Independent Governor

RHACC Richmond and Hillcroft Adult Community College; Greater London; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institute in Greater London is seeking College Governors to shape the future of adult education. Governors will oversee the College’s vision, budget, and operations while developing leadership skills in a collaborative environment. The role is unpaid but offers significant personal and professional benefits, including the opportunity to positively impact the local community. Applicants should be ready to dedicate approximately five hours a month to this role.

Benefits

Opportunity to develop leadership skills

Community impact

Networking opportunities

Qualifications

• Ability to make decisions for the good of the College as a whole.
• Understanding of the standards of behaviour for those in public life.
• Willingness to commit time for meetings and discussions.

Responsibilities

• Determine the educational character and vision for the College.
• Approve the annual budget and strategy.
• Serve on committees and attend meetings.

Job description

College Governor Role

College governors are expected to share their knowledge, ideas and enthusiasm within a forum of like‑minded individuals. There isn't one type of person best suited to becoming a governor and you don't need a qualification to do so. But in deciding to apply ask yourself the following questions:

• As a Board member, can I put aside personal interest and make decisions for the good of the College as a whole, respecting confidentiality and sharing collective responsibility?
• Do I understand and accept the "Standards of behaviour for those in public life"?
• Am I able to put in time to attend meetings, to read the papers beforehand and to contribute to discussions?

About Richmond & Hillcroft Adult and Community College (RHACC)

Richmond and Hillcroft Adult Community College (RHACC) is one of nine institutes of adult learning (IAL) in the UK and was established in October 2017 through the merger of Richmond Adult and Community College and Hillcroft College. The college utilises shared expertise in adult learning and is committed to the needs of adults and communities that require further educational or tailored opportunities to develop the skills to thrive and achieve their potential. RHACC is the adult education provider of choice in South West London. Our skilled adult learning workforce delivers outstanding learning and development opportunities from first‑class facilities in Richmond.

What Do Governors Do?

The Richmond and Hillcroft Adult and Community College Board determines the educational character and vision for the College. The Board approves the annual budget, capital and investment strategy as well as the College’s curriculum and quality strategy. The Board is the employer of the staff and management of the College. The Board consists of a maximum of 17 members, who act as company directors as well as charity trustees. The Board normally meets five times a year. It may also meet on other occasions (e.g. during Governors’ Development Events, which are used to develop the leadership and other skills of the Board and to concentrate on strategic issues facing the College). There are four committees: Audit, Finance and Resources, Quality and Standards and Search and Governance, and governors will be asked to serve on at least one committee. It is estimated that the time commitment for a governor serving on the Board and one committee is approximately five hours a month.

Benefits of Becoming a Governor

Although the role of college governor is unpaid, there are significant personal and professional benefits to taking this position. Becoming a governor provides not only plenty of opportunities to really shape your local community, but the professional benefits also gained from the role cannot be understated either. You will be able to develop leadership skills on the job, as well as upskilling and refreshing your knowledge in a vibrant and impactful environment. Every year, 6,000 people become governors in the FE sphere in the almost 300 colleges in the UK. In England alone, 1.7 million students attend FE, sixth form and specialist colleges, underlining the huge influence and responsibility that college governors have. One of the most rewarding aspects of becoming a college governor is the position it affords you to give others a helping hand on their journey through life.