Governor

Who we are

Barnsley College is one of the largest and most successful further education colleges in the region, serving more than 10,000 learners each year across a diverse curriculum from entry level through to higher education and apprenticeships. Our mission is simple: Transforming Lives.

As a key anchor institution within South Yorkshire and a vital contributor to the Barnsley 2030 vision, we play a central role in developing skills, supporting social mobility, strengthening communities and helping local employers thrive. Through our network of specialist campuses and centres of excellence, we deliver high-quality education and training that responds to both learner aspirations and workforce needs.

The College currently educates more than 5,000 16-19 learners, over 1,500 apprentices and more than 1,000 adult learners. Our provision spans A Levels, vocational qualifications, T Levels, apprenticeships, higher education and specialist support for learners with additional needs. Achievement rates remain above national averages, learner satisfaction is exceptionally high and we continue to build a strong reputation for educational excellence and innovation.

Our ambitious strategy is built around four core pillars: Quality, Curriculum, Sustainability and Reputation. These priorities underpin our commitment to delivering outstanding outcomes for learners while making a positive contribution to the economic, social and environmental wellbeing of our communities.

About the role

As an Independent Governor, you will join a highly regarded Board responsible for setting the strategic direction of Barnsley College and ensuring the organisation remains effective, well managed and financially sustainable. Governors work collectively to safeguard the College’s educational character, oversee performance and hold senior leaders to account for delivering against the College’s mission and ambitions.

This is a rewarding opportunity to contribute your professional expertise to an organisation that has a significant impact on learners, employers and communities across South Yorkshire. Governors provide strategic oversight, constructive challenge and independent assurance, helping to ensure that decisions are informed, evidence-based and focused on long-term success.

Board members may also participate in committees, working groups and strategic reviews, supporting the College in areas such as finance, audit, risk, curriculum, community engagement, workforce development and organisational performance. Through this role, you will help shape the future of a major educational institution while contributing to economic growth, social mobility and community wellbeing.

The role is voluntary, with reasonable expenses reimbursed, and requires a commitment to regular Board meetings, preparation, training and wider College engagement activities.

Who we are looking for

We are seeking values-driven individuals who are passionate about education, opportunity and community impact. Successful candidates will bring senior-level experience, sound judgement and the ability to contribute strategically to Board discussions while supporting robust and effective governance.

We are particularly interested in individuals with expertise in Finance, specifically:

• Financial leadership within the public sector or a regulated environment.
• Financial reporting, audit, assurance, pensions, treasury management or long-term financial planning.
• Risk management, internal controls and regulatory compliance.
• Strategic oversight of resources, value for money and organisational sustainability.

In addition, all governors should be able to:

• Think strategically and contribute to long-term organisational planning.
• Provide appropriate support, challenge and assurance to senior leaders.
• Analyse complex information and make informed decisions.
• Work collaboratively as part of a diverse Board.
• Communicate effectively and build positive relationships with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Understand the distinction between governance and operational management.

We are committed to creating a Board that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve and particularly welcome applications from individuals who can bring different perspectives, lived experiences and backgrounds to our governance.

Time commitment

Governors typically commit around 10-12 hours per month to the role. This includes attending Board and committee meetings, reviewing papers, participating in training and development activities, and supporting occasional College events and strategic initiatives.

The Board meets ten times a year through a combination of online (1hr) and in-person meetings (2hr), with additional opportunities to contribute through committees, link governor responsibilities and deep dives.