FE Governor

Truro and Penwith College is one of the leading colleges in the South West, based in the vibrant city of 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 (College Road, Truro, Cornwall, TR1 3XX), with at least one meeting each year hosted at the Penwith and Ottery campuses to ensure board members remain connected with the breadth of the College's community and offer.
The College has always had a "magic ingredient" that attracts students, staff, and volunteers alike. Its campus-style environment encourages students to develop independence and enjoy adult-style learning spaces, while placing significant 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, and consistently achieve excellent results.
As a governor, individuals join a collegiate and strategic body that plays a direct role in shaping the future of education in Cornwall. Governors are active participants in the business of the College, setting its strategic direction and monitoring its performance across a wide range of disciplines. The College's varied curriculum enables students to engage in everything from hospitality and nursing to carpentry, sport, and emerging digital industries. The role is particularly 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 the College's long-term strategic planning, contributing to board conversations around future skills, employer demand, and the impact of technologies such as artificial intelligence.
Candidates will be joining a College with over 5,000 learners aged 16-19, more than 800 apprentices, and 320 higher education students. The College 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 that plays a vital role in Cornwall's education and skills development.

The College's requirements
The Corporation Board at Truro and Penwith College is currently seeking to appoint three new governors, including a Chair of the Finance, Infrastructure and People (FIP) Committee. Additional vacancies include a governor with experience in estates and sustainability, and a governor with expertise in digital technologies, cyber, or artificial intelligence.
The individual appointed as Chair of the Finance, Infrastructure and People Committee will bring senior-level experience in finance, ideally within an education or public sector context. They will have a strong understanding of budget management and financial controls, with the ability to contribute strategically at board level. Prior governance experience is highly desirable for this post. The chair role will also become a member of the Search, Governance and Remuneration Committee.
Another governor is sought to bring professional expertise in estates management, health and safety, or sustainability. There is scope for this individual to take on a link governor role for Health & Safety, which would involve a modest time commitment in addition to standard board and committee duties.
A third opportunity is available for a governor with experience in cyber security, digital innovation, or AI. This individual will help strengthen the Board's understanding of the evolving digital landscape and contribute to the College's ability to remain agile and responsive to technological change.
All candidates should demonstrate experience or clear potential in strategic governance, along with the ability to contribute effectively at board level. Truro and Penwith College particularly welcomes applications from individuals who bring 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 experience in the further education sector or a 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 their background and interests.
If you are passionate about education, strategic leadership, and supporting communities, Truro and Penwith College would be pleased to hear from you.

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• Type of establishment:Further Education

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 Penwith College reference number is 130629.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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