Chair Designate

Bring your strategic expertise and boardroom experience to Oldham College, an innovative and inclusive further education college seeking to empower potential and achieve success.

Applications close at 9 a.m. Monday 12th January.

Who we are

Oldham College stands at the heart of one of Greater Manchester’s most ambitious and diverse communities – a college that has been transforming lives and futures since 1893. We deliver high-quality technical, vocational and professional education to thousands of learners each year, supporting regional growth, innovation and opportunity. With over 130 years of history as Oldham’s technical and skills provider, we take great pride in continuing to build on our legacy across the town.

About the role

The Governing Board of Oldham College is made up of a group of 15 dedicated and committed strategic leaders who have gained their experience through a broad range of settings and sectors, including further and higher education, the NHS, local charities, local businesses and globally recognised companies.

As Chair Designate, you will play a pivotal leadership role in shaping the strategic direction, governance and reputation of our College. You will ensure that our Board functions as an effective, cohesive and forward-thinking body that upholds the highest standards of corporate governance. You will inspire confidence and collaboration across the Board, the senior executive team and key external partners, ensuring that every decision aligns with the College’s mission to serve students, employers and the wider community. A key aspect of the role is to develop the Board itself—building a diverse, skilled and engaged team of governors. 

Working collaboratively with the Principal & CEO and our other senior leaders, you will achieve the College’s objectives to maintain accountability for performance, financial sustainability and safeguarding. 

Alongside our full Governing Board, as Chair, you would be expected to join a number of these:

• Quality & Curriculum
• Resources
• Audit
• Remuneration
• Governance & Search

Who we are looking for

The successful candidate will be a highly credible, principled and forward-thinking leader who demonstrates a deep personal commitment to further education and the mission of Oldham College.

You will bring a strong belief in the power of education to transform lives and a genuine alignment with the College’s values, aims and community-focused objectives.

You will possess the strategic vision and independent judgement needed to guide the Board through complex decisions, ensuring that governance remains both robust and responsive to the evolving educational and economic landscape. With strong political awareness and an understanding of the regional context, you will be able to anticipate opportunities and challenges while maintaining a clear focus on student success and institutional integrity.

Peridot Partners and Oldham 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 this role close at 9 a.m. Monday 12th January.