Halesowen College

Join Halesowen College’s governing board (Corporation) to work with its governors and senior leaders to achieve the goal of being exceptional.

Who we are looking for and why

As we look to further strengthen the depth and diversity of thought, experience and skills on the Corporation board, we are seeking to appoint new governors to support and steer the college on its journey to become exceptional.

After carrying out an analysis of our current and departing governors, we are particularly looking for individuals with one or more of the following:

Board-level or strategic leadership experience
Experience of undertaking a leadership or governance role in a further education college
Safeguarding or pastoral support experience
Experience within a senior HR/people services management role
Knowledge of the wider policy context for FE colleges, national and regional
Recent and relevant expertise and qualifications in finance, audit, legal and/or regulatory compliance
Good understanding of the local area and its communities

Our students, staff and the local communities we work alongside all have different characteristics, backgrounds and lived experiences. We are committed to reflecting this diversity throughout our college so we can make an even greater impact.

No qualifications or previous governance experience are required – the most important thing is that you believe in the college’s values of inclusion, care, ambition and respect and are passionate about making a positive impact. All new governors are supported by our Director of Governance with a comprehensive induction programme and an ongoing development programme thereafter.

What being a governor involves

Supported by our Director of Governance, governors:

Set the strategic direction of the college and review progress in delivering the strategic plan
Review and monitor the implementation key college strategies and policies
Hold senior leaders to account for the use of college resources and outcomes for learners
Ensure compliance with statutory requirements and the Corporation’s own governing documents
Consider and approve strategic developments and projects work collaboratively across the Corporation, contributing and applying their skills and expertise accordingly

We ask our governors to commit to a 12-month term of office in the first instance, followed by a further three years if approved by the Corporation.

Each governor sits on at least one of the Corporation’s committees – Audit, Finance & Resources, Personnel and Students, Quality & Curriculum.

Governors are required to attend Corporation meetings throughout the year and also those of the committee(s) they are appointed to, as well as strategic planning, development and training activities throughout the year. Meetings are held in the evening and dates are set in advance for the full academic year. A copy of the Corporation calendar is included within the information pack provided to candidates.

We estimate our governors dedicate on average around 10 hours per month, depending on the role(s) appointed to and the time of the year. This can involve preparing for and attending Corporation/ committee meetings, undertaking link governor activity and or taking part in a webinar or online training. Please consider these time requirements carefully and whether this is something you can commit to before applying to be a governor.

If you have less time to commit, you could consider applying to be a co-opted committee member as this provides similar benefits to being a governor (see below) but on a smaller scale – see our FAQs for more information.

The role of Corporation member (governor) is voluntary and is therefore not remunerated; however, expenses incurred while undertaking the role can be claimed in accordance with the college’s expenses policy.

Why apply?

Being a governor should be beneficial for the individual as well as the college. There are many ways in which joining a governing body can support your own development, including:

Being involved in setting strategic direction and reviewing progress
Gaining board-level experience and gaining in-depth knowledge of a specific sector, its challenges/priorities and its place in the bigger picture
Making a positive contribution to the local community and driving real change
Developing understanding of and skills in governance and other areas of expertise, such as finance, audit and risk management, in a different sector

Conduct

Governors are required to conduct themselves in accordance with the Corporation’s Code of Conduct, its governance-related policies and procedures, and the Nolan Principles of public life – selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership. Further information about this is contained in the information pack provided to candidates.

Safeguarding

Halesowen College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and expects all staff and volunteers (including governors and co-opted committee members) to share this commitment. We ensure continuous development and improvement of our robust safeguarding policies and procedures that promote a strong safeguarding culture throughout the college.

Successful candidates will be subject to suitability and eligibility checks, including an enhanced DBS check, as part of the appointment process (see below).

The process

The selection process is very similar to that for any paid role. You will be asked to provide your CV and a cover letter, along with completed eligibility forms. Applications will be reviewed by the shortlisting panel and successful candidates invited to interview with a governor panel comprising members of the Corporation’s Personnel Committee. The panel’s recommendations for appointment will be presented to the Corporation for formal approval at its next upcoming meeting (or sooner if deemed necessary). Candidates will be kept updated, as appropriate, throughout all stages of the process, which typically takes 6-8 weeks from shortlisting to formal appointment.

Successful candidates will be subject to an enhanced DBS check, satisfactory references and eligibility checks (via the insolvency register, Charity Commission and Companies House) before final confirmation of appointment can be made.

How do I apply?

To register your interest, please complete our governance contact form and the college’s Director of Governance will contact you with the information pack and application documents. They can also answer any questions about the process or any general governance queries you may have.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who can I talk to find out more about the role and the college?

In the first instance, please contact the Director of Governance via the governance contact form who can answer governance-related questions and put you in contact with the right person for more specific queries.

Is the role a paid one?

As volunteers, the roles of governor (and co-opted committee members) are not paid; however, volunteers are encouraged to claim expenses in line with the college’s expenses policy.

Can this role be undertaken remotely?

Understanding the college and its context is critical when making strategic decisions that are in the best interests of its students, staff and local communities; therefore, our governors will either live or work in the local area.

We do not make appointments on a fully remote basis; however, we do appreciate our governors lead busy lives and will accommodate virtual attendance where needed.

How long would I be appointed for?

Governors are appointed for a 12-month term of office in the first instance, followed further terms of 3 years and 4 years respectively if re-appointed by the Corporation. Except in special circumstances, the maximum cumulative term of office for both governors will not exceed 8 years.

What onboarding and induction support is provided?

The Director of Governance is the first point of contact for all newly appointed governors. We have a structured induction programme in place and new governors will have opportunity to visit the college/meet senior staff and have access to a range of resources and online learning.

What training is available to appointed governors?

The Corporation has a rolling programme of mandatory training to help governors fulfil their statutory duties and responsibilities, as well as access to a wide range of resources for ongoing professional development. External experts are invited to speak at Corporation/committee meetings and development sessions about regulatory topics, such as safeguarding; Prevent and counter-terrorism; and cyber security and fraud awareness.

What is the main difference between a governor and a co-opted committee member?

Corporation members (governors) have statutory responsibilities and are held collectively accountable for the performance of the college (its accountable body). The role of governor is like that of a non-executive director (NED) and, as the college is legally an exempt charity, governors are considered as charity trustees. Governors are invited to attend all Corporation meetings and have formal voting rights.

Co-opted committee members do not have these responsibilities and have no formal attendance or voting rights at Corporation meetings; but are appointed for the added value their knowledge and or specialism brings to committee discussions. The term of office for a co-opted committee member is typically 2 years, followed by further terms if re-appointed by the Corporation.

Co-opted committee members are subject to the same checks and code of conduct as Corporation members.

If my governor application is unsuccessful, could I be considered for a co-opted committee role?

Yes, although this would very much depend on the reasons for being unsuccessful. We would discuss this with you as part of the feedback provided after shortlisting/interview.