Darlington College is a highly successful education and skills provider which welcomes students from across Darlington, Durham, North Yorkshire and beyond. The college has a broad, diverse offer for school leavers, apprentices, adult learners, and Higher Education students, and is passionate about ensuring the best opportunities for individuals, employers and communities locally. Graded as Good by Ofsted in November 2022 and with a sound financial position, the college is inclusive and has a vibrant campus providing state of the art facilities.

The college has an excellent platform for ongoing success and poised to push even further forwards through its growing offer, estate development and external opportunities. The Governing Body, with which this role will work closely, is committed, talented and ambitious for the future of the college.

Due to the retirement of the current post holder, the Governing Body is seeking a new Director of Governance (Clerk to the Corporation) who will work with the Chair and Principal / CEO to promote excellence in governance and to ensure that the Governing Body is comprehensively supported. There will be the opportunity to develop best practice and embed new ways of working, while providing advice and guidance across a range of governance and strategic matters. Acting as a cohesive link between Governors and the Senior Executive Team, the Director of Governance will play a key role in the future strength and strategic direction of the college.

There is flexibility regarding working patterns and the Governing Body is open to appointing between a 0.6 FTE and a 1.0 FTE, depending on the preferences of the successful candidate. Part of the role can be undertaken on a hybrid basis subject to discussion and agreement. If appointed on a full-time basis, the role is likely to have a broader remit and can encompass various strategic and / or coordination elements. This would involve working at an executive level and the exact remit would look to fit with the new post holder’s strengths thereby adding value to the college’s success and strategic objectives in the longer term.

The Selection (Senior Posts) Panel, who will be managing the recruitment process is approaching this appointment with a high degree of open-mindedness, which will provide a unique opportunity for the right candidate to create a role around their strengths and to further develop themselves and the functions around them.

The Governing Body is seeking an initiative-taking individual with relevant experience in a governance function in either the public or private sector, including supporting committee work and administration of corporate body meetings. The successful candidate should have or be prepared to develop a robust understanding of the Further Education legal framework. The postholder will be able to provide accurate and concise advice at a senior level. Strong interpersonal and organisational skills are paramount, along with a results-focused, “can do” attitude and an enthusiasm to add value.

Please visit the Governance page for Darlington College here.