About the organisation
Our objectives
For almost 50 years, New College Durham has transformed lives through education. Each year we support more than 6,000 learners of all ages and backgrounds to develop the knowledge, skills and confidence they need to succeed—whether that is taking their first steps into employment, progressing to university, developing higher technical skills, returning to education later in life or advancing their careers. Beyond our classrooms, we work closely with employers, partners and communities to strengthen the regional economy, support innovation and create opportunities for people to thrive. Through strong governance, sound financial stewardship and a commitment to excellence, we continue to invest in our learners, our staff and our facilities so that we can respond to changing skills needs and make a lasting difference to the communities we serve.
Our Mission
At New College Durham, we are catalysts for positive change, driving social, economic, and environmental impact. We inspire and enable individuals of all abilities to unlock their full potential, igniting their careers and enriching our communities. Our commitment to delivering high quality professional, technical, and lifelong education empowers people to shape a better, brighter future.
Our Vision
New College Durham will transform lives, strengthen communities and power the future economy by being a trailblazer in Further and Higher Education, recognised for exceptional skills training, academic excellence, innovation and civic leadership. We aim to be a beacon of innovation and quality, recognised not just in the North East Mayoral Strategic Authority (North East MSA) region, but throughout the UK and across the globe.
About the role
As a Governor of New College Durham, you will help shape the strategic direction of one of the North East's leading further and higher education institutions. Working collaboratively with fellow governors and senior leaders, you will provide independent oversight, constructive challenge and support to ensure the College continues to deliver outstanding outcomes for learners and remains financially strong, well governed and responsive to the needs of employers and the communities it serves.
We are particularly seeking someone with significant finance expertise to join our Finance and Resources Committee, where you will help oversee the College's financial strategy, long-term sustainability, investment decisions and value for money, while contributing to wider discussions on estates, digital infrastructure and organisational performance. The Committee meets 4 times each year in addition to 6 Board meetings per year.
As a Governor, you will prepare for and attend Board and committee meetings, contribute to strategic decision-making, and engage with students, staff and stakeholders to deepen your understanding of the College's work. Governors also act as ambassadors for the College, promoting its mission, vision and values within the wider community.
This voluntary role offers the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to the future of education while developing your own leadership, strategic and governance experience.
Our ideal candidate
We are looking for an experienced finance professional who can bring strategic insight, independent judgement and constructive challenge to our Board. You do not need previous experience as a governor or trustee, but you should have experience of contributing at a senior leadership or board level and be comfortable scrutinising complex financial and strategic information.
Our ideal candidate will have:
- A recognised professional accountancy qualification (or equivalent senior financial leadership experience).
- Significant experience of financial management, financial planning, budgeting, investment appraisal or audit at a strategic level.
- The ability to interpret financial information, identify risks and opportunities, and support sound decision-making.
- Strong commercial awareness and an understanding of long-term financial sustainability.
- The confidence to ask constructive questions, challenge appropriately and contribute positively to board discussions.
- Excellent analytical, communication and relationship-building skills.
- A collaborative approach, sound judgement and a commitment to collective decision-making.
- A genuine interest in education and the ability to devote sufficient time to prepare for and attend meetings and College events.
- A commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion and to acting in the best interests of the College and its learners.
The successful candidate will become a member of the Finance & Resources Committee, where they will help the Board oversee the College's financial strategy, investment, estates, information technology, human resources and long-term sustainability. Their expertise will help ensure the College continues to invest confidently in outstanding education while maintaining the strong financial stewardship and responsible governance that underpin its success.
What’s in it for you
Our governors play a vital role in helping New College Durham achieve its mission of transforming lives through education. By bringing independent expertise, strategic thinking and constructive challenge, they help ensure the College continues to provide outstanding opportunities for learners while remaining financially strong, well governed and responsive to the needs of employers and the communities we serve.
As we deliver our ambitious new five-year strategy, our Board will oversee significant investment in people, technology and specialist facilities and the continued expansion of higher technical education. We are also responding to rapid changes in artificial intelligence, digital technology, cyber security and the skills needs of employers.
Governors with expertise in finance will help us maintain our strong financial stewardship while investing sustainably in the College's future. Your contribution will help shape strategic decisions that affect thousands of learners every year, ensuring they have access to high-quality education, industry-leading facilities and the skills needed to succeed in a rapidly changing world.
Apply for the role
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