Becoming a Governor
Barnsley College is the main provider of post-16 education in the borough of Barnsley. We attract students from across the borough and surrounding areas in South Yorkshire.
The Board of Governors needs members who can bring a variety of skills, experience and knowledge to the College to build on the successes of recent years. We are looking for people who can contribute ideas, share their knowledge and skills and bring a fresh perspective. At the present time we are seeking to recruit new members. We value the diversity of all our governors and wish to reflect this within the Board. The posts are unremunerated.
If you are passionate about education and wish to contribute, please email Director of Governance and Clerk to the Board Heather Jackson.
Role of the Governor
The Board sets the strategic direction of the college and monitors its performance in respect of quality, finance and business development. It appoints people from the public sector, private industry and the community and voluntary sectors. Governors work together on the Board in a voluntary capacity to ensure that the College continues to meet the needs of the community it serves. Full training and development is provided, while the role is designed to fit around family and work commitments.
Time commitment
There are seven Board meetings in each academic year that start at 4 pm and last two-to-three hours depending on the agenda. They are typically held at our Old Mill Lane campus and alternate between formal and creative sessions. There is also an annual 1½ day strategic seminar (all day Tuesday and Wednesday morning in the third week in January). In addition to Board meetings, Governors serve on at least one of the committees or subsidiaries of the Board. The Board has the following Committees, with each meeting lasting one-to-two hours with a usually 4pm start time:
- Audit and Risk Committee - meets four times a year
- Governance and Search Committee - meets twice a year
- Remuneration Committee - meets once a year
Link Governors
A key commitment of a Governor's role is to ensure statutory and regulatory duties are met in respect of Safeguarding, Prevent, Health and Safety, Equality and Diversity, and Special Educational Needs. Link Governors act in a lead monitoring capacity to provide additional assurance to the Board that the College and the Board is meeting its obligations in these areas.
