Why Join Gateshead College

At Gateshead College, we’re passionate about transforming lives and communities through education.

As a Corporation Board Governor, you’ll play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our college, supporting young people, and breaking down barriers to learning. This is your chance to make a real difference, helping us deliver excellence, champion inclusion, and drive positive change across Gateshead and beyond.

What We’re Looking For

As an Independent Governor, you will play a crucial role in providing support, challenge, and oversight to the senior leaders of the college.

You will contribute to the strategic direction and governance of the college, ensuring that we continue to deliver high-quality education and support to our students.

We’re seeking an Independent Governor with expertise or lived experience in:

• Tackling poverty
• Supporting young people
• Overcoming barriers to learning

If you’re committed to social mobility, lifelong learning and community empowerment, we want to hear from you.

What You’ll Do

As a Governor, you’ll:

• Help set the college’s strategic direction and ethos
• Ensure robust accountability and financial stewardship
• Uphold charity law and governance standards
• Serve as an ambassador for Gateshead College in the wider community

You’ll join at least one committee, starting with our Curriculum and Quality Standards Committee, where you’ll help strategically shape the College’s approach to learner experience, curriculum, and safeguarding. There are opportunities to contribute to other committees, depending on your interests and expertise.

Our Committees

You’ll collaborate with fellow Governors across six committees, each supporting vital aspects of college life:

• Finance & General Purposes: Overseeing finance, IT, sustainability, estates, partnerships and marketing.
• Quality Standards: Focusing on curriculum, quality, safeguarding and learner experience.
• Audit: Ensuring robust assurance, risk management, and information governance practices are in place.
• Governance: Supporting the recruitment, development and succession of governors.
• Championing organisational development, EDI and health & safety.
• Remuneration: Advising on terms, conditions and pay for senior post holders.

Your Commitment

• Attend and participate in four formal Board meetings per year (Wednesdays, 4pm, 2–3 hours)
• Attend and participate in two Board Strategy Days (Autumn and Spring)
• Join and attend at least one Board Committee (starting with Curriculum and Quality Standards, 4 meetings per year, Thursdays 4pm, 2 hours)
• Prepare by reading papers in advance
• Engage in college events

Who Are We Looking For?

We welcome applicants who:

• Are passionate advocates for Further Education and lifelong learning
• Bring strategic insight and a broad business perspective
• Are recognised for their contribution to business, education, community, or voluntary sectors
• Are excellent communicators and influencers
• Can devote time to governance and college events
• Are ideally based in Gateshead or have strong local connections

>Added Value: Why Gateshead College?

• Be part of a dynamic, forward-thinking Board
• Influence the college’s direction and impact on the community
• Network with leaders across education, business, and the voluntary sector
• Develop your governance skills and experience
• Make a tangible difference to learners’ lives