Chair of Governors Job Description
After a long journey, BMet achieved Ofsted “Good” status in December 2023 and is now classified as financially good by the Education and Skills Funding Agency.
Sir Dexter Hutt has chaired the Board of Governors since 2019 and will be standing down at the end of this calendar year.
The new Chair of Governors will take on the role at an exciting time. We are now aiming to progress to being an outstanding college, not only in terms of Ofsted gradings, playing our part within the City and the region for students, employers and key stakeholders. We have a 2030 vision, are striving to be an anti- racist college and have developed a culture strategy with three cross cutting themes; Diversity and inclusion, Health and Well- being and Sustainability. We are seeking to develop our reputation of innovation and entrepreneurialism and above all, equip our learners with the skills and qualifications they need to realise their aspirations and ambitions.
We are looking for someone to take the baton from Sir Dexter and support our Principal Pat Carvalho and her team to take the college forward ensuring it is equipped and enabled to take account of technological advancements and future skills requirements.
A governor’s term of office is 4 years. The role is a voluntary role. Expenses are covered in accordance with the college’s expenses policy.
The Governing Body comprises fourteen Independent Governors; two staff Governors; three student Governors and the Principal. The Chair and the Board are supported by the College’s Company Secretary. An overview of the Governance Calendar is provided below.
Duties and Responsibilities
Supporting
- Developing and maintaining an effective working relationship with the Chief Executive and Principal including regular/ monthly review meetings.
- Helping the Board of Governors and Senior Team maintain and develop the strategic direction of the college.
Leading
- Leading the Corporation Board effectively, ensuring members work together to foster effective and efficient operation as a board of Governors.
- Working with the Company Secretary to ensure the Board maintain a strategic overview of the college and consider and decide on all related and required issues.
- Ensuring that issues are debated fully and all governors can contribute effectively.
- Demonstrating the college’s commitment to exceeding its duties for Equality Diversity and Inclusion.
- Ensuring the Governing body reviews its own performance and takes whatever steps are necessary to strengthen its performance.
- Effectively monitoring individual Governor’s progress and contribution as a governor.
- Supporting the induction of new Governors.
- Overseeing the appraisal of the CEO, Deputy Principal, Chief Finance Officer and Company Secretary to ensure they can access appropriate development opportunities.
- Exercising delegated authority in a proper manner.
Representing
- Ensuring that there is effective communication between the board and its stakeholders both internal and external, including the Education and Skills Funding Agency and the West Midlands Combined Authority.
- Attending and representing the college at functional internal and external events including celebration events such as student awards and end of year staff conferences and events national events organised by the Association of Colleges.
Person Specification
The person we are looking for will:
- Have a good understanding of Further Education and an understanding of its role in fostering economic and social development.
- Understand what is required to ensure sound financial and operational management.
- Be passionate about current direction, strategy and culture of the college and able to support the Principal and her senior team realise the college’s ambitions.
- Inspire staff and students to do their best.
- Secure the confidence of regulatory bodies, partners and major investors.
- Be keen to use their skills, experiences, networks and influence to support and advance college ambitions.
- Take on an ambassadorial for the college locally, regionally and nationally.
- Evidence, practice and support the expectations of public office contained with the Nolan Principles.