Chichester College Group - Board Members

Welcome

Thank you for your interest in joining our Board.

Chichester College Group (CCG) is the largest and most diverse college group in Sussex, with a forecast turnover in 2024/25 of approximately £120m.

We offer learning opportunities for all ages, including nursery provision and 14-16 and for all levels, from foundation/entry through to university level and professional qualifications. There are seven Colleges and three childcare nurseries in the Group, each with its own distinctive look and feel.

We have been on an impressive yet complex journey over the last seven years. The Group has been formed through Chichester College merging with a number of like- minded, providers from across the region; Central Sussex College (2017), Worthing College (2019) and Greater Brighton Metropolitan College (2022). Haywards Heath College was also opened during this period (2020).

Our latest Ofsted report underscores our achievements and unwavering commitment to both student success and aligning with industry demands. Having received top marks of OUTSTANDING for apprenticeship and adult programmes and ‘STRONG’ skills rating, the highest rating available, we are delighted with the ‘GOOD’ outcome following significant merger and growth since the last inspection. Our overarching ambition remains steadfast – to deliver unparalleled educational experiences for our students and to offer exceptional professional growth opportunities for our staff.

We are seeking to appoint two new governors to our Board, each with a specific skill set to help us grow and develop in different ways. Strategic HR or Marketing, ideally within the public/not-for-profit sectors, or those bringing executive level experience in roles such as CEO/COO from within the commercial sector.

All of our governors have a passion for self-development through education and a shared understanding of the important role that Chichester College Group plays in developing local individuals and bringing prosperity to our region.

We are looking for people who are confident in challenging and offering constructive feedback, happy to ask those difficult questions that help us think differently, and individuals who are willing to make a commitment to be visible and supportive advocates of our Group.

These are voluntary positions, although expenses are paid, with the opportunity to make a real difference to the lives of students and staff at Chichester College Group, providing successful applicants with valuable board and strategic leadership experience to enhance your own professional development, whilst working with a diverse group of talented individuals.

If you would like to have an informal conversation, please do contact our recruitment partners at Anderson Quigley.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Steve Cooper
Corporation Chair

About us

About the Group

Chichester College Group is the largest and most diverse college group in Sussex, with a forecast turnover in 2024/25 of approximately £120m.

We offer learning opportunities for all ages, including nursery provision and 14-16 and for all levels, from foundation/entry through to university level and professional qualifications. Our offer covers all 15 subject sector areas with a full ladder of learning in the majority of vocational areas enabling students to progress from Level 1 to Level 3 and beyond.

There are seven Colleges and three childcare nurseries in the Group, each with its own distinctive look and feel.

CHICHESTER COLLEGE

Chichester College is the largest college in our Group in terms of student numbers and covers a diverse range of academic and vocational subjects as well as offering a broad range of Apprenticeships and Adult education options. Set in the heart of this old, Roman city, with stunning views of the Cathedral, Chichester College has strong international links. International students come to Chichester to undertake a range of short- and long-term courses, housed in either our modern, purpose-built halls of residence, or with one of our many homestay families.

There are excellent sports and fitness facilities on site and the full range of facilities for our extensive range of courses, including a restaurant, bar and café to support our Hospitality and Catering students, workshops for the Motor Vehicle and Engineering students, a Lee Stafford hair salon and the Riverside Theatre. Improvements in facilities at Chichester are underway with the development of a new £26m STEM and HE centre and a refurbishment project to develop a new T Level centre.

BRIGHTON METROPOLITAN COLLEGE

Set across two campuses in the city, Brighton MET is home to a wide-range of vocational courses.

Central Brighton Campus

Situated in the North Laine, the College has been transformed inside and out by an extensive refurbishment. The College is at the cutting edge of training for the creative and service industries. It houses extensive facilities, including state-of-the-art workshops and studios as well as a suite of new hair & beauty salons that are open to the general public.

East Brighton Campus

Set at the edge of the beautiful Brighton countryside, the East Brighton Campus is home to a specialist Construction and Trades Centre. The campus has a full-size boxing ring. It is located on the site of the Stanley Deason Leisure Centre, which provides a host of indoor and outdoor sports facility.

BRINSBURY COLLEGE

Brinsbury College, near Pulborough, is the base for all of our land-based courses and is home to a working farm, Animal Care Centre, Forge and Equine Centre, as well as large areas of woodland. It also has an award-winning herd of dairy cows, supplying milk to local supermarkets.

Brinsbury’s results are consistently among the best in the country for land-based colleges. Students can enjoy getting their hands-on with a variety of exciting courses, including animal management, agriculture, horticulture and equine. Facilities at Brinsbury include a dog grooming salon, which is available to staff, students and the public. This gives our students the opportunity to put their skills to the test with real customers.

CRAWLEY COLLEGE

Crawley is the biggest settlement in West Sussex, it was one of the new towns created by the New Towns Act of 1946 and has many open green spaces. Much of the town’s employment has derived from Gatwick Airport and the travel industry in general.

Crawley College is home to some of the best facilities in the region for studying IT, Creative Media and Engineering and has recently opened a new STEM Centre. It has built a strong reputation in the business community and provides a bespoke training offer to Manor Royal Business Park, one of the largest in Europe. Crawley offers a wide range of technical and professional qualifications and trains a significant number of apprentices.

Work to develop the new Sussex & Surrey Institute of Technology at Crawley College is well underway. The £15million centre will provide high-quality learning environments housing specialist construction, engineering and digital spaces.

HAYWARDS HEATH

Opened in 2020, Haywards Heath is a newly refurbished site in the heart of the town. The campus has some outstanding facilities, in particular for Sports and the Performing Arts. The College is showing healthy growth in student numbers and is quickly building a reputation for it’s A Level and Applied General courses.

NORTHBROOK COLLEGE

Spread over the campuses in Worthing and Shoreham-by-Sea, Northbrook College has a diverse range of vocational and higher education courses on offer.

The West Durrington campus has a strong reputation for HE and offers purpose-built facilities for:

Art, design and media courses
Theatre production and performing arts courses
Music production and performance courses
Catering and hospitality courses

In addition, work has just started on a new £10m Construction Trades Centre which will accommodate construction courses across a variety of disciplines with specialist workshops for brickwork and carpentry.

Shoreham Airport Campus is a specialist aircraft and motor vehicle campus, the facilities at Shoreham Airport Campus include an aircraft hangar with several aircraft and components, and an automotive workshop with several vehicles and high-tech diagnostic equipment. It is home to the college’s brand new Electric & Hybrid Vehicle Centre, providing essential skills training for the modern mechanic.

WORTHING COLLEGE

Worthing offers a range of A-level and Applied General courses and enjoys fantastic, modern facilities. The large campus has superb facilities with state-of-the-art classrooms and laboratories, a theatre and dance complex and outstanding sports facilities. Worthing also has a long reputation of welcoming overseas students for a range of courses.

FISRT STEPS CHILDCARE GROUP

First Steps Childcare Group is a well-established commercial business and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Chichester College Group. The Group consists of three nurseries offering full day care provision for children from 0-5 years. The nurseries are regulated by Ofsted and follow the regulatory requirement as laid out in the compulsory element of the Early Years Register and the Early Years Foundation Stage. First Steps Childcare Group offers around 350 childcare places across the sites, it employs approximately 85 members of staff and supports 14 apprentices who form an integral part of the staffing structure of the organisation.

First Steps Chichester is the largest day nursery in CCG’s First Steps Childcare Group. The nursery is a purpose-built setting, currently rated good by Ofsted.

First Steps Brinsbury is a unique setting for children with access to the Farm and Brinsbury’s beautiful countryside campus. First Steps Brinsbury is rated good by Ofsted.

First Steps Worthing is located on the Worthing College campus, a convenient and central location for families using the nursery. The nursery has access to the many green spaces around Worthing College. First Steps Worthing is also rated as good by Ofsted.

WE ARE COMMITTED TO ACHIEVING THE BEST OUTCOME FOR OUR STUDENTS

Students really are at the heart of everything we do. Students are involved in all elements of college life – meeting with Governors and the leadership team, taking part in self-assessment, lesson observations and recruitment interviews. They work with local services on decisions that affect young people. We have presented at conferences and workshops nationally, and we support other colleges to develop student experience. It is one of the things that we are most proud of and believe sets us apart.

Student experience is key at Chichester College Group. Through our dedicated Student Tutor teams our focus is to support students to develop their personal, social and employability skills and build their confidence. Student Tutors provide one to ones as well as a tutorial programme based on key themes to prepare and inspire students to become global citizens. Themes include healthy relationships, the environment, social media, personal wellbeing, money matters and knife crime. Our XTRA Enrichment Team work closely with the Student Union to provide a rich and varied programme of opportunities for students from weekly clubs, day trips, residential and volunteering opportunities both in the UK and abroad. During lockdown this programme was adapted to provide a virtual offer focussing on the wellbeing of both students and staff.

We believe that education takes place beyond the classroom for all learners, especially for our learners with SEND. Additional Support Teams follow a multi-sensory approach to learning. They work closely with curriculum colleagues to ensure support is in place to provide all learners with the necessary skills for independence in college, their personal lives and beyond.

The role

Board Member (AQ3194)

Apply now

JOB DESCRIPTION

Overview

Our board has been focussed and dedicated in its support of the College Group during this period of growth and transition. Indeed, a vital component of our success during this period has been the stability that our board has provided us. We have now come to a point where a number of our members have served their maximum period as a governor and so we need to appoint new members to bring their expertise to our board.

As a Governor and Board member, your experience and external expertise will contribute to the successes of our Group, students and people by providing scrutiny, challenge and support in achieving our strategic goals and enabling the continued improvement of learning opportunities, experience and environment for our students across the region.

Who we are looking for

Following recent changes and developments across the Group, we have now entered a period of consolidation, allowing us to reflect on recent successes whilst moving forward with both ambition and stability. Having reflected on the talents and skills of our board members, we have identified a number of areas which we feel we need to strengthen given ongoing development and the upcoming launch of a new long-term strategy. As such, we seek to appoint two new governors to our Board, each with a specific skill set to help us grow and develop in different ways.

Whilst we have outlined the specific areas of expertise, we hope to find in our new governors below, there are some key attributes which are vital to the success of our governing body.

All of our governors have a passion for self-development through education and a shared understanding of the important role that Chichester College Group plays in developing local individuals and bringing prosperity to our region.

Previous governance experience, an understanding of boardroom behaviours and governance processes are important as this will allow you to get up to speed quickly and ensure you can be effective from day one. We do of course offer a full induction process and constant support throughout your time on our board. As we are sure you would expect, there are parts of our training which are mandatory – such as safeguarding training.

We are looking for people who are comfortable in offering constructive feedback, happy to ask those difficult questions that help us think differently, and individuals who are willing to make a commitment to be visible and supportive advocates of our Group.

Introduction

Further Education (FE) institutions in England are governed by a Corporation (often referred to as the Governing Body or Board) established under the provisions of the Further and Higher Education Act 1992.

FE colleges have charitable status and are subject to the requirements of the Charities Act. FE corporations are classified as exempt charities, they are regulated by the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA), part of the Department for Education, rather than the Charity Commission.

FE Corporation Governors are trustees, they must meet the following criteria to serve:

Must be over the age of 18 years, with the exception of a student member.

Must not be adjudged bankrupt or subject of a bankruptcy restrictions order, an interim bankruptcy restrictions order or a bankruptcy restrictions undertaking within the meaning of the Insolvency Act 1986, or have made a composition or arrangement with creditors, including an individual voluntary arrangement.
Must not have been convicted within the previous five years, in the United Kingdom or elsewhere, of any offence and have received a sentence of imprisonment, whether suspended or not, for a period of three months or more, without the option of a fine;
Must not have been convicted within the previous twenty years of any offence and received a sentence of imprisonment, whether suspended or not, for a period of more than two and a half years;
Must not have been convicted of any offence and received a sentence of imprisonment, whether suspended or not, of more than five years.

In addition, governors must meet the ‘fit and proper persons’ guidance, as set out in the HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) publication ‘Guidance on the fit and proper persons test’, and guidance set out by the Office for Students, the regulatory body for higher education.

Governors are required to make an annual declaration of eligibility and of interests.

Collective Responsibility and Decision Making

All Governors are collectively responsible for decisions taken by the Governing Body. The Governing Body operates by taking majority decisions, in a corporate manner at quorate meetings. All Governors have a duty to actively participate in the decision making process. This does not mean that all Governors have to agree on every decision taken, it means that, even when a decision is not unanimous, it is a decision taken by the Corporation as a whole and individuals have a duty to stand by it, whether or not they were present at the meeting when the decision was made. Governors should not be overly reliant on one or more individuals in any particular aspect.

All Governors will contribute to the overall strategic direction of the College Group and play an integral role in decision-making to develop the College Group’s aims and objectives. Governors are responsible for ensuring that the College Group continues to provide public benefit and meets the local skills need.

Governance at Chichester College Group

At Chichester College Group, the Governing Body comprises up to 24 Governors drawn from the local community, with the exception of the Chief Executive of the College Group, two staff and two student governors. Aside from the Chief Executive, the staff and student governors, the Governing Body is responsible for the identification and selection of the remainder of its members as it sees fit. The Governing Body is also responsible for the appointment of the Chair and Vice-Chair.

CCG GOVERNANCE STRUCTURE

Commitment and Attendance at Meetings

Governors should be able to commit to attend Board meetings, Committee meetings and other training and events.

While there is some flexibility around physical attendance at meetings, generally there is an expectation that attendance at Board meetings should be face to face. Attendance at Committee meetings can be face to face or online.

Formal Corporation meetings normally take place four times a year, twice during the autumn term and once in the spring and summer terms. In addition, the Board will meet three times a year for strategy/development events.

Governors should be able to commit to membership of one or more of the Corporation’s standing committees. The majority of the standing committees meet on a termly basis, although additional meetings may be held if necessary.

Committee membership is guided by skills, experience, knowledge and areas of interest.

Governors will be invited to attend other Group and College events and celebrations, for example graduation and student and staff celebrations.

You can view our 2024/2025 meeting calendar here.

Training and Development

Governors will be provided with an induction to support their understanding of the role, the FE sector, Chichester College Group and the Group Leadership Team. The induction will include completion of online training modules in safeguarding and equality, diversity and inclusion.

Governors should also be able to commit to ongoing development as part of the role. This may be in the form of external training, for example with the Education & Training Foundation or events/sessions specifically organised for Governors. They will be required to complete the online safeguarding module on an annual basis.

Term of Office

Appointment as a governor is normally for a term of office of four years. Governors may be reappointed for a second term of office of four years and exceptionally for a further two years. This ensures that there is a regular turnover of governors and can help to maintain the objectivity of governors in their vital role of critical friend.

Responsibilities of the Corporation and Governors

Members of the Governing Body work in partnership with the Chief Executive to ensure that Corporation decisions are acted upon and that the College Group is managed effectively. All Governors should fully understand the distinction between governance and management, the role the Governing Body plays in governing, developing and agreeing the strategic direction of the College Group and that of the senior management team in applying the strategy in the day to day operation of the Group.

The core functions of the Governing Body are to:

Set for the strategy for the College Group, it’s educational character and mission
Ensure the effective and efficient use of resources, the solvency of the College Group and safeguarding it’s assets
Approve annual estimates of income and expenditure, the budget
Appoint and be responsible for the grading, suspension, dismissal and determination of the pay and conditions of service of the holders of senior posts and the Clerk.

Duties under Charity Law

As a member of the Board and charity trustee, you and your co-governors are collectively responsible for the charity and have six main duties under charity law:

1. To ensure that the Corporation carries out its purpose for the public benefit

You must ensure your Corporation carries out the charitable purpose for which it was set up, and no other purpose. This is to provide further and higher education and goods and services in connection with further and higher education.

You should:

Ensure you understand your corporation’s purpose and, as a board, plan how this will be achieved
Understand, and be able to explain, how your corporation benefits the public
Be able to explain how your corporation’s activities support its purpose

2. To comply with the Corporation’s governing document and the law

You must:

Comply with charity law and other laws and regulations that apply to your corporation
Comply with the Corporation’s Instrument and Articles of Government

3. Acting in your corporation’s best interests

You must:

Make balanced and informed decisions with your co-governors
Avoid being in a position where your duty to your Corporation conflicts with your personal interests
Not receive any benefit from your Corporation, unless this is authorised and is in your Corporation’s interests

4. Managing the Corporation’s resources responsibly

You must:

Safeguard the Corporation’s assets and make sure the Corporation’s assets are used only to support its purpose
Avoid exposing the corporation to undue risk
Ensure that financial and other quality controls and systems of risk management are robust and fit for purpose
Not overcommit the corporation
Take care when investing or borrowing
Comply with any restrictions on spending funds or selling land
Ensure the effective and efficient use of resources

5. Act with reasonable care and skill, by

Taking reasonable care in governing the Corporation, making best use of your skills and experience, and taking appropriate advice when necessary
Giving enough time to the role, including preparing for and participating in meetings

6. Ensuring the Corporation is accountable

You must

Comply with accounting and reporting requirements and:
Demonstrate that your corporation complies with the law and is run effectively
Ensure accountability in your corporation, especially where duties or tasks are delegated to staff

In addition, as a member of the Board, you will

Uphold the highest standards of integrity and probity, adhering to the Seven Principles of Public Life (Nolan Principles).
Uphold the College Group’s core values and ensure that the College Group promotes equality, diversity and inclusion.

Expenses

As noted above Governors are volunteers although out of pocket expenses including child care or other care expenses may be paid while attending meetings and events.

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Terms of appointment

The time commitment is c10 days per year.
Appointment as a governor is normally for a term of office of four years. Governors may be reappointed for a second term of office of four years and exceptionally for a further two years.
Formal Corporation meetings normally take place four times a year. In addition, the Board will meet three times a year for strategy/development events
Governors should be able to commit to membership of one or more of the Corporation’s standing committees. The majority of the standing committees meet on a termly basis.

How to apply

The closing date for applications is noon on 12 June 2025. To apply, please click on the Apply Now button at the top of the page.

Applications should consist of:

A full CV.
A covering letter setting out your interest in the role and details on what value you can bring to the board.
Details of two referees, though please note that we will not approach your referees without your prior consent and only should you be shortlisted.

Should you wish to discuss the role in strict confidence, please contact: Paul Aristides at paul.aristides@andersonquigley.com or Sophie Rees at sophie.rees@andersonquigley.com at +44 (0)7719 313 982.

Recruitment Timetable

Role Closing	June 12
Shortlist Meeting	18 June
Final Panel Interviews	25 June

Appointment of the Board Members

Welcome

About us

The role

Board Member (AQ3194)

1. To ensure that the Corporation carries out its purpose for the public benefit

2. To comply with the Corporation’s governing document and the law

3. Acting in your corporation’s best interests

4. Managing the Corporation’s resources responsibly

5. Act with reasonable care and skill, by

6. Ensuring the Corporation is accountable

Terms of appointment

How to apply

Recruitment Timetable