Could you be a College Governor?
Introduction
West Suffolk College has a turnover in excess of £23 million and has an excellent reputation for teaching and learning.
We have good facilities and resources with a dedicated and talented team of staff and Governors. We are always on the look out for potential new Governors who can help us improve our performance and reputation.
Becoming a Governor at the College provides an opportunity to serve the community in a way which helps local people and develops the region's workforce.
Betty Milburn - Chairman of Governors
What is the Governing Body responsible for?
As a member of the Governing Body you will help to determine the educational character of the College and ensure its overall well-being and financial solvency.
Governors focus particularly on the:
- The long term strategy and direction of the College
- Quality of service provided to our students and their welfare
- Setting and monitoring of targets for retention and achievement of students
- Financial health of the College
- Proper use of public funds
Who are College Governors?
West Suffolk College has a Governing Body of 18 members. Governors come from all walks of life. As a Governor you will provide rigour to the strategic management of the College as well as guidance and support. Governors represent many different sections of the community including:
- Local business
- Voluntary and community organisations
- Local government
- Staff
- Students
Governors are appointed initially for four years which can be renewed
Governors are appointed as individuals - not mandated to speak for particular groups
What is the commitment required to be a Governor?
The full Governing Body meets five times a year on Friday afternoons.
In addition Governors are members of the committees which make recommendations to the full board.
You will be expected to be a member of one or more committees. The frequency of committee meetings varies depending on its purpose. They include:
- Audit
- Finance
- Accommodation Strategy
- Quality
- Human Resources
- Search and Appointment
Some key facts about West Suffolk College
- Turnover £23 million
- Employees 1100
- Governors 18
- Teaching space 120,000 sq. ft.
- Computers 1400
- Investor in People for over ten years
- LSC Review - Outstanding
- Inspection Ofsted Grade - Outstanding
- Sunday Times Best 100 Companies to work for 2007
- Best Company 2007 One Star
- Beacon Status
How to apply
If you are interested in becoming a Governor and would like to learn more about the role, please contact:
Michael Fell
West Suffolk College
FREEPOST IH2445
Out Risbygate
Bury St Edmunds
Suffolk, IP33 3RL
Your application is welcome. It will be considered by the Search and Appointments Committee.
How else do Governors get involved in the life of the College?
Most Governors have links with particular Faculties and meet the students and staff in order to gain a greater understanding of their work.
As a Governor you will be invited to attend Prizegiving and other celebrations of student achievement.
There is a residential strategic conference and you will be invited to other training sessions and conferences.