Independent Governor
Recruiter: Richmond and Hillcroft Adult Community College
Location: Richmond upon Thames, London [Greater London]
Salary: The role is not numerated although reasonable expenses can be claimed
Posted: 28 Jan 2025
Closes: 26 Feb 2025
Reference: RHACC006-25
Sector: Further Education
Job Level: Governor / Chair/ Clerk
Specialism: Governance
Contract Type: Sessional / Hourly Paid
Hours: Part Time
Organisational Type: General Further Education College
Richmond and Hillcroft Adult Community College (RHACC) is one of nine institutes of adult learning (IAL) in the UK and was established on October 1st, 2017 through the merger of Richmond Adult and Community College and Hillcroft College. It is built on their shared expertise in adult learning and their commitment to the needs of adults and communities that need further educational or tailored opportunities to develop the skills to thrive and achieve their potential.
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 and may also meet on other occasions (e.g. during Governors’ Development Events). There are also 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.
In joining the Board, you will gain the chance to contribute widely to the life of the College, get involved in thinking about its future direction, reflecting on educational issues and how they affect the local community.
Why become a college governor?
Although the role of college governor is unpaid, there are significant personal and professional benefits to taking this position. Becoming a governor provides plenty of opportunities to shape your local community, and the professional benefits gained from the role cannot be understated. You will develop leadership skills on the job, as well as upskill and refresh 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.
What skills and experience are required?
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?
The College wishes the membership of the Board to encompass a wide variety of experience and cultural backgrounds. We would particularly welcome applications from people with skills or expertise in Accountancy or Audit to strengthen our current Board.
Please contact the Clerk if you would like further information about the role – clerk@rhacc.ac.uk
We reserve the right to bring forward the closing date of the adverts should we receive a sufficient level of interest!
#J-18808-Ljbffr