Co-Opted Committee Member

For more than 60 years, Chelmsford College has been a leading provider of further, higher technical and vocational education in Essex, helping learners of all ages develop the skills, knowledge and confidence to achieve their ambitions.
Operating from campuses in Chelmsford and the Billericay Skills Academy, the College serves thousands of learners through study programmes, apprenticeships, T Levels, adult learning and higher technical qualifications. Its offer is closely aligned to employer and industry needs, ensuring learners are prepared for successful careers and progression.
The College is recognised for its commitment to inclusion and opportunity, particularly through its support for learners with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). Combining educational excellence, innovation and strong community partnerships, Chelmsford College plays a vital role in developing talent, supporting social mobility and strengthening the regional economy.
About the roleChelmsford College is seeking exceptional individuals to join its governance structure as Co-opted Committee Members, providing independent expertise, constructive challenge and strategic insight to support the continued success of one of Essex’s leading further education colleges. With over 60 years of educational excellence, a strong reputation for inclusion, and significant investment in industry-leading facilities, the College plays a critical role in developing the skills, talent and opportunities that drive economic and social prosperity across the region.
As a Co-opted Member, you will contribute your professional knowledge and experience to one or more Board committees, helping to scrutinise performance, monitor progress against strategic objectives and support informed decision-making. Working alongside governors and senior leaders, you will bring an external perspective that strengthens governance and helps ensure the College remains responsive to the needs of learners, employers and communities.
This is a rewarding voluntary public appointment offering the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to education, skills development and social mobility. Your expertise will help shape the future direction of a dynamic institution that supports thousands of learners, including many with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), and delivers training in sectors that are vital to the future economy.
The Board is particularly seeking to strengthen committee capacity through the appointment of individuals with expertise in:

• Artificial Intelligence and emerging technologies
• Construction and the built environment
• Green Skills, sustainability and net-zero industries
• Business leadership, entrepreneurship and regional economic development
• These appointments form part of the College’s commitment to ensuring its governance benefits from contemporary industry knowledge and reflects the needs of the sectors it serves.

Who we are looking forWe are looking for experienced, passionate and values-driven individuals who are committed to the power of education to transform lives and communities.
Whether you are a senior leader, industry specialist, entrepreneur or recognised professional in your field, you will bring expertise that can support strategic thinking and effective governance.
Successful candidates will demonstrate:

• A genuine interest in further and higher education, skills development and lifelong learning.
• A commitment to inclusion, equality of opportunity and raising aspirations for all learners.
• Strategic thinking and the ability to understand complex issues and long-term priorities.
• Strong analytical skills, sound judgement and the confidence to ask constructive and challenging questions.
• The ability to work collaboratively and contribute as part of a diverse committee team.
• A commitment to the highest standards of integrity, accountability and public service.
• A willingness to advocate for the College and support its role within the wider community.

We are particularly interested in hearing from people who can bring contemporary insight into the opportunities and challenges presented by AI adoption, digital transformation, sustainable construction, renewable technologies, green workforce development, employer engagement and regional business growth. Those with strong local networks and an understanding of the Essex business community will be especially valuable.
Above all, we are seeking people who share Chelmsford College’s ambition to create opportunity, develop talent and positively impact the communities it serves. This is an opportunity to use your expertise and influence to help shape the future of education, skills and economic growth across Essex while supporting the success of current and future generations of learners.
Time commitment: Up to 4 hours per month.Co-opted Committee Members will be expected to join one committee and attend all respective meetings across the Academic year.Successful candidates will also be invited to a formal induction and onboarding, along with student-focused events and learning walks.