Help Create Outstanding Futures - Apply to Become a Governor at East Durham College

The East Durham College board of governors is a vibrant and dynamic environment and the College is currently seeking new members.

This is an ideal time to join, during a defining period for the college and the further education sector. You can help influence the college’s ambitious estates development plans and support and challenge its leadership team to develop the curriculum offer and progression pathways in response to the latest employers’ needs. Ultimately, you can help ensure East Durham College students truly have the best chance of success.

Very much like a non-executive director sitting on a company board, the college governors oversee the operations of the institution as well as financial performance, influencing strategic direction and the overall educational character of the college.

The college welcomes applications from people in a wide range of sectors and roles; and would be particularly interested to hear from individuals with strong human resources expertise, those with an agriculture and/or land-based background and those working in IT/cyber security. You do NOT need to have experience of working in the education sector.

Why become an East Durhan College governor?

What’s in it for me, you may ask? Firstly, the contribution you can make as a governor is invaluable. The role enables you to scrutinise the college’s performance, helping to shape the curriculum and strategic direction.

Although the role is unpaid, there are significant personal and professional benefits. The role provides not only plenty of opportunities to help shape your local community, but the professional benefits gained cannot be overstated either. It offers the opportunity to gain board level experience, develop your leadership skills, to share your expertise and develop a host of other skills that will benefit your own career and enhance your CV.

But one of the most rewarding aspects of becoming a college governor must be the position it affords you to give others a helping hand on their journey through life.

What do EDC governors need to do?

To help you play a key role in an organisation who is the largest provider in adult education in County Durham and a key employer in the area, with over 500 staff, a full induction programme is provided along with regular training to ensure you understand the context in which the College operates and the skills necessary to successfully fulfil your role.

Governors are encouraged to play a full and active role and will be expected to attend five face-to-face board meetings each academic year, as well as joining a sub-committee of the board which requires you to attend a further three meetings a year.

About the College

East Durham College teaches, trains and supports over 4,000 students a year, operating across three distinctive sites in Country Durham: two in Peterlee, offering academic and specialist technical further and higher education, and the 476-acre Houghall campus on the outskirts of Durham City Centre, offering specialist land-based provision to the region.

Since 2016, the college has invested nearly £15m at Houghall, with significant further investment coming soon. Houghall now boasts several state-of-the-art facilities, including a specialist small animal care centre, working farm and stunning equine centre - complete with 28-bay stables, 40m² indoor arena and outdoor menage.

Explore all the College’s locations and offer here

You can also see more information about becoming a governor here

To find out more about this exciting and highly rewarding opportunity and how to apply, please contact Samantha Pritchard, Clerk to the Corporation, Partner at Muckle LLP:

samantha.pritchard@muckle-llp.com or 0191 211 7905