FE Governor

SGOSS - Governors for Schools; Coventry; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational organization is looking for two new governors to strengthen strategic leadership at Coventry College. Candidates with finance and IT backgrounds are encouraged to apply. The role involves serving on committees, contributing to financial oversight, and supporting digital strategy to enhance educational outcomes. This is a unique opportunity to influence learners' lives and support their future development.

Benefits

Comprehensive induction and development programme

Access to training and mentoring

Engagement with college life

Qualifications

• Qualifications such as ACA, ACCA, or CIMA for finance role.
• Experience in public sector or large private organization for IT role.
• Governor roles that support strategic leadership.

Responsibilities

• Serve on committees including Audit and Finance.
• Contribute to financial scrutiny and risk management.
• Support digital strategy discussions and enhances teaching.

Skills

Finance professional

Digital/IT/AI specialist

Governance experience

Job description

Overview

Coventry College is a dynamic and inclusive further education provider located in the heart of the city. It serves a richly diverse urban population and is the only general FE college in Coventry dedicated solely to education and training for learners aged 16–18. The College supports around 3,200 full-time 16–19 learners, 2,400 adult learners, and 50 higher education students, with around 350 full-time equivalent staff and a turnover of £30 million. It operates from a single campus spread across two buildings in a highly accessible city centre location.

The College is defined by its commitment to learners and its purpose is grounded in inclusivity, opportunity, and ambition. It offers a broad, industry-focused curriculum across all sector subject areas (excluding land-based and A-Levels), ensuring learners are equipped with skills relevant to the local labour market and national economic priorities. Coventry College holds a “Good” Ofsted rating (February 2025) and has been graded “Outstanding” for financial health. It engages in national and regional skills strategies and aligns provision to support the West Midlands Plan for Growth. It is a lead partner in a UK Innovate Project focusing on green innovation for businesses across Coventry and Warwickshire, with a niche commercial offer including Bootcamps for Insulation Installation. It is also a partner with Leicester Tigers, delivering premiership rugby education programmes.

In the short term, the College aims to exceed its funding allocation for the 16–18 cohort, recruit to T Level pathways, and deliver on the Department for Education\'s 2025/26 Accountability Statement. Medium-term priorities include reintroducing apprenticeships in selected frameworks, expanding its Commercial College offer, and securing further project and external funding. Long-term ambitions include growing Level 3 provision, maintaining strong learner outcomes above national benchmarks, investing in AI and other teaching technologies, and progressing toward net zero sustainability goals. The College aims to become an employer of choice and to develop partnerships that enhance employability and work experience opportunities for learners.

The College seeks two new governors to strengthen its Board’s strategic leadership capacity in finance, audit, cybersecurity and digital infrastructure. The existing Corporation Board comprises 12 independent members, 2 staff governors, a student governor, and the Principal/CEO. Two independent members are expected to step down between October 2025 and January 2026 to create opportunities for new voices.

Role and responsibilities

Governors serve across committees including Audit, Education and Standards, Finance and Resources, Remuneration, and Search and Governance. Governors contribute to audit, resource oversight, and financial scrutiny and are expected to bring skills that support governance and strategic risk management. There are two vacancies:

1. Finance professional with qualifications such as ACA, ACCA, or CIMA; senior-level experience in audit, accountancy, or compliance. This role supports the Finance and Resources and Audit Committees and may come from practice or industry. Prior non-executive governance experience is welcome but not essential.
2. Digital/IT/AI specialist with experience in the public sector or a large private organisation. The candidate will help invest in technologies that enhance teaching and learning, improve cyber resilience, and prepare learners for a digitally driven future. This role supports digital strategy and risk discussions with the Audit Committee and senior leadership.

The College welcomes applications from individuals with governance or senior leadership experience in education, youth charities, housing associations, community or faith-based organisations, and social enterprises. Candidates may be experienced or new to non-executive roles and will receive a comprehensive induction and development programme, including:

• A structured onboarding process with a buddy system
• Access to in-house and external training (e.g. safeguarding, GDPR, finance)
• Opportunities to observe meetings, meet staff and students, and tour college facilities
• Ongoing mentoring and support from the Chair and Director Head of Governance

Governors should engage with college life and act as ambassadors, supporting the College’s value and achievements within their networks. The role offers an opportunity to make a meaningful impact by supporting learners, shaping the future workforce, and advancing Coventry\'s educational vision.

Time commitment and meetings

On average, governors commit around two days per month. The Corporation Board meets three times per academic year, with a Strategic Away Day and a Board/Senior Leadership Team Workshop. Committee meetings occur once per term. In-person attendance is strongly encouraged; some hybrid participation may be considered. Meetings are held in Coventry; away day off-site. In-person engagement is recommended to build relationships and support strategic development.

If you are ready to take the next step in your governance journey, we welcome your interest in becoming a governor at Coventry College.

What does the role include?

Governors work together to provide strategic leadership, ensuring legal compliance, financial sustainability, and value for public funds. FE College Corporations/companies operate as independent charitable institutions, with governors as charity trustees. The regulator is the Secretary of State for Education, with support from the Department for Education, FE Commission, and National Leaders of Governance for FE where needed. Further information can be found at the Governors for Schools site and related FE governance resources.

What are the benefits?

Serving on a College Corporation board is a meaningful way to shape learners\' lives and strengthen education in the community. Governors help set strategic direction, hold leaders to account, support career development, and give back to education and the community.

Further information

Public information about the College is available on the Get Information About Schools page. After applying, you can access free eLearning “An Introduction to Further Education Governance.” If you have questions, contact our FE Recruitment Team. You can also explore general governance resources at Governors for Schools.