Governors | East Sussex College Group

Peridot Partners; Tudhoe, Lewes, Hastings, Eastbourne; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent educational institution in East Sussex is seeking dynamic Governors to shape the strategic governance of the group. Ideal candidates will possess strong financial management skills and a commitment to equality and diversity. Responsibilities include overseeing college activities, approving strategic plans, and ensuring compliance with legal obligations. Applications must be submitted via email by 10th November 2025.

Qualifications

• Qualified accountant or similar financial management background.
• Experience in audit and financial oversight.
• Expertise in using digital technologies and AI.

Responsibilities

• Setting the educational character and ethos of the Group.
• Approving the Quality Strategy and strategic plans.
• Ensuring financial probity and overseeing college activities.

Skills

Financial management expertise

Audit knowledge and experience

Digital/AI expertise

Experience in complex capital and infrastructure projects

Expertise in marketing and strategic communications

Organisational culture and managing change

FE curriculum and quality expertise

Knowledge of Lewes/Newhaven local areas

Job description

East Sussex College Group (ESCG), a leading further education provider across East Sussex, is looking for motivated and dynamic Governors from a wide range of backgrounds and skills.

Who we are

ESCG spans four campuses in Lewes, Eastbourne, Hastings and Newhaven and offers a full spectrum of educational pathways, from A‑Levels and T‑Levels to apprenticeships and higher‑education programmes. Our mission is to empower learners and communities through high‑quality teaching, state‑of‑the‑art facilities and strong industry partnerships.

About the role

You will sit on the College Group Board and work closely with the CEO & Principal, the Executive Committee and senior post holders to shape the strategic direction and day‑to‑day governance of the Group.

Governor responsibilities

• Setting the educational character and ethos of the Group.
• Articulating vision, values and strategic direction.
• Approving the Quality Strategy and the strategic plan.
• Overseeing and monitoring college activities and the use of resources.
• Ensuring financial probity, safeguarding assets, approving annual estimates of income and expenditure, and the five‑year financial plan.
• Appointing, grading, suspending, dismissing, appraising and determining pay and conditions for the CEO & Principal and other senior officers; setting pay frameworks for all staff.
• Setting retention and achievement targets, monitoring academic performance and raising standards.
• Ensuring compliance with policies and procedures that fulfil the College’s legal obligations.

Qualifications & skills we are looking for

• Financial management expertise, ideally with a background in further education or a qualified accountant.
• Audit knowledge and experience.
• Digital/AI expertise.
• Experience in complex capital and infrastructure projects.
• Expertise in marketing and strategic communications.
• Organisational culture and managing change.
• FE curriculum and quality expertise.
• Knowledge of the Lewes/Newhaven local areas and existing community networks is desirable.

Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion

ESCG is committed to removing barriers to success for all students and staff, particularly those with disabilities. We uphold the Equality Act 2010 and are involved with the Disability Confident programme. We encourage applications from diverse backgrounds and are happy to accommodate reasonable adjustments.

Application details

Closing date: Monday 10th November 2025. Candidates will be informed of outcomes on Monday 17th November 2025. Interviews are scheduled for Wednesday 26th November 2025.

Applications should include a CV and a statement that clearly outlines your suitability against the criteria above. Email your application to [e-mail] with “Application: East Sussex Colleges Group—Governors” in the subject line.

Data protection

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