East Sussex College Group (ESCG) are keen to appoint motivated and dynamic volunteers from a wide range of backgrounds and with a diversity of skills and experience.

ESCG, which formed in 2018 following a merger between Sussex Coast College Hastings and Sussex Downs College, is the leading destination for Further Education in East Sussex.  The college spans four campuses and offers a variety of traditional sixth form subjects, alongside vocational and professional courses, apprenticeships and much, much more!  We pride ourselves in being welcoming and inclusive, with a strong sense of community and a commitment to improving outcomes for all who study with us.

The Governing Body, together with the Principal & Chief Executive Officer, constitutes the highest level of decision-making in the College Group, having overall responsibility for the strategic direction and financial health of the institution.  As a Governor you will be at the very heart of the College Group, not only responsible for determining the education and training provided and the strategy for delivering it, but also leading the drive to maintain excellent teaching and learning, improving outcomes for young people and adult learners in Hastings, Eastbourne, Lewes and Newhaven.

ESCG is committed to reflecting the diversity of the people and communities it serves, to ensure a breadth of experiences and to govern a genuinely inclusive organisation.  Diversity brings competing perspectives and is an important protection against ‘groupthink’ at the Board level.  In this regard, the diversity of Governors ensures that decision-making perspectives are enhanced.  Diversity information is captured during application process and is used to support the Board enhance its diversification agenda.

Priority Skills

We are looking for people with enthusiasm, time and flexibility to join us. We are particularly seeking people with skills in the following areas:

• Financial management expertise, particularly with specialism in FE.
• Audit knowledge and experience.
• Expertise in complex capital and infrastructure projects.
• Experience in marketing and strategic communications.
• Organisational culture and managing change.

• FE curriculum and quality expertise.

However, this is not an exhaustive list.   We are also interested in candidates with knowledge of the Lewes/Newhaven local areas, ideally with an existing network within local industries and/or relationships with key community stakeholders.

The Role

Independent Governors are collectively responsible for financial monitoring, setting standards within the College Group, the employment of the Principal/CEO and compliance with key legislation.  Independent Governors are usually required to join at least one subcommittee.

We are keen to involve people of all ages and cultural backgrounds. You may have experience in business, community or social work with charities, financial or legal practice or even be a local entrepreneur. The broader your vocational field and cultural experience the better!

This voluntary role brings many personal as well as professional rewards such as boardroom experience, adding to your CV and a positive step towards long term career development! The role will give you a real sense of achievement in making a difference to the college and the outcomes for each and every student.

Skills & Experience

We are keen to be joined by someone who has:

• Skills and experience that will complement and enhance the overall knowledge and experience of the existing membership.
• A track record of success such as in a business, public or voluntary environment.
• The ability to work as a member of the team.
• Time available to attend Board and Committee meetings.
• The ability to absorb complex information and analyse data.
• A desire to play an active part in college governance by acting as a critical friend to help maintain and develop this very successful college.
• A commitment to adhering to the Nolan Seven Principles of Public Life (selflessness, integrity,
• objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership).

How to Apply

To find out more about becoming an Independent Governor at ESCG, contact Belle Howard, Director of Governance at [email protected] or on 07776 596260. 

To apply click below