you will champion sustainable growth, social justice, and the empowerment of our graduates to meet tomorrow’s challenges.

Who we are looking for

This is an opportunity for a strategic leader to make a significant impact whilst advocating Arts University Plymouth’s place within the specialist HE sector.

We are seeking to appoint a Chair Designate with significant experience in governance who can lead with confidence, influence, and integrity.

The ideal candidate will work to foster a supportive environment while constructively challenging when necessary, helping us to push boundaries and achieve our goals.

The successful candidate will be an exemplary leader who champions our mission and values and who actively engages with students, staff, and other members of the Board of Governors.

The person appointed as our next Chair will demonstrate a deep commitment to inclusivity and reflect our dedication to equality, diversity, and inclusion in all aspects of their leadership.

Importantly, we hope to appoint a values-led individual to become our next Chair, who shares our passion for the university, our pride in Plymouth and the South West region, and our deep commitment to creativity and innovation.

Please click 'Redirect to recruiter’ to be redirected to the Peridot Partners website, where you can find full details of the candidate profile and register your interest to apply.

Applications for this role close at 9 a.m. Tuesday 26th August 2025

Excalibur Academies Trust, a dynamic and growing Academy Trust with schools spanning from Bristol to Reading, is looking to appoint a new Chair of Trustees, possessing extensive leadership, governance and chairing experience, to lead its Board. The Trust is based in Marlborough, Wiltshire, comprises 20 schools and has an annual budget of £140m.

Excalibur Academies Trust (EAT) is a dynamic and growing Multi-Academy Trust based in Marlborough, Wiltshire. The Trust comprises 20 schools across a broad geographical area, stretching from Bristol in the West to Reading in the East. It includes six secondary schools (four of which have post-16 provision) and 14 primary schools, some of which include nursery provision, enabling the Trust to deliver education across the full 2–19 age range.

EAT was established in 2012 and has grown steadily, expanding significantly in 2023 by welcoming a five-school Multi-Academy Trust into its fold. The Trust now operates a diverse portfolio of schools serving a wide range of communities, from small rural primaries with mixed-age classes to large urban secondaries with over 1,700 pupils. The Trust includes five Church of England schools linked to the Oxford and Salisbury Dioceses, making EAT a ‘mixed MAT’ with bespoke Articles of Association that accommodate both faith-designated and community schools. The diversity of the Trust is a key strength, underpinning its inclusive ethos and commitment to high standards across all settings.

Ofsted has judged the majority of EAT’s schools as ‘Good’, with one school rated ‘Outstanding’. The Trust has a dedicated School Improvement Team which works closely with schools to support them on their development journeys.

The Trust’s finances are managed prudently, with schools maintaining balanced budgets despite ongoing pressures in the education sector. EAT has an annual income of approximately £140 million and holds comfortable reserves. Some schools include specialist resource bases for pupils with additional needs such as hearing or visual impairments or autism spectrum conditions, and EAT’s provision for SEND and safeguarding has been consistently strong. EAT receives annual capital allocations to maintain and improve its estate. A central estates team supports individual schools, ensuring all buildings are safe and well-maintained.

Governance at EAT is well-established and effective. The Trust has four Members, including a representative of the Church of England, and 13 Trustees from diverse professional backgrounds. Several Trustees joined following the 2023 merger, bringing valuable insight and expertise. The Board is supported by a Head of Governance and has benefitted from an External Review of Governance (ERG), conducted by the Confederation of School Trusts (CST). The recommendations from the ERG have largely been implemented, and the Trust operates a stable and robust governance structure. EAT is a member of both the CST and the National Governance Association (NGA), giving Trustees access to extensive training and support.

The Trust’s Requirements

Excalibur Academies Trust is seeking a new Chair of Trustees to lead the Trust Board and support the Trust’s continued development. The current Chair, who has served since 2018, will step down in summer 2025 due to increasing work commitments. This role offers a rare opportunity to influence the strategic direction of one of the largest and most diverse MATs in the South of England.

The ideal candidate will have previous experience of chairing a Board or acting as vice-chair or committee chair in a complex organisation. They will be comfortable leading a board of significant scale and overseeing matters such as finance, education, risk, and governance. A background in executive leadership—particularly within education, public service, or corporate governance—would be advantageous.

The Chair will play an important strategic and leadership role, working closely with the CEO, Trustees, Members, and executive leaders. While current arrangements do not include a regular scheduled meeting between the Chair and CEO, the CEO is open to establishing a routine catch-up—initially more frequent, then settling to monthly or half-termly as appropriate.

Board meetings are held six times per year, typically on Friday mornings from 9am – 11am, and usually followed by a school tour to see the Board’s impact in action. Meetings take place across sites in the Trust but most commonly include:

• St John’s Marlborough, SN8 4AX
• Ashton Park School, Bristol, BS3 2JL
• John O’Gaunt School, Hungerford, RG17 0AN
• Fairfield High School, Bristol, BS7 9NL
• The Wren School, Reading, RG30 2BB

Occasionally, meetings are held at the National Self Build & Renovation Centre, Swindon, SN5 8UB.

Committee meetings are held online via MS Teams, usually on Friday mornings and lasting up to two hours. Trustees are expected to join one or two committees. The current committees include:

• Finance, Premises & IT (six meetings per year)
• Audit & Risk (three meetings per year)
• Education Scrutiny & Student Welfare (four meetings per year)
• Staffing (between four and five meetings per year)
• Academy Committee Chairs (six meetings per year)
• Christian Distinctiveness (one meeting per year)
• Admissions Panel (ad hoc as required)

While the Chair is not expected to lead all committees, the current view is that the incoming Chair will sit on the Finance, Premises & IT Committee (which will be chaired by another trustee, per DfE requirements) and attend Audit & Risk Committee meetings.

The successful candidate will be well-supported in their induction and transition into the role. Existing Trustees bring substantial experience and are committed to ensuring a smooth handover. EAT’s Head of Governance will provide detailed onboarding and compliance support, while the CEO and fellow Trustees will welcome the new Chair into a culture of collaboration, integrity, and shared purpose.

This is a high-impact opportunity for an experienced leader to contribute to the strategic growth and educational excellence of a forward-thinking, values-driven trust. With a proven track record of school improvement and sound financial stewardship, EAT is poised for continued success – and the new Chair will be central to that journey.

This is an exciting opportunity to influence and impact the educational experience and outcomes of children in east Newcastle, North Tyneside, and Hartlepool. At the heart of our trust is the aim to nurture, educate, achieve and transform the lives of all young people within the communities we serve across the North East.

We are a mixed Multi-Academy Trust, with eight schools (6 primary, 2 secondary) and a mix of community and Church of England schools. We are a fully inclusive, working with a range of stakeholders to ensure the best outcomes and destinations for our pupils. 

NEAT is looking for people to join our Local Governing Committees (LGCs) as school governors. We're open to hear from any candidates who are motivated to contribute to the enhancement of education in our schools, whether that be with years of education experience, or with new insights and innovative thinking about how schools and Academy Trusts can and should support learners and other stakeholders.

Our LGC members (school governors) come from a wide range of backgrounds. What they have in common is that they want to help our schools be the best they can be and our pupils to succeed. People who know our local communities bring real insight to the LGC.

We're especially keen to support people who may not have much opportunity to be involved in governing bodies, and those from underrepresented groups. If you have a passion for supporting pupils and some relevant skills or experience, we're keen to hear from you.

As a governance volunteer, our LGC members have the opportunity to use and develop their skills in:

• building relationships and networks
• teamwork
• communication and influencing
• strategic thinking
• problem solving
• using data
• leadership and Board practice
• specialist areas such as Careers, Health & Safety, Special Educational Needs (SEND), or Safeguarding

Being a school governor is not only a great way to use your existing experience and expertise in your community, but is a great way to learn new skills, receive training in leadership and board skills, upskill and make a difference. There's a wealth of opportunities for personal and professional development, networking, and working with a range of people from different backgrounds, professions, and life experience.

Our governance volunteers (school governors) have direct impact in the community through:

• decision making in the best interests of pupils to improve their education, wellbeing and future prospects and raise community aspirations
• shaping school policies and aims, allowing teachers to focus on delivering high-quality educational experiences
• stakeholder engagement to ensure that the voices of staff, parents, pupils and other stakeholders are heard

Most LGC members have a four-year term of office, except for co-opted members who are appointed for one year. They attend around four meetings each year, which are usually held late afternoon/early evening during term-time. LGC members are also involved in scrutiny activities in school, which usually happen once or twice a term during the school day. LGC members also participate in decision-making panels (for admissions and exclusions) for schools in the Trust. The average time commitment for our LGC members is 8-12 hours per month.

NEAT takes safeguarding seriously, and all governance volunteers are required to undertake a vetting process (including DBS check) during appointment to best safeguard our pupils and schools.

CHAIR OF TRUSTEES

REQUIRED FROM SEPTEMBER 2025

Penair is a large progressive and innovative single academy trust secondary school wishing to develop an outstanding culture and provision. We are seeking a Chair of Trustees, with the knowledge and skills to support and help drive sustained improvement, to join Penair School from September 2025.

Penair is looking to recruit a Board Chair to succeed the current post holder who is retiring from the role after 10 years. We are interested in applicants with a range of skills and leadership experience. Experience in the education sector is not essential. The role’s focus is to oversee the following key functions of the Board:

· strategic leadership of the academy trust - the Board defines the trust vision for high quality and inclusive education in line with its charitable objects. It establishes and fosters the trust’s culture and sets and champions the trust strategy

· accountability and assurance - the Board must demonstrate robust effective oversight of the operations and performance of the school, including the provision of education, pupil welfare, overseeing and ensuring appropriate use of funding and effective financial performance and keeping its estate safe and well-maintained

· engagement - the Board has strategic oversight of relationships with stakeholders. As such, trustee governors must involve parents, schools and communities in a way that demonstrates decision-making is supported by meaningful engagement

· governance – trustees must apply the highest standards of conduct and ensure robust and effective governance arrangements are in place, critical for effective financial management

The successful candidate will need to be able to demonstrate a successful track record in delivering across these areas.

Penair is a ‘Good’ school, confirmed by Ofsted inspections in 2017 and again in March 2023 — with a steadily growing number of pupils on roll. Over the last five years it has grown from 915 to 1240 pupils. To accommodate demand for places, Cornwall Council has funded the building of a new £4 million teaching block and a dining hall expansion.

Penair is never complacent however, and the success of the school continues to grow and develop under the Headteacher’s accomplished leadership. The ongoing support and challenge provided by the Board of Trustees helps drive this continuous pursuit of quality, in a dynamic and sometimes challenging environment.

This is an exciting time to join the school and work with a strong group of trustee governor colleagues. The successful applicant will be expected to demonstrate the drive, integrity, resilience and capacity to lead the Board in its endeavours to deliver for the children and families of Truro and beyond.

Interested applicants are invited to an informal meeting with the current Chair of Trustees and Headteacher in the first instance. If you are interested in discussing this exciting opportunity further, please contact Errin Allan, Headteacher’s PA.

Enriching lives and creating bright futures for all, Derby College Group is looking for a Chair of Finance & Resources and a new Governor with audit expertise to help push forward this critical agenda.

Applications close: 9 a.m. Monday 1st September 2025

Location: Derby

Time commitment: 5 board meetings per year

About Derby College Group

Derby College Group (DCG) is the 18th largest college in the country, supporting 54% of learners in Derby City and its surrounding area. The vision of Derby College Group (DCG) is to create world-class, accessible education opportunities that enrich lives and make bright futures a reality for all. DCG is committed to providing educational excellence, championing social mobility and driving economic prosperity.

DCG delivers high-quality academic, vocational and technical education that empowers people to achieve their ambitions while providing employers across the Midlands and beyond with the talented workforce of tomorrow.

Through a dynamic and responsive curriculum, it predicts and serves the needs of its business and civic communities. Students of all ages and backgrounds are prepared for positive destinations in the next stage of their lives, whether that be further study, the world of work, entrepreneurship or independent living. They leave DCG ready to contribute to society as responsible citizens.

The Group’s portfolio of educational programmes and skills solutions is underpinned by thriving partnerships with employers, shaped by comprehensive market intelligence and informed by liaison with key stakeholders such as the East Midlands Combined Authority.

A truly diverse organisation, the Group comprises four Colleges – the Roundhouse, the Joseph Wright Centre, Broomfield Hall, and the Community College, Ilkeston. Every year it caters for thousands of learners spanning post-16 students pursuing academic and technical pathways, apprentices at all levels, higher education students, and adults seeking career progression, upskilling and reskilling.

About the roles

Being a Governor in the FE sector is like no other voluntary role.  At Derby College Group, you will be a member of the Board of Corporation led by our Chair, Andrew Cochrane, contributing to the overall responsibilities of the Board, which include:

• The preservation and development of the educational character and mission of the Group and oversight of its activities:
• Setting and communicating the Group’s strategy and goals.
• Exercising effective control to ensure that funds and assets are protected, the organisation remains solvent and legal obligations are met.
• Holding executive leaders to account for the educational performance and quality of the college and for the performance of staff.

The DCG Corporation structure consists of five Board meetings per year with all Governors attending and a number of specific committees, including Curriculum Performance, Audit, Finance & Resources and Strategy & Curriculum Planning, feeding into the main Board.

Who we are looking for

Chair of Finance & Resources Committee

We welcome applications from qualified financial leaders, someone who understands technical accounting, and has the ability to monitor financial performance to ensure financial stability. Candidates may have gained their professional experience from a range of settings, including education, the public sector, charities, and other corporate entities.

Given the committee leadership nature of this role, we anticipate that candidates will have previous experience sitting on or reporting to a Board, which will provide them with the skills and understanding of the expectations, processes, and procedures that come with leading a committee.

You will attend all board meetings and lead the Finance & Resources Committee that meets five times over the academic year, along with building a trusted professional relationship with our Chief Financial Officer, Jo Clifford.

Governor – Audit

As a member of the Corporation and Audit Committee, you will attend all Board meetings as well as the Audit Committee meetings.

For this role, we are seeking someone ideally with a regulatory background, an active interest in further education, and someone with strategic awareness experience and understanding, as well as critical reasoning skills and the ability to engage in board-level discussions and decision-making.

Most importantly, you will be passionate about the power of education at all stages in life and will have an understanding of the area, both the City of Derby and the wider East Midlands.

You will also be a team player and a critical thinker, using these skills to work closely with other Governors to continue to drive forward the success of the College for students and the City of Derby.

Peridot Partners and Derby College Group 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 candidates will be subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references before any final offer can be made.

Please click 'Redirect to recruiter’ to be redirected to the Peridot Partners website, where you can find full details of the candidate profile and register your interest to apply.

Applications for this role close at 9 a.m. Monday 1st September 2025.

We are currently seeking a trustee to join the board of GREENHEART LEARNING PARTNERSHIP, a trust of 10 schools in the authority areas of Birmingham, Walsall and Staffordshire. The trust has an annual budget of £24m.

Greenheart Learning Partnership comprises 10 primary schools spread across three local authorities (Birmingham, Walsall, and Staffordshire). All but one school was judged as ‘Good’ at their last Ofsted inspections. The one exception was judged ‘Requires Improvement’ overall but was rated ‘Good’ in two areas. The trust has undergone some changes since its establishment in 2012 with the University of Wolverhampton as its sponsor. The Trust previously had a small number of secondary schools, but these moved to another trust two to three years ago, shifting the focus of the trust to primary education. There is no immediate plan for further growth, but this remains open for discussion.

The trust supports over 400 staff and serves around 3,150 children. One of the schools also has a special resource base, and two additional special units are being added to other schools. These units, each accommodating approximately 10 pupils with additional needs (specialising in autism), provide specialist support while enabling access to the mainstream curriculum. The trust also has robust financial procedures, healthy reserves, and a central strategic statement.

Greenheart Learning Partnership replaced its Local Governing Boards with Parent Forums in Summer 2024. This decision aimed to enhance community and stakeholder engagement at the local governance level. Two of the schools have Interim Advisory Boards (IABs) to provide additional challenge and support, and the reports/minutes from each Parent Forum (along with the IABs) are shared with Trustees at meetings. The trust has received positive feedback regarding the Parent Forums, with the Governance Lead noting that the more informal setting has reduced barriers and encouraged greater engagement. The Governance Lead joined the trust at the start of 2025 and is currently reviewing all aspects of governance to ensure its effectiveness and sustainability.

An external governance review is planned for the next academic year, following the Governance Lead’s initial review and implementation of necessary changes.

The Trust’s requirements

The trust currently has seven Trustees and is recruiting to build capacity and ensure sustainability. The board possesses a range of skills but seeks to expand its expertise further. Ideal candidates may have backgrounds in business, finance, HR, or governance. The trust welcomes applications from individuals of all backgrounds but is particularly keen to encourage candidates from traditionally underrepresented groups.

Greenheart Learning Partnership seeks enthusiastic Trustees who are committed to strengthening governance and driving best practices. The Chair has been in post for nearly two years, and the Vice Chair previously chaired a local governing board that was deemed effective. As governance develops, there are likely to be opportunities for the right candidate to contribute to succession planning, potentially stepping into roles such as committee chair, vice chair, or even future chair of the board.

Trustees are currently expected to attend Trust Board meetings and two committees, though this is likely to reduce to one committee as the board’s capacity increases through this recruitment campaign. Trust Board and committee meetings are currently held remotely on Mondays from 1pm – 3pm, however this is currently under review and there may be some in-person meetings required.

All new Trustees will receive an induction programme led by the Governance Lead, as well as access to CST and GovernorHub Knowledge (formerly The Key). Additionally, all new Trustees will be provided with access to Governors for Schools’ ‘The First 100 Days as a Trustee’ eLearning module.

We are currently seeking two trustees and a member – a role akin to that of a shareholder – to join the respective boards of Achieve and Learnt Trust, a trust of two schools, with an annual budget of £14m.

Achieve and Learn is a two-school trust that grew out of Altrincham College (an 11–18 academy in Trafford) and Reddish Vale High School (an 11–16 academy in Stockport). Achieve and Learn Trust is going through a period of change, making this an ideal time to join and make a real difference to the trust’s future, particularly in supporting improvements at Reddish Vale High School. You are likely to join the trustees or members along with others, meaning there would be mutual support as you gain an understanding of this developing trust. The expansion of Altrincham College is a relatively rare opportunity to oversee future developments. The trust is developing its central team and the services it provides, giving new Trustees the chance to contribute to strategic decisions that will shape the trust’s future over the next few years.

Altrincham College is a very popular school that is consistently oversubscribed (last judged by Ofsted as ‘Good’ in May 2022). Trafford Local Authority is keen for the school to grow further, and there are plans for an extension costing approximately £16 million for potentially two to three additional forms of entry. This expansion would take place over several years as pupils move up through the year groups. Current plans suggest the extension will open in 2026, but due to delays with the Department for Education (DfE), this date may be pushed back.

Achieve and Learn Trust also supports Reddish Vale High School, which was placed in special measures in June 2024. The trust has implemented several changes to improve the overall quality of education and leadership, including changes in school leadership and substantial reforms to local governance. The DfE has issued the trust with a Termination Warning Notice (TWN) regarding Reddish Vale. This is a common step when an academy is judged ‘Inadequate’ by Ofsted, warning that the DfE may terminate the school’s funding agreement and rebroker it to another trust. The TWN was issued in September 2024, and trust leaders have met with the DfE to discuss the targeted support being provided. The trust remains committed to improving the school and strongly believes progress is being made. Ofsted inspectors are due to conduct a monitoring visit later this year.

The trust is keen to grow further but is unlikely to expand until Reddish Vale High School has demonstrated suitable improvement. There are other schools in the area that may consider joining Achieve and Learn in the future, though there are no immediate expansion plans. This represents an opportunity for new Trustees to contribute to strategic planning and decision-making. The trust has an annual income of approximately £14 million, and budgets are balanced, with suitable reserves in line with DfE recommendations. The trust has also received additional support for Reddish Vale’s improvement journey through collaboration with a strong trust brokered by the DfE. An independent, external review of governance has been commissioned via the Confederation of School Trusts (CST), with a report expected later in the spring.

The Trust’s requirements

Achieve and Learn Trust is looking to recruit at least two trustees and one member to join the trust. Trustee candidates will ideally have a background in business, governance, finance, or estates/engineering. Member candidates should have general business experience and may have previous director or non-executive director experience.

Trustees joining at this time are likely to be part of a small group joining the board simultaneously, expanding the skills and capacity of the current board. There is likely to be an opportunity for the right candidate to move into a leadership role, such as committee chair or vice chair, as part of the trust’s succession plans. The current chair is a retired headteacher from another school in the region and took on the role in summer 2024. The vice chair has served the trust for a considerable time, ensuring a mix of experience and healthy turnover.

All meetings are planned well in advance. Trust board meetings are held six times a year (once per half term) on Tuesdays from 6pm – 8pm, in person at Altrincham College. Finance, Risk, and Audit Committee meetings are held three times a year (once per term) on Tuesdays from 6pm – 8pm, also in person at the college. It is anticipated that Candidates with the relevant professional experience will be asked to join the Finance, Risk, and Audit Committee as well as the trust board. Candidates from other backgrounds are also welcome to express an interest in joining this committee.

The members meet for the AGM once a year but may also be convened for additional updates, up to three times annually, including the AGM.

All new Trustees and Members will receive an induction from the trust. This includes online training from the trust and external partners, assignment of a ‘buddy,’ and access to online forums such as National College and The Key. Additionally, all new trustees will receive access to Governors for Schools’ ‘The First 100 Days as a Trustee’ eLearning module, an immersive resource accredited by CPD.

The Board at Furness Education Trust, located in Cumbria, is seeking two new Trustees possessing extensive leadership experience in an education setting (primary or secondary). The Trust has seven schools and an annual budget of £16.3m.

Furness Education Trust (FET) is a seven-school Trust based in Barrow-in-Furness. The Trust originally grew out of Furness Academy and now includes two secondary schools and five primary schools. All academies in the Trust are rated ‘Good’ or ‘Outstanding,’ except for Walney School, which joined the Trust in January 2025 with a ‘Requires Improvement’ judgement. Walney School was previously part of another Multi-Academy Trust (MAT), and when that MAT closed, the Department for Education (DfE) asked FET to take over the school due to the Trust’s capacity to provide support.

While Furness Academy is relatively large and oversubscribed, Walney School is smaller, with room to expand and accommodate more pupils. The Trust is actively working to encourage increased pupil intake at Walney. As the two secondary schools are less than three miles apart, there is an opportunity to attract more students to Walney, particularly as it moves onto a firm trajectory of improvement.

FET also supports small rural primary schools with fewer than 90 pupils and mixed-age classes. The Trust firmly believes that these schools play a vital role in their communities and is committed to maintaining their quality and sustainability.

Furness Education Trust benefits from the sponsorship and active support of BAE Systems, with several of its Trustees holding senior roles within the organisation. The Trust is also exploring innovative curriculum opportunities at Walney School, particularly in modern engineering and digital skills, to align with the region’s workforce needs. Additionally, FET is fostering collaboration with George Hastwell School, a neighbouring special school, reinforcing its commitment to regional partnerships and inclusive education.

The Trust’s Requirements

Furness Education Trust is seeking two experienced educational professionals with expertise in primary and/or secondary education to join its board. Both appointees will serve on the Quality of Education & Standards Committee, with the expectation that one may take on the role of committee chair following the planned departure of the current chair. The trust is looking for individuals who can provide both support and challenge to ensure the highest standards across all its academies.

Ideal candidates will have senior leadership experience across multiple schools, whether within a multi-academy trust, a local authority, or as part of a school improvement initiative. This may include executive leadership roles, school improvement expertise, or consultancy work with a proven track record of driving educational excellence. While familiarity with the Ofsted inspection framework is beneficial, formal inspector training is not required.

The Trust’s governance structure includes three committees, including the Quality of Education & Standards Committee. New Trustees will be expected to attend all main Trust Board meetings, which take place four times a year (September, December, March and July), as well as meetings of the Quality of Education & Standards Committee.

Meetings are typically held in person at Furness Academy on Wednesdays at 4.30 pm and last approximately two hours. While in-person attendance is preferred, the Trust provides remote access when necessary.

All new Trustees will receive an induction programme supported by the governance professional and the Trust’s governance partner, Judicium. The induction programme includes an introductory visit and meeting, training on GovernorHub, essential reading such as role descriptors and the code of conduct, and an introduction to the National Governance Association training programme. Additionally, all new trustees will be provided with access to Governors for Schools’ ‘The First 100 Days as a Trustee’ eLearning module.

This is an opportunity to contribute strategically to a well-regarded Trust that is recognised by the DfE for its capacity and expertise. FET values collaboration and innovation, working closely with BAE Systems and local education providers to enhance curriculum provision and drive regional educational improvement. Trustees will play a key role in shaping the future of the Trust, supporting school improvement efforts, and ensuring that all children receive the highest quality education.

If you are an experienced educational leader looking for a meaningful way to give back to the education sector, we encourage you to apply for this rewarding role.

Bridge College, part of the Together Trust, is a specialist college in Manchester for students aged 16 to 25 with learning difficulties, disabilities, complex health needs, and autism. We offer a highly personalised approach to education, helping our learners thrive and reach their full potential.

We are currently seeking a dedicated volunteer to join our Governing Body and play a vital role in shaping the future of our college and the lives of our students.

What Does a Governor Do?

As a College Governor, you’ll support the strategic leadership of the college by:

• Helping shape the long-term vision, values, and priorities.

• Holding college leaders to account for the quality of education, student outcomes, wellbeing, and safety.

• Ensuring compliance with legal and financial responsibilities.

• Engaging with staff and students through visits and meetings.

Who We’re Looking For:

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and are particularly keen to hear from individuals with:

• Experience in education, especially in teaching and learning, SEND, or SEMH.

• A commitment to inclusion, equity, and diversity.

• The capacity to take on leadership responsibilities, such as Chair of the Quality of Education subgroup (desirable but not essential).

• Strong analytical, evaluative, and collaborative skills.

No specific qualifications are required—just time, insight, and passion.

You’ll also have the chance to take on specific areas of responsibility appropriate to your expertise, such as:

• Teaching and learning

• Curriculum and assessment

Time Commitment:

• Approx. 9–15 hours per term for meetings and preparation

• Additional 5+ hours per term for visits, training, and events

• Initial 15 hours of core training in the first year (mainly online)

• Ongoing annual safeguarding and role-specific training

What You’ll Gain:

• Personal fulfilment from supporting young people with complex needs

• Strategic leadership and governance experience

• Full induction, training, and ongoing support

• Travel and out-of-pocket expenses reimbursed