About the organisation
Better Futures Multi-Academy Trust (BFMAT) 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.
The Trust comprises three sixth form Colleges; King Edward VI College in Nuneaton; Bilborough College in Nottingham; and Gateway College in Leicester. 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 we achieve our objectives, the activities we engage in and the experiences we offer to students and staff. The connection with a leading Higer Education provider offers a range of benefits, for students and staff, that enables us to provide an enhanced educational experience.
All three Colleges have been inspected within the last three years and all graded ‘Good’. Most students progress to Higher Education and once there achieve high degree classifications.
About the role
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.
As a Governor, you will:
- Provide strategic oversight and constructive challenge
- Support and monitor educational performance and outcomes
- Contribute to financial oversight and risk management
- Champion high standards of teaching, learning and student experience
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.
The role involves attending around six meetings per year (a mixture of online and in-person and usually in the evening), reading papers in advance, and occasionally visiting the College or attending events. Collectively, this equates to a commitment of around 1-2 hours per month, with flexibility to contribute more if willing and available. In return, you will make a real difference to learners’ lives, develop your leadership skills, gain valuable governance experience, grow your professional network, and support your local community.
Our ideal candidate
We are particularly interested in individuals with experience in finance.
You do not need prior governance or education experience as a full induction and ongoing training will be provided.
What’s in it for you
Personal benefits:
- Sense of purpose and contribution: Governors play a meaningful role in improving education and supporting young people to thrive. Helping to shape local provision can provide a real sense of personal fulfilment.
- Improved confidence: Engaging in discussion, scrutiny, and decision‑making strengthens personal confidence and judgment.
- Broader perspective: Exposure to different viewpoints, community needs, and strategic issues widens personal understanding of how organisations work.
- Community connection: Governors help ensure the local voice is heard within the Trust, building strong relationships with the College and its key stakeholders including students, staff, parents/ guardians and the wider community.
- Personal satisfaction: Knowing your time and expertise directly help shape the quality of education and life chances of young people can be extremely rewarding.
Professional Benefits:
- Strategic leadership experience: Governors work on long‑term planning, risk management, and performance oversight; transferable skills valued in many professional sectors.
- Strengthened governance and compliance skills: Understanding statutory duties, safeguarding, finance, and accountability is beneficial for many professional roles.
- Improved communication and influencing skills: The role involves presenting ideas clearly, listening, and offering challenge in a constructive way.
- Experience working with Executive Leaders: Governors regularly engage with Principals, CEOs and senior leaders, gaining insight into high‑level leadership.
- Enhanced CV and career development: Governance experience is attractive to employers and can support career progression into leadership or board roles.
- Opportunities for training and development: BFMAT provides high‑quality professional training on governance, finance, safeguarding and strategy, supporting professional development.
Apply for the role
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