Governor - Apprenticeships & Skills

As a Governor of United Colleges Group, you will contribute to the strategic oversight and continued improvement of the College, bringing your specialist knowledge of apprenticeships, vocational education and skills to support high-quality provision and positive outcomes for learners.

What will you be doing?

As a Governor of United Colleges Group, you will play an important role in shaping the quality and relevance of education and training for learners, employers and the wider economy. Bringing your knowledge of apprenticeships, vocational education and skills needs, you will provide informed insight, constructive challenge and independent judgement to support the College's continued improvement.

You will contribute to the Teaching, Learning and Skills Committee, helping to strengthen teaching and learning, improve the learner experience and raise achievement. As Link Governor for Apprenticeships and Skills, you will also visit the two College campuses each term, engaging with staff and students to gain a first-hand understanding of provision and learner experience and bringing these insights back to the Committee.

Working alongside fellow Governors and the College's leadership team, you will contribute to strategic oversight, quality improvement and effective governance, ensuring that apprenticeships and skills provision remains responsive to learners, employers and changing economic needs. You will also support accountability, responsible use of resources and the College's long-term interests.

The role offers an opportunity to use your professional expertise to make a meaningful contribution to the education, skills and future opportunities of UCG's learners.

Time commitment

The role is expected to involve no more than one day per month.

We are looking for someone with relevant experience and knowledge of vocational education, apprenticeships and skills, who can bring specialist insight to the Teaching, Learning and Skills Committee and act as Link Governor for Apprenticeships and Skills.

Previous Governor experience is not essential. More important is a commitment to good governance, public service and improving opportunities for learners, together with the ability to bring sound judgement, an independent perspective and constructive challenge.

You will ideally have experience of vocational education, curriculum or apprenticeship provision, with an understanding of employer and industry skills needs and the role Further Education plays in supporting individuals, local communities and economic development. Experience in areas such as construction and the built environment, green skills, digital industries, health, wellbeing and care, or apprenticeships would be particularly valuable.

You will be able to analyse information, ask thoughtful questions and contribute to evidence-based decision-making, while working collaboratively with Governors, College leaders and staff. Strong communication skills, strategic awareness and a willingness to engage with staff and students are important.

Above all, you will have a genuine interest in education and skills, and in helping young people and adults develop their careers and life chances. You will have the time and commitment to prepare for meetings, participate actively, undertake relevant training and visit College campuses each term.

An understanding of, or connection with, Central or North West London would be useful, as would employer, business or community connections that could help strengthen UCG's relationships across the region, although neither is essential.

United Colleges Group values the diversity of its students, staff and Governors and is committed to creating an inclusive environment where different voices, experiences and perspectives are welcomed, respected and heard.

UCG believes that a diverse corporation strengthens governance by bringing different perspectives, helping to understand learners' needs, challenge assumptions and improve outcomes. We therefore welcome applications from people from a wide range of backgrounds and with varied experiences and perspectives.

We are committed to ensuring our recruitment process is fair and accessible. If you require any adjustments to support your application or participation in the selection process, please let us know so we can discuss how best to support you.

What difference will you make?

This is an opportunity to use your skills and experience to help shape the education, career prospects and life chances of young people and adults across London. As a Governor and member of the Teaching, Learning and Skills Committee, you will bring your expertise in apprenticeships, vocational education and employer skills needs to support high-quality provision, strengthen employer relationships and ensure UCG continues to respond to the changing needs of learners, businesses and the wider economy.