Governors

Who we are

Operating from two flagship campuses, our long-established Wellington Road campus in Bilston and the new City Learning Quarter, which opened in November 2025, the college delivers more than 300 qualifications across further education, apprenticeships, higher education and adult learning. We also provide specialist training in areas including polymers, rail and electric vehicle maintenance through satellite sites in Telford and Dudley.

Each year, around 8,000 learners choose City of Wolverhampton College to help achieve their ambitions. Supporting learners from all backgrounds, including many with additional learning needs, is central to our mission. This commitment was recognised in our most recent Ofsted inspection, where the college was rated ‘Good’ overall, with inspectors highlighting the positive progress made by learners with high needs and the strong outcomes they achieve.

Our success is reflected not only in inspection outcomes but also in consistently strong achievement rates, growing student recruitment and high levels of satisfaction among both students and our workforce of more than 500 colleagues.

We are currently delivering against our ambitious new strategy, Defining Our Future 2025-2030, which sets out a bold vision for empowering learners from Wolverhampton and beyond with the skills, knowledge and positivity needed to thrive in current and future opportunities. Underpinned by our values of Collaboration, Ownership, Being Welcoming and Commitment, the strategy provides a clear roadmap for continued growth and innovation.

Recent years have brought significant transformation. Alongside the development of the City Learning Quarter and enhancement of our Wellington Road campus, we have continued to evolve our curriculum to meet the needs of learners, employers and regional stakeholders, ensuring our provision remains responsive to the demands of the local and national economy.

Two major developments have further strengthened this momentum. Following a period of dedicated service and leadership from Mike Hasting, who has stepped down as Chair, the college has welcomed Phil Loach as its new Chair of Governors. Having initially joined the Board as a governor, Phil has quickly taken on the role and, now in his first term as Chair, is already supporting the College’s ambitious vision and future direction.

At the same time, the College has secured a major accolade by being awarded funding to lead the Advanced Manufacturing College of Excellence. This landmark achievement reflects our growing reputation for technical education excellence and positions the College at the forefront of developing the advanced manufacturing skills that will drive regional economic growth and innovation for years to come.

As we continue to invest in our people, our facilities and our partnerships, City of Wolverhampton College remains focused on one clear purpose: creating outstanding opportunities for learners, employers and communities and helping shape a brighter future for Wolverhampton and beyond.

About the Role

Becoming a Governor at the City of Wolverhampton College is a rewarding opportunity to use your professional skills and experience to make a tangible difference to education, our local communities and the lives of diverse groups of learners.

As a Governor, you will play a central role in shaping the future of the College, ensuring it continues to thrive and delivers high-quality education and training.

Working collectively as part of our Corporation Board, you will help determine the organisational culture, educational character and strategic direction of the College, while safeguarding its financial health and long-term sustainability – for context, our annual turnover is c.£43m and we have a formal financial health rating of Good.

Governors at the College approve our mission and annual budgets, and oversee the performance and remuneration of senior leaders. The Board also sets frameworks for staff pay and conditions, ensuring that the College remains an excellent place to work and study.

In our most recent external review of governance, our Board was recognised as high-performing and for putting the success and well-being of our students first. The findings showed our Board was highly proficient and consistently had a positive impact on college strategy, effectiveness and outcomes.

Your impact as a Governor will be wide-reaching: from safeguarding the use of public funds and ensuring strong governance, to setting and monitoring targets that drive student retention, achievement, and success. In short, you will help ensure every learner has the opportunity to reach their potential.

Who we are looking for

As City of Wolverhampton College enters an exciting new phase of growth and transformation, we are seeking exceptional individuals to join our Board and help shape the future of one of the West Midlands’ leading further education providers.

With a new strategic plan, significant investment in our estate, the launch of the City Learning Quarter, and our appointment as lead institution for the Advanced Manufacturing College of Excellence, now is more important than ever to contribute your expertise and leadership.

We are particularly interested in hearing from individuals who can bring strategic insight, constructive challenge and a strong commitment to improving outcomes for learners, employers and communities across the region.

Qualified Finance Professionals
We welcome applications from experienced finance professionals who can effectively steward a large, complex organisation. Whether your background is in accountancy, audit, financial planning, risk management or corporate finance, you will help provide assurance and strategic oversight, ensuring the College remains financially resilient and well-positioned to deliver its ambitious plans.

Senior Leaders from West Midlands Businesses
We are seeking established leaders from private sector organisations across the West Midlands who understand the opportunities and challenges facing employers today. Your commercial perspective, regional networks and strategic experience will help strengthen our links with industry, ensuring our curriculum, skills provision and employer engagement continue to meet the needs of a rapidly evolving economy.

Cyber and Digital Specialists
As technology continues to transform the workplace, we are particularly keen to attract governors with expertise in cyber security, digital transformation, data, technology, software development or digital innovation. Your insight will help guide the College’s digital ambitions, support the development of future-focused curriculum provision and ensure learners are equipped with the skills needed for tomorrow’s workforce.

What We’re Looking For

Above all, we are looking for individuals who:

• Share our commitment to improving lives through education and skills
• Think strategically and can contribute to high-level decision-making
• Can provide constructive support and challenge
• Bring integrity, sound judgement and strong governance values
• Have a passion for supporting learners, employers and the wider community
• Can dedicate time to Board and committee meetings and become active ambassadors for the College

This is an opportunity to play a meaningful role in an ambitious organisation that is investing in its future, driving regional economic growth and creating opportunities for thousands of learners every year. By joining our Board, you will help shape the future of education, skills and workforce development across Wolverhampton and the wider West Midlands.

Time commitment: Approx. 12 hours per month