Coleg Gwent Governor Guide

An effective Board needs a good mix of skills, experience and backgrounds. Having different perspectives adds real value to the quality of our decision-making and the level of challenge we provide.

Some of the essential skills and characteristics we look for are:

* A genuine interest in education, training and young people * Leadership and decision-making experience * Integrity and high standards * Commitment and reliability * Communication skills * Understanding of the regional economy and the needs of employers * An ability to absorb complex information and an eye for detail * A willingness to challenge and question * A sense of ambition for the college * A focus on raising standards * Enthusiasm

We want a Board as diverse and vibrant as our communities - we welcome applications from under-represented groups.

Thank you for your interest in being a Governor at Coleg Gwent.

As one of the largest and top performing colleges in Wales we deliver academic and vocational courses to around 18,000 learners from across South East Wales every year.

The Governing Body is the Coleg Gwent Further Education Corporation (The Board). It provides strategic oversight and acts as a 'critical friend' to the college's management team.

"It's a privilege to be Chair of Governors and helping to lead an organisation that changes lives for the better. As a Board we are incredibly proud of the College, its staff and especially, the students. We want Coleg Gwent to be a place where everyone feels they belong and as a Board we are committed to equality of opportunity. Being a Governor is a fulfilling way to 'give back' and support the community - it's a role I thoroughly recommend".

The majority of our full-time learners are post-16 school leavers who study A Levels or vocational subjects (or both), but a significant number are adult learners looking to retrain.

Part-time learning offers flexibility and the opportunity to study on campus or at one of the community venues we operate in partnership with five Local Authorities. Other part-time provision includes Welsh for Adults.

We deliver Apprenticeships in the Construction, Engineering, Motor Vehicle and Health Care sectors.

Our Employer Engagement Team works closely with Faculty Directors to meet the training needs of employers across the region. Courses can be one day training or ongoing staff development such as ILM qualifications and can be tailored for the needs of individual businesses.

Click on the images to take a look at just how diverse our courses are

In partnership with&#160; universities and Pearson we offer a growing range of Higher Education courses

Governors should embody our Core Values and demonstrate the highest personal and professional standards at all times.

* Respect for all * Always learner first * Act with integrity * Solutions driven

We are an inclusive and diverse college where everyone is welcome. A place where you can be who you are without fear of judgement. A respectful environment, open-minded to different cultures, attitudes, beliefs and outlooks, where everyone belongs.

If you are interested in helping to lead our successful and diverse college and would like more information, please contact:

Marie Carter Governance Officer Coleg Gwent The Rhadyr USK NP15 1XJ

marie.carter@coleggwent.ac.uk Tel: 01495 333519 Mob: 07967 307951 website: coleggwent.ac.uk/governance

* Good attendance at Board and committee meetings * Prepare for and contribute to meetings * Apply your skills &amp; expertise for the benefit of the college * Respect the confidentiality of Board business * Act in the best interests of the college * Support decisions on the basis of 'collective responsibility' * Avoid situations that create a conflict of interests * Participate in development opportunities * Take an interest in the wider life of the college * Where possible, attend college events

'Being a Governor was a great experience, especially knowing you're part of something that's making a difference to young people. Experiencing critical decision making at Board level has helped me to develop key skills that I've applied in my main business role'.

'It's been a great experience and I like that I can use my professional skills for the benefit of my community'.

'I feel real pride being part of such a successful and dynamic organisation'.

'It's quite a commitment, but I get real satisfaction playing my part in the college's success'.

Three academic faculties operate across five unique campuses:

Click on the images to find out more about each campus

The Board meets up to 5 times a year and its work is supported by a number of sub-committees which each meet four times a year. Governors are expected to serve on at least one committee.

* Audit Committee * Curriculum &amp; Quality Committee * Finance &amp; Resources Committee * Governance &amp; Membership Committee * Remuneration Committee

You'll be expected to attend around 10 meetings a year &#160;(most take place on a Tuesday after 5.00pm). Additional reading and preparation time will also be needed.&#160; Whilst we've learnt new ways of working during the pandemic, we intend to return to face-to-face meetings soon.

The Board is made up mainly of unpaid volunteers and includes staff, students and independent members.

Governors are encouraged to take an interest in the wider life of the college and often attend performances, exhibitions and competitions to support our staff and learners.

The independent members come from a range of different backgrounds and experience. As well as reflecting the viewpoint of our different stakeholders, Governors provide the Board with the skills needed to oversee the operation of a large and complex organisation.

Click to find out more about the current Governors

Under the leadership of the Chair, the Board is responsible for:

* Determining the educational character and mission of the college * Overseeing college activities * Approving the Strategic Plan * Approving an annual budget * Ensuring the efficient &amp; effective use of resources * Ensuring the proper use of public funds * Ensuring the financial sustainability of the college * The employment and conditions of service of senior post holders * Setting a framework for the pay and conditions of service of all other staff * Reviewing arrangements for the academic work of the college.

At Coleg Gwent we are committed to excellence in leadership and governance. The college is led by the Principal/Chief Executive, supported by two Vice Principals and a team of ten senior leaders across academic and functional areas. They work closely with the  Board in a productive relationship that supports our strategic goals.

"I greatly value the contribution of Board members to the College. The Governors provide a range of fresh perspectives and as a senior leadership team we benefit from their different expertise, experiences and insight. The level of challenge provided at Board and committee meetings ensures that we are never complacent, that we remain focused on continuous quality improvement and that we've thought of every eventuality".

Our new Strategic Plan for 2021-26 coming soon