A rapidly-growing general further education College, Oaklands College has a proud heritage, and is currently celebrating its centenary. With an income of c. £35m, it has over 7,500 learners across a number of sites in Hertfordshire which combined amount to to over 400 acres. Its financial health is rated as outstanding and its facilities are superb, with the added benefit of a c. £60m fully-funded capital redevelopment programme currently underway at its St Albans Campus. This includes a new 3,000 sqm digitally enhanced Construction Centre, Sports Pavilion (with ice baths, an Olympic gym and studio), and a 5,000 sqm Creative Centre.

Originally a predominantly agricultural college, Oaklands students now have access to over 1,500 full and part-time courses. These courses encompass a number of specialist provision areas, which have a national reputation, and draw from a broad geographical area. These include the College's excellent High Needs provision, Elite Sports Academies (comprising of international players, as well as world and Olympic medallists), as well as its industry-informed and connected Engineering, Construction and Creative areas. The Elite Sports Academies maintain links with the Arsenal football and the Saracens rugby clubs.

Under the leadership of its recently-appointed Principal and CEO, Andrew Slade, and through its new and dynamic strategic plan, Oaklands College will develop further ‘Centres of Excellence’ and will continue to diversify and maximise new opportunities. The College is currently the destination of choice for many learners who go on to further study, higher education or into sustainable employment, and it is ambitious about growing its offer and learner numbers. It has enjoyed a highly-developed partnership working with key stakeholders and it has created exciting joint ventures. It has an excellent reputation, and is recognised as a significant regional provider with a profound impact on communities, businesses, and the overall local economy.

Governors are expected to contribute to the academic direction and mission of the College, and support the decisions of the Corporation and its committees once they have been reached, on the basis of collective responsibility.

Governors' main duties and responsibilities are to:

• Undertake induction training on appointment to the role
• Comply with the provisions of the following documents as they apply to the members of the Corporation:
  * Instrument & Articles of Government
  * Standing Orders, including the Code of Conduct
  * College financial regulations and financial procedures
  * The Nolan Committee’s seven principles of public life
  * Act in the best interests of the Corporation and the College
• Prepare adequately for meetings to ensure a full and informed debate and decision-making process
• Support decisions of the Corporation and its committees once they have been reached on the basis of collective responsibility, even though you may have spoken against a proposal during a debate at a meeting
• Give due priority to attending meetings of the Corporation and its committees as required
• Participate actively and flexibly in a range of Corporation activities, such as attendance at meetings and College events
• Participate in training and Corporation development activities to develop knowledge and skills

Oaklands College now seeks a new Governor with further education senior management experience to join its Board. The successful candidate will have taught in further education, and will understand the complexities of the further education college environment. They could have been involved in safeguarding, curriculum improvement, or MIS. They could also have served as a college head, faculty head, or HMI. Previous board experience is not required.

Above all, the successful candidate will be committed to the College's mission: to prepare every learner for work, a rewarding career and life’s opportunities

A list of current Governors can be found here.

There are three Board and six Curriculum and Quality Committee meetings per year. In addition, there will be one or two strategy days. Governors will also be expected to attend key annual events in the College's academic calendar, and engage in other periodic, optional, development activities that may be necessary to undertake the position. The appointment would initially be for a two-year term, which can be renewed until the Governor has served a maximum of eight years. The role is unremunerated but reasonable, pre-agreed, expenses will be reimbursed.

Corporation meetings mostly take place at either St Albans or Welwyn Garden City Campus. Candidates will be UK-based.

Oaklands College welcomes applications from everyone regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, faith or disability. As women, younger people, and those from ethnic minority backgrounds are currently under-represented on the Board, applications from those individuals would be particularly encouraged. All appointments will be made on merit, following a fair and transparent process. In line with the Equality Act 2010, however, the organisation may employ positive action where candidates from underrepresented groups can demonstrate their ability to perform the role equally well.