Outstanding in every area, Newcastle and Stafford Colleges Group (NSCG) are looking for new members to join their Board and support them as they navigate their strategic development and delivery on their journey for even greater success.
Location: Newcastle-under-Lyme and Stafford
Time commitment: Approx. 10 hours per month
Closing date: 9 a.m. Wednesday 25th June
Newcastle and Stafford Colleges Group (NSCG) is Staffordshire’s leading General Further Education College, with pass rates and student achievement rates amongst the very best in the country.
We provide a wide range of academic, vocational and apprenticeship qualifications from entry to degree level, along with support services to help our students achieve their goals. The College has grown significantly over the past 10 years and is currently home to a population of over 8,000 students studying full-time, part-time, higher education and apprenticeship programmes with us.
Who we are
In 2019, NSCG became the first further education provider in England to achieve the top grade of Outstanding in every area of Ofsted’s reformed Education Inspection Framework.
When we were inspected again in October 2024, we were able to demonstrate the continued consistency of our provision by once again achieving the same result – Outstanding in every area!
The latest inspection report praised all areas of our provision, acknowledging the pace at which our students make progress in their learning as well as the high aspirations that our leaders have by commenting that “with clarity and passion, leaders set high expectations for staff and learners” whilst also highlighting the extensive investment we have made in state-of-the-art facilities across the college.
The philosophy underpinning everything we do, whether you are a student, a lecturer, a member of our support staff, a manager or a Governor, is to be ‘committed to excellence’.
Our continued aim is to be recognised nationally as an outstanding organisation where students and staff thrive, achieve and make a positive contribution to the cultural and economic prosperity of Staffordshire and beyond.
About the role
The NSCG Corporation is the College’s governing body and currently comprises 16 members. Our board members provide representation from local businesses, local councils and community groups as well from our staff team and our student body.
Through their role on our Corporation Board, our members represent the particular interests of the local community and public interest in general. They oversee the way the College is run, ensuring it meets the needs of the local community, school leavers and employers.
It ensures the highest professional and ethical standards as well as the effective use of resources. Governors are responsible for the financial solvency of the institution, the proper use of public funds, sound management and the quality of education, training and business service provided. Perhaps even more importantly, our Governors set the tone of our organisation, shape our culture and help define the values through which we work.
Who we are looking for
Successful candidates will be those who can offer their commitment to supporting the College’s ambition to build on our successes and drive forward our aspirations to be an even more effective and impactful organisation.
These roles offer a fantastic opportunity to join an ambitious and committed Corporation and become a member of one of the College’s committees allowing you to genuinely have an impact on the success of our College, the achievements of our students and the future prosperity of our local communities.
This passion and commitment should be underpinned by a track record of significant expertise and impactful leadership that would be relevant in relation to the following committees.
Audit Committee
Firstly, we will welcome candidates with expertise and experience gained in the areas highlighted below. Candidates will not only be motivated to join our Board but will also be able to commit the time to joining our Audit Committee.
- Qualified senior audit professionals
- Senior risk and compliance professionals
- Senior professionals with expertise in data protection and/or cyber security
- Qualified finance professionals
Education & Standards Committee
We also seek applications from strategic leaders from across the wider education sector. This experience could come from those working within the higher education sector, in local secondary schools, multi-academy trusts, independent training providers, specialist SEND providers, or the further education sector itself.
We will also welcome applications from candidates who are based within large employers but who have an understanding and appreciation of the impacts that our provision has on their workforce. We believe such candidates will offer valuable insights into the future development of our curriculum.
Successful candidates with this particular experience will be appointed to our full Board as well as our Education & Standards Committee, which currently has eight other members.
Finance & General Purposes Committee
Finally, we also seek to appoint a new member to our board who is an experienced, senior and strategically focused, qualified, finance professional. Whilst candidates may have professional expertise as a senior financial leader, they may also have additional experience of working in more board operational roles which encompass responsibilities linked to estates and resource functions.
The successful candidate will be appointed to our full Board as well as our Finance & General Purposes Committee, on which there are currently six other members.
Expectations and commitment
Successful candidates will be appointed on the basis of a four-year term of office.
Whilst previous governance experience is not essential, candidates will need to be able demonstrate an understanding of the principles of good governance and how these should be implemented to discharge fiduciary responsibilities in the context of a non-executive board.
You will be able to apply your specialist knowledge and expertise to contribute to strategic discussions and decision-making by working constructively as part of a non-executive team whilst demonstrating an understanding that Governors must act fairly and impartially, with a commitment to the principles of safeguarding, equality and diversity.
The appointed candidates will be expected to attend five meetings of the Board each year, and the frequency of our Committee meetings varies as below:
- Education & Standards Committee: four meetings per year
- Audit Committee: three meetings per year
- Finance & General Purposes Committee: three meetings per year
We try to always ensure that meetings are held in person as this allows governors to experience the vibrant College atmosphere whilst on site.
Governors usually dedicate an average of around 10 hours per month to their role, which includes meeting preparation, attendance and follow-up. However, we are privileged that our Governors also dedicate additional time to the College. They each spend time each term, visiting our sites, engaging with our staff and students, and use this as a chance to see our impacts first-hand. We hope to receive applications from individuals who would be open to offering a similar level of commitment to our organisation.
All of our Governors are supported throughout their terms of office. Induction, training and development opportunities are all available, as well as the invitation to attend a range of exciting events and ceremonies throughout the year. This type of engagement by the governing body with the wider College community is both encouraged and supported, and allows our governors to fully appreciate the vibrancy, inclusivity and success of the organisation.
We encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds to join our Board, to better reflect our communities and welcome different thinking to ensure we include all voices of our society.
Peridot Partners and Newcastle and Stafford Colleges 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 candidate will be subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references before any final offer can be made.
Recruitment Agency 
11 - 20
Thank you!
The Sheila McKechnie Foundation (SMK) was set up in June 2005 in memory of legendary campaigner, Sheila McKechnie.Campaigning is vital to a healthy society. We help campaigners to thrive. In a free and hopeful society, people need to know they have the power to make a difference: that they are able to envisage change and can push for that change to happen. For nearly two decades, we have helped all sorts of individuals, causes and charities to find their power as changemakers – as campaigners. We support, connect and champion these campaigners, equipping them to go after the social change they seek.
The Chair will hold the Board and staff team to account for SMK’s mission and vision, provide inclusive leadership to the Board and ensure that Board members fulfil their duties and responsibilities for the effective governance of SMK. The Chair will line manage and support the Chief Executive and ensure that the Board functions as a unit and works closely with the Chief Executive and staff team to achieve agreed objectives. They may also be asked to act as an ambassador and a public face of SMK in partnership with the Chief Executive and the Board.
For further information, see our website and the recruitment pack.
Thank you!
5 x Trustee Position including one Treasurer Role
3ST (Third Sector Together) North West London Voluntary and Community Sector Alliance
About Us
3ST is the alliance of the voluntary and community sector across North West London's Integrated Care Board (ICB) region. We support the voluntary, community, and social enterprise (VCSE) sector in influencing and engaging with our health system while supporting the delivery of meaningful services. Our mission is to increase the VCSE sector's contribution to addressing health inequalities, improving service quality, and supporting healthier lives across North West London.
The Opportunity
We are seeking an experienced professional to join our Board of Trustees, bringing expertise in one or more of the following areas:
• Financial Management and Accounting
• Procurement and Contract Management
• Human Resources
• Corporate Governance
Key Responsibilities
1. Governance
· Ensure the charity is carrying out its purposes for the public benefit.
· Safeguard the charity’s reputation, values, and mission.
· Ensure compliance with the Charity Commission’s regulations, the charity’s governing document, and relevant UK laws.
· Support the development and monitoring of organisational policies and procedures
2. Strategic Oversight
· Contribute to the strategic direction of 3ST, ensuring alignment with our mission and values
· Monitor the implementation and effectiveness of agreed strategies and objectives.
· Guide the development of procurement and contract management processes
3. Financial Management
· Approve budgets and ensure proper financial oversight, including adherence to charity accounting standards.
· Ensure the charity has sufficient resources to operate sustainably and responsibly.
· Assess and manage financial risks appropriately.
4. Risk Management
· Identify and evaluate potential risks, ensuring appropriate measures are in place to mitigate them.
· Maintain safeguarding practices to protect beneficiaries, staff, and the reputation of the charity.
5. Legal Compliance
· Ensure the charity meets its legal and regulatory requirements, including filing annual returns and accounts.
· Ensure adherence to data protection and equality legislation.
6. Advocacy and Representation
· Act as an ambassador for the charity, fostering positive relationships with key stakeholders and partners
· Uphold and actively promote the charity’s values and aims.
· Support the Alliance's representation and influencing work across the health system
· Champion the role of the VCSE sector in addressing health inequalities
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Person Specification
Essential Experience and Skills
· Senior-level experience in either finance, procurement, or governance within the public, private, or voluntary sector
· Understanding of charity governance and trustee responsibilities
· Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
· Experience in strategic planning and risk management
· Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
· An understanding of or connection with North West London.
Desirable Experience
· Knowledge of the health and social care landscape in North West London
· Understanding of integrated care systems and NHS structures
· Previous board or trustee experience
Personal Qualities
· Commitment to reducing health inequalities and improving community wellbeing
· Strong ethical principles and commitment to public service
· Ability to work collaboratively as part of a diverse board
· Strategic thinking and ability to analyse complex information
Time Commitment
· Board meetings bi-monthly (6 per year)
· Annual Board Strategy Away Day
· Additional time for document review and strategic planning sessions
Remuneration
This is a voluntary position. Reasonable expenses will be reimbursed according to our trustee expenses policy.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.