Volunteer Become a Governor at Brooklands College of Further Education, Surrey

What will you be doing?

We are recruiting new 'independent' Governors to join our Corporation Board at our Further Education College based in North Surrey (Weybridge and Ashford).  Vacancies include Vice-Chair and Chair of our Finance and Resources Committee.  It is an exciting time in Brooklands’ history as we strive to deliver on our five strategic aims.   1. Produce highly qualified and skilled people ready to enter the workforce. 2. Be a leading community asset with a strong reputation to play a part in driving the local and regional economy. 3. Attract and develop the right staff to deliver a high quality, inclusive learning experience. 4. Continue to invest in our facilities to create a high-quality learning environment and be a resource to the community. 5. Ensure robust and self-sustaining finances capable of funding its strategic aims. We were recently granted planning permission for a major refurbishment of our Weybridge campus, that will provide state of the art facilities for our students and our local community for years to come.  College governors sit at the top of the decision-making tree within a college. They are responsible for setting college strategy,  the stewardship of large amount of public funding,  safeguarding college assets and – crucially – for ensuring that all of our students have an outstanding experience when they study with us and leave with qualifications and skills that equips them for their next stage in life. We are looking for governors from all walks of life, and are committed to increasing the diversity of our Board.   You must have a real commitment to and interest in further education.  We are, however, particularly looking to recruit individuals with the following skills and expertise •           Accountancy or audit qualifications •           Links to the Surrey economic and business community •           A senior role in education (post 16 or secondary school level)  •           Knowledge or experience of major capital developments •           Organisational culture and change management.  

What are we looking for?

First and foremost you should have a keen interest in the work of further education colleges in providing education and skills for young people and adults that meet the needs of our economy, and for developing the role of colleges as 'anchor institutions' in their communities.   You should be able to commit to spending approximately 8-12 hours a month on the role.  This will include reading, training and attending college events, as well as attending Board and Committee meetings.    Experience and knowledge of sitting on boards and principles of good governance would be an advantage,  All governors must be eligible to serve as charity trustees and appointment will be subject to an enhanced DBS check. We are committed to increasing the diversity of our board membership so please contact us to discuss the position further if it is of interest to you. 

What difference will you make?

As a college governor, you are instrumental in ensuring that every decision made has current and future students at its heart. You will bring your own skills and experience to offer support and challenge to the college management team to ensure that all students receive the best standard of teaching, learning and guidance that enables them to fulfil their ambitions in work or future study. We are particularly seeking to fill vacancies for Vice Chair of the Board and the Chair of Finance and Resources Committee. These positions have particular influence in supporting the Chair of Governors to ensure good governance, and robust oversight of finance, buildings and human resources in support of our strategic vision and ambitions for our students.