FE Governor

Weymouth and Kingston Maurward College is based across two campuses, with differing provision across academic, vocational and land-based courses, ranging from agriculture and animal care to construction and creative arts. The college contributes to the local community and economy by developing successful partnerships to ensure students acquire the skills needed. The two legacy colleges merged in August 2024, and the corporation board are supporting the continuing integration and further strategic progression following the merger.

With a 2025 Ofsted rating of 'Good', and recognition that the contribution to regional skills needs is strong, the College is proud to have an impact across its geographical setting and beyond. With a wide range of facilities, including an animal park, restaurant, hair and beauty salon and children's nursery, the College places great emphasis on its career focussed and hands-on learning to support learners.

In the short-to-medium term, new governors will join the corporation board in strategic planning relating to the newly merged college status, with exciting chances to offer new opportunities to students and widen their horizons in an area where there are high levels of deprivation. Fostering resilience and helping learners be ready for the world of work are key aspects of the College's purpose. There are also a variety of harmonisation and systems development projects underway that have been brought about through the merger.

In the medium term, the college is finalising their estates strategy for a varied estate that includes a farm, a listed house and numerous buildings in need of capital spend, including investment committed through the merger process.

In the longer term, the corporation board will have a focus on further strategic change to support the needs of learners and the local context. Board members are pro-active in their planning and desire to ensure best possible outcomes for learners and the College and incoming governors will join a highly communicative and engaged board.
Weymouth and Kingston Maurward College has a turnover of circa. £27m, employs 683 staff and has over 3,100 learners in total . Individuals with a desire to have an impact in such a large learning environment are sought.

Total number of learners:
• 16-19: 2397
• Adult: 330
• Higher Education (HE): 133
• Apprenticeships: 190

The College's requirements

The College Corporation board at Weymouth and Kingston Maurward College is seeking three new governors with the following skills and experience:
- FE curriculum and student data
- Farm, land-based and livestock management
- Governance and assurance

Applicants with experience gained in the FE sector and a strong understanding of quality and standards across the FE setting are sought. The successful candidate will ideally bring professional experience from an FE setting and be confident reframing this with a governance outlook.

Farm management experience is sought, given the large rural farm and campus at Kingston Mauward. The board seeks an individual who can bring their experience of livestock management and estates management into strategic planning.

A logical analytical person, with a strong understanding of good governance and a desire to ensure governance processes are continually and consistently applied, is sought. The successful candidate may bring professional experience from a range of settings, including corporate or public sector governance.

The Corporation has an induction programme and buddy scheme for new governors and will provide support in areas that require development outside of the essential skillsets above. Individuals that are passionate about improving education outcomes for learners and their wider communities, with an understanding of the challenges that are faced in a seasonal and rural context similar to the College's are encouraged to apply.

Any pre-existing education governance experience, including within the FE sector, is desirable. Similarly, experience within change management and HR functions will support the board further in their strategic aims.

Time commitment and meeting schedule

On average, the DfE expect governors to commit up to two days per month to effectively contribute to their role, including meeting, preparation, committee involvements and any on-site visits.

At this stage of the development of the College, the board estimates that governors volunteer at least two days per month to their role. Every College is different, with changing expectations on time and commitment and we encourage prospective candidates to discuss their availability through the application process.
Typically, 6 full governing body (FGB) corporation meetings take place each year and each committee meets at least three times a year. There is a strategic planning and a governors' development day per year.

All meetings take place at Weymouth College, DT4 7LQ or Kingston Maurward, Dorchester, DT2 8PY. From time to time committee meetings take place remotely, however FGB attendance in person is necessary.

Meeting dates and times for both FGB and committee meetings are reviewed with members on an annual basis. Currently, FGB meetings are held on a Monday at 4pm. There is a full board strategy day in November and a full spring term governor training and development day also. Each candidate will join one or more committees that relate to their skills and experience. The committee meeting dates are detailed below.
- Finance & Resources - Monday 2pm
- Audit & Risk - Wednesday 2pm
- Search, Governance & Remuneration - Tuesday 2pm
- Quality & Student - Monday 2pm
- Estates - Tuesday 4pm

• Address:Weymouth and Kingston Maurward College, Kingston Maurward, Dorchester DT2 8PY
• Website:
• Type of establishment:Further Education
• Usual start time of meeting:Board - Monday 4pm F&R - Monday 2pm A&R - Wed 2pm SGR - Tue 2pm Q&S - Mon 2pm Estates - Tuesday 4pm

What does the role include?

Governors work together as a board to provide strategic leadership, ensuring the College Corporation or company is legally compliant, financially sustainable, and delivers excellent value for public funds. FE College Corporations / companies operate as independent charitable institutions, with governors acting as charity trustees and the governing board ultimately accountable for overall performance.The principal regulator of FE and Sixth-Form College corporations is the Secretary of State for Education, and the Department for Education (DfE) works closely with the FE Commissioner and sector stakeholders to both regulate and support FE governance. Where needed, support is provided by the Commissioner's team of advisers and National Leaders of Governance for FE, who offer peer-led mentoring. To read further about regulation, support and intervention please refer to the sixth-form College Corporations: governance guide, linked within the further reading below.The following webpage provides further information and reading to any potential volunteers:

What are the benefits?

Volunteering on a College Corporation board is a meaningful way to shape learner's lives and strengthen education in your community. You will play a vital role in setting strategic direction and holding executive leaders to account - ensuring the College delivers the best outcomes. This is a great opportunity to support your career development and give back to education.

Further information:

You can also find out more public information about the College on the Get Information About Schools Page: and Kingston Maurward College reference number is 130653.After applying you can access our free eLearning 'An Introduction to Further Education Governance' in preparation for a role: Department for Education (DfE) has produced a guide for governors in FE settings. This gives more detail about how governance should look and what the role and remit of governors in this setting will be. View links to this guide and further reading: you have any questions before applying, please contact our FE Recruitment Team at .

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