Based in the Wyre Forest, West Midlands, Kidderminster College is a successful general further education college which enrols more than 1,800 students each year. Offering full and part-time study, apprenticeships and Higher Education programmes, the College prides itself on supporting its students in their next steps to independence and onward career, further study or independent living success. Its courses range from Animal Care, Childcare and Hair & Beauty to Bricklaying, Motor Vehicle Maintenance and Travel & Tourism. With on-site recording studios, an Apple suite, fully-equipped theatre, professional workshops, high-class salon, kitted out classrooms, as well as expert acting & dance studios, its facilities provide students with a true environment for success.  

Kidderminster is a member of NCG, an ambitious organisation with a unique proposition which straddles the Further and Higher Education sectors. Comprising seven colleges, NCG works with thousands of learners and businesses every year, regionally and nationally, to help them reach their full potential and build a talented workforce through high-quality education and training. NCG is also one of the largest not-for-profit training groups in the UK. Its collaborations with business is key to its success in supporting employers who want to invest in their workforce.  

With a new Principal, Cat Lewis, and a new strategic plan, towards 2030, the College’s aims align with the government’s strategy to grow and deliver high-quality apprenticeships and demand-led training for employers. Further, with the support of the Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), and collaboration with local employers, its strategic plan aligns to new opportunities all of which makes this an exciting time to join Kidderminster College.

Kidderminster College seeks an outstanding individual to join its Board as Chair and guide its organisational strategy. This person will ensure that the Board of Governors is focussed on the right areas, specifically quality of provision, external engagement and business development. They will understand what local stakeholders and employers require from the College and be ambitious for the College’s development and profile locally and nationally.  

This opportunity arises as a result of the previous Chair reaching the natural end of their full terms of office, as well as new skills being sought to complement the current members experience. 

In addition to their requirements as a Board member, the Chair will be expected to:

• Provide leadership to the Board, enabling the Board to act strategically to meet both policies and priorities
• Facilitate discussion during meetings, ensuring that appropriate time is spent on substantive items and encouraging all members to participate
• Develop an effective working relationship with members, Senior Leadership Team (SLT) and Governance Team
• Provide support and challenge to the Principal, undertaking regular one-to-one meetings with them
• Engaging in the Principal’s performance appraisal and agreement of future objectives
• Develop an effective working relationship between the Board and the SLT of the College, as well as between the Board and external stakeholders / community
• Act as a spokesperson for the College

The successful candidate will initially be appointed as Vice Chair, but the transition into the full Chair role will commence immediately, and last no longer than six months. During this period a full induction will be delivered and the successful candidate will be supported by the current interim Chair.

Kidderminster College seeks a dynamic new Chair to oversee the Board and help guide its new outwardly-focused strategy. The successful candidate will be a key influencer within the West Midlands, and drive engagement with the region. Ideally, they will be from a senior education, local government, or a business background. They will be passionate about further education and may have senior experience in the sector, but this is not essential.  

The successful candidate will bring experience either as a Chair or Vice Chair, and be able to demonstrate their ability to manage and lead a board, building and sustaining partnerships with various organisations and stakeholders. They will bring experience of managing change and a strategic mindset as to how the College can future-proof its continued success.

Women and those from under-represented backgrounds are particularly encouraged to apply.

There are six Board meetings per year (two per term). The Board meetings are usually held from 5:00-7:30 pm on Thursdays, before which the Chair will attend a pre-meeting with the Principal and the NCG Executive Director (NCG’s Executive Governance Lead) at 4:30 pm. Board meetings are currently in a hybrid format, but it is envisaged they will return to being in-person, and will be tied in with other engagements, such as interaction with learning areas and the student body.

The Chair will also be expected to meet the Principal and the NCG Executive Director six-to-eight weeks before each Board meeting to formalise the agenda, and they should attend certain College events. The role is unremunerated but reasonable expenses will be reimbursed. The appointment is for a four-year term, renewable once.