Governors

Contribute to transforming the lives of learners through providing opportunities to help shape students' futures, as a Governor of Solihull College & University Centre.

Applications close at 12 p.m. Wednesday 12th June 2024.

About the role.

Due to current Governors’ terms of office coming to an end, we have taken time to consider the breadth of skills, networks, and experience currently represented on our Governing Body, and where additional talent and expertise could add value. When considering our ambitious strategy, which is included on this microsite, we welcome the interest of committed governors who have the time and interest to contribute to our strategic planning and act as a critical friend to our Principal & CEO and her leadership team.

Governors, together, make up the non-executive governing board of Solihull College & University Centre – known as the Corporation. The work of a Member of the Corporation (Governor) in setting the strategic direction of Solihull College & University Centre and providing effective oversight is central to the success of the College.

By becoming a Governor of Solihull College & University Centre, you will be joining a high-performing board and successful education and skills-focused organisation. This is your opportunity to steer provision that benefits the students, the West Midlands’ communities, and employers directly. Being a Governor of Solihull College & University Centre is hugely rewarding and is an opportunity to make a real difference to the education standards, curriculum provision, and, importantly, the experience of our learners and apprentices.

Whilst in some respects the role of the Corporation can be summed up as one of exercising “oversight” of the College and its business, the term should not be taken to imply in any sense a passive or merely symbolic role. The Corporation is accountable for the financial solvency of the College, its sound management, the quality of the service which it provides, and its educational character. The Corporation is also accountable for the proper use of the public funds entrusted to it.

Sound governance requires more than simply ensuring that the books balance and that the Principal & CEO is getting on with the business of running the organisation within the parameters established by the governors. Colleges must be able to respond to changes in direction of government policy and anticipate changing needs in their communities. The Corporation must be actively involved in reviewing the role of the College and in planning and managing change to ensure the long-term health and success of Solihull College & University Centre.

There are seven meetings of the Corporation throughout the academic year (September through to July), plus two additional development days held on a Saturday. In addition to this, there are additional meetings of the Search & Governance Committee, the Audit & Risk Committee, the Remuneration Committee, and the Financial Oversight Group.

Opportunities for Governors to participate in visits and meetings with students are arranged throughout the year. It is expected that – with preparation for meetings, liaison with the College, and training – Governors should plan to spend a minimum of six hours per month undertaking the responsibilities of the role; including reading papers, visiting the College, and attending meetings.

Who we are looking for.

As Solihull College & University Centre has two campuses in Solihull (Blossomfield and Woodlands), a college campus in Stratford-upon-Avon and is the lead partner for Greater Birmingham & Solihull Institute of Technology with a campus in Birmingham, we feel it is important you live, work, or have a strong connection with the West Midlands region.

To support our strategic ambitions, we are looking to appoint two non-executive Governors to our Corporation – the Governing Body of Solihull College & University Centre.

We are specifically looking for talented people who can add value to the discussions which take place at the Corporation, its committees, and any special interest groups, by providing support and challenge to our leadership through the appraisal of reports, plans, and strategies.

We very much welcome interest from those with substantial leadership experience in the following sectors:

1. Estates (Capital Projects, or Property Management, or Environmental Sustainability)
2. Finance (Professional Qualified)

Whilst having non-executive/board-level experience is desirable, what’s more important to us is your ability to work as part of our Corporation and provide the scrutiny required in an organisation of this size from a place of experience.

We need you to have a fundamental belief in the power of education and training, and how it can transform not just lives, but communities of people.

Recognising the diversity of the West Midlands, combined with our own strategic ambitions around inclusion and inclusivity, we very much encourage the interest of candidates who will support us in our ambition to further diversify the leadership and governance of Solihull College & University Centre. We acknowledge there is work to do and working hard to ensure our decision-makers are reflective of the communities we serve and include the latest EDI report for you to review as part of this microsite.

Peridot Partners and Solihull College & University Centre are, together, committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and our client expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidates will be subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references before any final offer can be made.

Please click 'Apply’ to be redirected to the Peridot Partners website, where you can find full details of the candidate profile and register your interest to apply.

Applications for this role close at 12 p.m. Wednesday 12th June 2024.