FE Governor

Overview

Truro and Penwith College is one of the leading colleges in the South West, based in Truro, Cornwall, with additional campuses in Penwith and Ottery. The College operates across four campuses, and meetings of the Corporation Board and its committees are mostly held at the main Truro campus, with at least one meeting each year hosted at the Penwith and Ottery campuses. The College places emphasis on high-quality teaching, safeguarding, and special educational needs support. Students benefit from a wide curriculum, from A Levels and the International Baccalaureate to apprenticeships and degree-level qualifications, with consistently excellent results.

As a governor, individuals join a collegiate and strategic body that shapes the future of education in Cornwall. Governors participate in setting strategic direction and monitoring performance across a wide range of disciplines. The College's curriculum enables students to engage in areas from hospitality and nursing to carpentry, sport, and emerging digital industries. The role is rewarding for those passionate about making a lasting difference in students' lives.

Your appointment will help the board guide the College through a period of continued development, particularly around expanding its 16-18 provision and ensuring high levels of student achievement. Successful candidates will bring fresh insight to long-term strategic planning and contribute to board discussions on future skills, employer demand, and the impact of technologies such as artificial intelligence.

The College serves over 5,000 learners aged 16-19, more than 800 apprentices, and 320 higher education students. It employs 1,122 staff (780 full-time), has an annual turnover of £50 million, holds a Good Ofsted rating, and is currently rated Requires Improvement for financial health. These roles offer the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to a highly respected College in Cornwall's education and skills development.

Responsibilities

The Corporation Board is seeking to appoint three new governors, including a Chair of the Finance, Infrastructure and People (FIP) Committee. Vacancies include a governor with experience in estates and sustainability and a governor with expertise in digital technologies, cyber, or artificial intelligence. The Chair of the FIP Committee will bring senior-level experience in finance, ideally within education or the public sector, with strong budget management and financial controls and the ability to contribute strategically at board level. Prior governance experience is desirable. The Chair will also serve as a member of the Search, Governance and Remuneration Committee.

Another governor is sought with professional expertise in estates management, health and safety, or sustainability. There is scope to take on a link governor role for Health & Safety, involving a modest additional time commitment beyond standard board and committee duties.

A third opportunity is available for a governor with experience in cyber security, digital innovation, or AI to strengthen the Board's understanding of the evolving digital landscape and support the College's agility in technological change.

All candidates should demonstrate experience or clear potential in strategic governance and the ability to contribute effectively at board level. Truro and Penwith College particularly welcomes applicants with professional knowledge aligned to one of the roles above and who are committed to making a meaningful impact on the College and its communities. While FE sector experience or vocational training background is desirable, it is not essential. A full induction and training programme will be provided to all new governors. There may also be scope for new appointees to take on additional link roles, such as Careers and Skills Lead Governor, depending on background and interests. If you are passionate about education, strategic leadership, and supporting communities, the College would be pleased to hear from you.

Qualifications and experience

Experience or clear potential in strategic governance with the ability to contribute at board level. Professional knowledge aligned to the roles above is welcome. FE sector experience is desirable but not essential. A full induction and training programme will be provided.

Skills

• Finance

Benefits

Volunteering on a College Corporation board is a meaningful way to shape learners' lives and strengthen education in the community. Governors help set strategic direction and hold executive leaders to account, contributing to excellent outcomes. This role also supports career development and provides an opportunity to give back to education.

Further information

You can find public information about the College on the Get Information About Schools page. Details, including the reference number 130629, are available there. After applying you can access our free eLearning introduction to Further Education governance. For questions before applying, please contact the FE Recruitment Team at .

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