Facilities and estate manager volunteer roles
City of Wolverhampton College is looking for dynamic and committed individuals to join its Corporation Board as Governors. This is a unique opportunity to help shape the strategic direction of a forward-thinking college whose purpose is to define futures.
Location: Wolverhampton
Time commitment: 12 hours per month
Closing date: 9 a.m. Wednesday 12th November
Who we are
City of Wolverhampton College currently operates from two main campuses in Wolverhampton – Paget Road and Wellington Road – and delivers over 300 different qualifications through a range of full-time and part-time courses, including apprenticeships and HE. We also have specialist provisions for polymer training, rail, and electric vehicle maintenance, delivered from satellite sites at Telford, Dudley, and Bentley Bridge (Wolverhampton). Each year, we deliver education and training to around 9,000 students.
As an education provider, the College is subject to periodic inspection by Ofsted. The most recent inspection took place in January 2023, and the College was rated ‘Good’ overall, demonstrating the high level of quality that we deliver across the College. This is further demonstrated by our consistently high achievement rates, our growth in our student recruitment numbers and the high levels of satisfaction that both our students and our staff report.
Over recent times, we have been progressing with an exciting estate transformation project, which has already seen us extend our Wellington Road campus to include new training workshops and classrooms as part of our Construction Innovation Centre. Furthermore, in November, we will take the next step on this journey by vacating our Paget Road site and moving into a new state-of-the-art campus – the City Learner Quarter.
These estate developments are just one example of how we continue to evolve and develop our provision, ensuring that the education and training we deliver are of the highest quality whilst led by the needs of our local community, employers and stakeholders such as the West Midlands Combined Authority.
From a strategic perspective, our new strategic plan will be published soon and has been created in collaboration between our Governors and our Senior Leadership Team, led by our Principal & Chief Executive, Louise Fall, who was appointed just over a year ago.
Once this plan is published, attention will turn from development to delivery, and to do this, Louise and her colleagues across the college will be able to call upon the board for their support. Our Board is made up of a diverse range of successful strategic leaders. As our college enters a new phase of its journey, we believe now is the right time to add new perspectives and expertise to our board. As such, we now seek to appoint a number of new members who can provide this in the years ahead.
About the role
Becoming a Governor at the City of Wolverhampton College is a rewarding opportunity to use your professional skills and experience to make a tangible difference to education, our local communities, and the lives of diverse group of learners.
As a Governor, you will play a central role in shaping the future of the College, ensuring it continues to thrive and delivers high-quality education and training.
Working collectively as part of our Corporation Board, led by our Chair, Mike Hastings, you will help determine the organisational culture, educational character and strategic direction of the College, while safeguarding its financial health and long-term sustainability. For context, our annual turnover is c.£43m, and we have a formal financial health rating of Good.
Governors at the College hold responsibility for approving such things as our mission and our annual budgets, as well as overseeing the performance and remuneration of senior leaders. The Board also sets frameworks for staff pay and conditions, ensuring that the College remains an excellent place to work and study.
In our most recent external review of governance, our board was recognised as being high-performing and for ensuring that we prioritise the success and well-being of our students. The findings of this review showed our board was highly proficient and consistently had a positive impact on college strategy, effectiveness and outcomes.
Your impact as a Governor will be wide-reaching: from safeguarding the use of public funds and ensuring strong governance, to setting and monitoring targets that drive student retention, achievement, and success. In short, you will help ensure every learner has the opportunity to reach their potential.
Who we are looking for
Having considered the current skills composition on our Board, we believe there are several areas of expertise which would add considerable value to our Board. These are:
- Qualified finance professionals
- Professionals working in senior compliance, risk and audit-focused roles
- Those working in leadership roles within local employers and the wider business community, ideally leading business operations of an organisation which complements the curriculum strategy of the college.
- Those with oversight and responsibility for large-scale capital development projects and facilities management in similarly large and complex organisations
- A professional with expertise in the area of safeguarding
Prior experience as a member of a non-executive board is not essential, but it will, of course, be welcomed, especially where this experience relates to time served on an audit or finance committee within a complex business or not-for-profit environment.
The role requires commitment and active participation. Our Governors meet five times per year in person on Thursdays from 5 pm, with additional committee and strategy sessions across the year. Preparation, attendance, and engagement are essential, as is a willingness to attend College events and undertake training. On average, the role involves around 12 hours per month.
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. Wednesday 12th November.
Recruitment Agency
21 - 50
We’re an executive search firm working across third sector, education and membership sectors to transform leadership and inspire change.
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Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
We’re seeking three experienced individuals to share their knowledge and expertise to support the mission, leadership, and governance of our college. These are vacancies arising as other governors complete their terms of office.
What will you be doing?
For the Board to be effective as we navigate the challenges and opportunities of an ever-evolving education and policy landscape, we require governors with a range of knowledge and skills and the commitment and enthusiasm to actively engage in governance and be a supportive advocate of Sparsholt College Group.
You’ll attend 2-3 board/committee meetings per academic term and engage with our college community and stakeholders. In return, we offer the fulfilling opportunity to work with a great team of aspirational people and contribute and develop your knowledge in a meaningful environment.
We also welcome applications from those with chairing acumen gained in a similarly complex organisation and a potential interest in a future leadership role on the Board as part of our succession planning for the Chair of Governors and other roles.
What are we looking for?
We believe in the strength of a diverse governing body and welcome applicants with varied backgrounds who bring fresh perspectives.
At this time, we particularly welcome professional expertise in:
- Education – especially post-16 (FE/ HE)
- Financial oversight (commercial or public sector)
- Chairing a board or leading a complex organisation
- Legal
- Board-level governance
- Sustainability
- Property and land management
We also value experience in sectors linked to our curriculum offer or knowledge of our local and regional stakeholders.
What difference will you make?
Colleges play a pivotal role in delivering the education and skills needs of the local and national economy and your expertise and insights will help make an important impact on shaping the future of our organisation and enhancing the impact of education for our students and the prosperity of the industries we support.
The areas of experience we have identified as current recruitment priorities compliment the knowledge of other governors and link to the remits of the Board's specialist subcommittees.
Non Charity Employer
101 - 500
Raising Aspirations, Unlocking Potential, Advancing Futures
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Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Wicksteed Park opened in 1921, making it the oldest theme park on UK mainland. Its founder, Charles Wicksteed purchased the land in 1913. His initial goal was to create a model village for the local community, however following World War One and housing reforms, Charles looked to develop a park for people to spend their leisure time. He set up a charitable trust in 1916 and went on to build a number of prefabricated houses – some of which still exist and are within the park grounds.
A century ago, Charles Wicksteed put into practice his deep-held belief that all children, no matter how rich or poor, should have somewhere safe and fun to play outdoors. Public parks in Charles’ own youth had been very formal places where you walked sedately along the paths, keeping off the grass. He was determined to provide something different and here at Wicksteed he did just that, using his engineering skills to provide a new and exciting element to public open spaces.
Swings, slides and roundabouts, parks and playgrounds are the background to many of our freest and most joyful childhood memories. They are something that we all share, generations of us, from all over Britain, but this is where it all started. Wicksteed Park is truly somewhere amazing and very special.
It is good to see this story of Kettering’s contribution to our nation’s health and happiness and to remember that Wicksteed is a place with an incredible heritage and an exciting future. Wicksteed Park is much more than an amusement park and continues to attract hundreds of thousands of visitors each year to play and explore in its beautiful grounds.
Still delivering its core heritage but focusing on the connections with Kettering and wider communities, Wicksteed Charitable Trust has an opportunity to grow and transform, ensuring we are contributing to our communities’ wellbeing for the next century. It is thanks to the value, care, generosity, determination of our amazing volunteers that ensures the park has continued to deliver over some challenging years for the park.
We are now looking to expand our Trustee Board and are looking for people from a range of backgrounds who understand our community, the challenges that modern families face and have the drive and determination to deliver strategic objectives to build on our links and our regional presence. We would also like to hear from people who can bring professional expertise especially in areas including Law, Finance, Leisure and Tourism and Land Management.
As a Trustee at Wicksteed Park you will join a small team of existing Trustees. We are looking for individuals who will bring their own experience to complement our collaborative approach. You will be asked to speak out, offer opinion and be a critical friend, enabler and constructive challenge to the team..
About Us
Charles Wicksteed’s dream was to provide free play for all. Today The Wicksteed Trust’s main objective is to provide a safe environment for people of all ages to relax and play and to provide a focus for community activity. Wicksteed Park is a Grade II listed Historic Park with four County Wildlife Sites and a Scheduled Ancient Monument.
We play an important role in Kettering contributing to our communities’ health and happiness. Our aim is to grow and develop our offering to Regional and National communities promoting what Wicksteed Park has to offer.
Role
Trustees are responsible for making sure the charity stays true to its mission and vision. Being a Trustee of an historic, community-based charity, means making decisions that will impact on the communities we serve across in Kettering and the wider county, enriching lives and providing a focus for community activity.
Trustees, led by a Chair, have independent control over, and legal responsibility for, the charity’s management and administration. They act as the ultimate decision makers of the organisation, protecting the interests of the members and the public. They agree the strategy and hold the executives to account for the management of the organisation.
Responsibilities
Governance
· Understand the charity’s purposes as set out in its governing document and ensure compliance to law and other relevant regulations.
· Ensure the charity has a clear vision, mission and strategic direction and is focused on achieving these in partnership with other Trustees.
· Ensure the sustainability of the charity and sound risk management.
· Oversee what the charity does and what it needs to achieve.
· Be responsible for the performance of the charity and for its 'corporate' behaviour.
· Act as a guardian of the charity's assets, both tangible and intangible, taking all due care over their security, deployment, and proper application.
· Ensure the charity's governance is of the highest possible standard.
Leadership
· Contribute to the development of the charity‘s long term strategy.
· Raise public profile and promote the reputation of the organisation.
Financial Management
· Ensure the charity’s assets are only used to support or carry out its purposes.
· Evaluate risks to the assets or reputation.
· Monitor and assess the organisation’s results in relation to the agreed strategy, budget and implementation plan.
In addition to the above duties, each Trustee should use any specific skills, knowledge or experience they have to help the Board of Trustees reach sound decisions. This may involve leading sub committees, leading discussions, identifying key issues, providing advice and guidance on new initiatives, and evaluating or offering advice on other areas in which the Trustee has particular expertise.
Person Specification
The Board of Trustees collectively needs skills and experience in the following areas:
· Law
· Finance
· Land Management
· Leisure and Tourism
Essential
· Ability to commit to essential Board and Sub Committee meetings and participate on any further critical meetings or email discussions as appropriate.
· Good communication skills across all levels.
· Excellent planning and organisational ability with long term focus.
· Genuine passion and interest in the charity’s work.
· Integrity and openness.
· An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of Trusteeship.
Desirable
· Understanding of charity governance, legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities.
· Understanding of the voluntary sector.
Length of appointment
Our Trustees are appointed for an initial three-year term, and can be re-appointed for up to two more three-year terms (there is a maximum of nine years’ continuous service).
Time commitment
The estimated Trustee time commitment is a minimum of 6 half day full trust meetings each year (held every other month), plus reading and preparation time. Board meetings will be held at Wicksteed Park in Kettering. Additional commitment to any sub-committee or ad-hoc duties may be reasonably required. Sub-Committee meetings may be held online and it is expected these will be held quarterly.
Remuneration
The Trustee appointment is voluntary but reasonable expenses will be reimbursed in line with the expenses policy.
Location
Wicksteed Park, Kettering, NN15 6NJ.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
Wicksteed Charitable Trust follows the principles of equality, diversity and inclusion and seeks a diverse Trust Board to meet the needs of the organisation.
Thank you!
Join us in making a positive impact on young people, meeting employers’ skills needs, and supporting our communities. Help set the strategic direction of our college, drive innovation, and support our commitment to inclusivity and sustainability. We have two immediate vacancies and one or two further opportunities arising in 2026.
Governors are voluntary, non-executive board members who contribute their expertise, working constructively with the executive to set strategic direction, assess performance and ensure financial sustainability. You’ll work with a dedicated team, receive training and support, and gain insights into strategic business leadership. You’ll attend 2-3 board/committee meetings per academic term.
We’re seeking people with the enthusiasm and commitment to share their knowledge and experience to support the mission, leadership, governance of our college in an ever-evolving education environment. We believe in the strength of a diverse governing body and welcome applicants with varied backgrounds who bring fresh perspectives.
We particularly welcome professional expertise in:
- Education – especially post-16 (FE/ HE)
- Financial oversight (commercial or public sector)
- Chairing a board or leading a complex organisation
- Legal
- Board-level governance
- Sustainability
- Property and land management
We also value experience in sectors linked to our curriculum offer or knowledge of our local and regional stakeholders.
Read our candidate information pack for more information about the role and time commitment.
To apply for this opportunity or for an informal discussion, please visit our Governance site.
The applications closing day is Wednesday 5 November 2025 (midnight).
Non Charity Employer
101 - 500
Raising Aspirations, Unlocking Potential, Advancing Futures
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
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The Yard Theatre is seeking new Board Members to join us - as we prepare to open an exciting new building, welcoming thousands more people to our East London home.
At this pivotal time, we’re looking for new Board members to help lead the organisation through a period of change and growth, helping us realise the phenomenal potential of our new space.
We are looking to recruit individuals with experience in Commercial Theatre Producing, Fundraising and Financial Accounting and Strategy.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.