Sixth Form College Voluntary Governor

About this Opportunity

Overview:

We are recruiting Governors for Gateway College in Leicester (part of the Better Futures Multi-Academy Trust (BFMAT)). This is a rewarding opportunity to use your skills, experience and insight to help shape the future of post-16 education and support young people in our communities.

Organisation:

Gateway College

Minimum hours:

4

Closing Date:

August 28, 2026

Address:

17 Colin Grundy Drive, Hamilton Leicester

LE5 1GA

Location:

Hybrid

About the organisation:

Gateway College is part of the Better Futures Multi-Academy Trust (BFMAT), which was founded in 2019. The Trust specialises in the teaching and support of 16–19-year olds. It is focussed on developing students to have the confidence, skills and agency to shape both their own future and the communities they are part of. As well as Gateway College, the Trust comprises two other sixth form Colleges; King Edward VI College in Nuneaton and Bilborough College in Nottingham. Across the three Colleges, there are currently in excess of 5,000 students. Collectively, the three Colleges provide a wide range of academic and vocational subjects. Most students study Level 3 A Level or BTEC courses. Level 3 T Levels, alongside Level 2 and Level 1 pathways, are also offered within the Trust. Expert advice and guidance is given to support our students in choosing the right subjects and pathways to enable them to achieve and develop lifelong skills and attitudes, whatever their starting point. Students are actively involved in co-creation and development of the curriculum. BFMAT is sponsored by Coventry University; a unique relationship in the sixth form sector. The relationship helps shape how the Trust achieves its objectives, the activities the Trust engages in and the experiences it offers to students and staff. The connection with a leading Higher Education provider offers a range of benefits, for students and staff, that enables the Trust to provide an enhanced educational experience.

Full Details:

There are three Colleges in the BFMAT – Gateway College in Leicester, Bilborough College in Nottingham and King Edward VI College in Nuneaton. Each College operates a Local Governing Body (LGB). Membership of LGBs includes appointed Community Governors and elected Student, Staff and Parent Governors. The College Principal is also a Governor. LGBs play an important role in providing focussed scrutiny and support at local level, helping to ensure that the College maintains high-quality educational standards and meets the needs of its community.

Our Governors work collaboratively with Senior Leaders and the Trust Board to ensure strong accountability and that the College delivers on its vision and strategic priorities. This includes:

– Providing strategic oversight and constructive challenge
– Supporting and monitoring educational performance and outcomes
– Contributing to financial oversight and risk management
– Championing high standards of teaching, learning and student experience.

When and Where:

Largely homeworking with attendance at 3 meetings a year (5pm – 7pm) at the College in Leicester (LE5 1GA) and a Strategy Event in Coventry.

Additional Information

Requirements / Restrictions:

Causes / Areas of Interest:

Specific Requirements or Restrictions

We are looking for Governors who will: Attend approximately five LGB meetings per academic year (typically 5-7pm). Meetings are held either in person at the College or online via Microsoft Teams, providing flexibility to enable strong attendance; a pre-requisite for effective governance and informed decision making. Governors are also expected to engage, where possible, in Governor links, learning walks, open days and cross‑Trust Committees. Collectively, this equates to a commitment of around 1-2 hours per month, with flexibility to contribute more if willing and available. Read and consider agenda and briefing papers in advance. Ask questions in meetings in a reasonable and objective manner upholding the Nolan Principles. Do not allow prejudice to impinge on the debate and decision-making process. Challenge in an appropriate and constructive way that supports improvement and strengthens decision-making. Attend the annual Trust Strategy event at Coventry University which normally takes place in the summer term. Engage in required training, including safeguarding, to enhance your skills and knowledge, demonstrating commitment to the role. Work within a framework of collective decision making in the best interests of the LGB and Trust. Confirm eligibility to serve as a Governor by certifying they are not disqualified for any reason. We are particularly (but not exclusively) interested in individuals with experience in: Finance, HR, Education, Law, Estates, Strategic Leadership, Business or Community Leadership. Applicants do not need prior governance or education experience as a full induction and ongoing training will be provided. The role is subject to a satisfactory disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service (known as a DBS check). The role is voluntary. Travel expenses are reimbursed in line with the Trust’s policy.

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