Guidance

National Leaders of Governance for further education

Updated 1 February 2023

Applies to England

Overview

National Leaders of Governance are experienced college governors, governance professionals or clerks with a strong record of supporting college improvement.

They provide support and mentoring to colleges as part of the active support available to the further education sector.

The role of National Leaders of Governance

National Leaders of Governance work with college governance boards to support improvement and help secure the best possible outcomes for learners. They might be involved in, for example:

• diagnosing and reviewing governance improvement needs
• assisting the board of governors to draw up an improvement plan
• developing the capacity and expertise of the board of governors
• proving support and advice
• coaching and mentoring
• identifying additional and ongoing sources of support

We match National Leaders of Governance to colleges that have requested support or where a need has been identified by the FE Commissioner.

Support from a National Leader of Governance is free.

Become a National Leader of Governance

Applications to become a National Leader of Governance are currently closed.

Sign up for email updates about this page to find out when future recruitment rounds are launched.

What’s involved

Participation in the National Leaders of Governance programme offers college governors, governance professionals or clerks the opportunity to:

• develop additional skills through leading improvement projects
• work with other National Leaders of Governance as part of an active improvement network
• transfer learning and experience back to their home college
• help colleges to attract good-quality governors

National Leaders of Governance are expected to provide up to 50 days of support over the course of an academic year, subject to demand. The length of each assignment will vary. There is no guarantee as to how many days’ work a National Leader of Governance will be offered.

National Leaders of Governance are required to submit quarterly reports on the improvement support they have provided and its impact.

We appoint National Leaders of Governance for up to 2 years. At the end of this period, they may be able to apply for re-appointment.

Eligibility

National Leaders of Governance must be serving chairs of governors or governors, governance professionals or clerks at general or specialist further education colleges or sixth-form colleges in England with a rating of good or outstanding for both quality and financial health, and that are not in intervention.

As an applicant, you should:

• be able to demonstrate a track record of college improvement
• be able to demonstrate a track record of effective governance
• have experience in coaching and mentoring to improve
• have strong financial literacy
• have experience in leading or supporting change management

You’ll also need to demonstrate good written and verbal communication skills.

National Leaders of Governance need to comply with the 7 principles of public life.

What you’ll get

As part of their role, National Leaders of Governance receive training and development.

They receive a payment of £350 a day plus expenses. Payment for any work beyond what we fund will need to be agreed between the National Leaders of Governance and the supported college.

Contact

Colleges wanting support from a National Leader of Governance should email fec.operations@education.gov.uk.

Email FE.Commissioner@education.gov.uk if you have any questions about the National Leaders of Governance programme.