Dear Colleague
Thank you for expressing an interest in becoming a governor at Newham College. Since joining as Chair in February 2023, I have been struck by the collaborative ethos among governors and senior management, and Governors are very proud that Newham College is one of the top performing Further Education colleges in London and is continuing to grow and evolve.
The College operates from campuses in East Ham, Stratford, Plaistow, and Canning Town, which is home to the London City Institute of Technology (LCIoT). We educate around 4,500 16–18-year-olds and approximately 7,000 adult learners and apprentices. With more than 700 staff, and a combined turnover of £60 million, the College is one of the borough’s largest employers and a significant contributor to Newham’s economic growth and civic development.
We are now searching for a new group of governors to help us support our ongoing drive for success in a rapidly evolving landscape. We are particularly looking for new members to join our Board who will bring skills and senior level experience in Teaching & Learning (particularly FE), Digital transformation and AI, Finance & Accounting or Property & Capital Projects. With a view to having a blend of experience, where this may be someone’s first non-executive appointment, or someone who is an experienced board member.
I very much look forward to working with you and the rest of the Board of Governors to provide our communities with strong skills-based education and training that will contribute towards the closing of the skills gap in key sectors. More importantly, it will transform our students’ lives long-term.
We have partnered with Anderson Quigley to support us with these appointments and if you wish to discuss the opportunity, please do get in touch with them for an informal and confidential conversation. Contact details, dates and how to apply can be found on this dedicated microsite.
Warm regards
In November 2024, Newham College of Further Education and NewVIc Sixth Form College merged to form Newham College London. The College is now the largest provider of post-16 education in the London Borough of Newham.
The College operates from campuses in East Ham, Stratford, Plaistow, and Canning Town, which is home to the London City Institute of Technology (LCIoT). It also delivers learning from community venues in Manor Park and Forest Gate. Each year, Newham College London supports over 11,000 learners across A Levels, T Levels, BTECs, technical and vocational programmes, apprenticeships, adult learning, and higher technical education.
The merger brought together two respected institutions with deep local roots. Newham College, founded in 1985 with origins dating back to the late 1800s, was rated Good by Ofsted in 2022 and has been recognised nationally for its contribution to meeting local skills needs. NewVIc, based in Plaistow and established in 1992, built a strong reputation as one of London’s most inclusive and academically successful sixth form colleges, with a long-standing commitment to social mobility.
Today, Newham College London educates around 4,500 16–18-year-olds and approximately 7,000 adult learners and apprentices. With four campuses, two community-based centres, more than 700 staff, and a combined turnover of £60 million, the College is one of the borough’s largest employers and a significant contributor to Newham’s economic growth and civic development.
Newham College takes a prudent and disciplined approach to financial forecasting. In recent years, it has consistently outperformed its budget, actively pursuing opportunities while not relying on them within its base assumptions. The College aims to meet or exceed FE Commissioner benchmarks and, where required, delivers efficiencies to maintain financial strength.
The College has achieved five consecutive years of Outstanding financial health, including in 2025 when it merged with NewVIc. This reflects a strong and stable cash position, with a minimum of 68 cash days, a steady and achievable EBITDA of around 6% each year, staff costs at approximately 65% of income, minimal borrowing, and £1.8 million of annual self-funded capital investment once the current £14 million Stratford Campus new build is complete.
Our campuses provide safe, inclusive and high-quality learning environments, where student ambition and attainment sit at the heart of everything we do.
Our curriculum is shaped by national, regional and local priorities, informed by strong employer partnerships. This work is underpinned by robust safeguarding, a strong focus on personal development, and a modern, high-quality teaching culture.
We work with a wide range of employers, including Barts Health NHS Trust, Amazon, Lloyds Banking Group, and Transport for London, to co-design industry-informed pathways that support progression into work and further study.
As co-lead of the London City Institute of Technology, we work closely with Queen Mary University of London to deliver specialist provision in areas such as artificial intelligence, data science, engineering, and transport.
As an anchor institution, our guiding vision is to be a transformative force for good, ensuring that all students, regardless of background, can thrive, achieve, and progress into meaningful futures. We actively celebrate and champion our students’ achievements, from university progression and apprenticeships to personal milestones and stories of resilience.
Newham College London is committed to delivering an ambitious, inclusive and forward-looking education offer that empowers every learner to access opportunity, reach their full potential, and succeed in Newham and beyond. This commitment is underpinned by four core organisational commitments that guide our efforts to increase educational impact, strengthen economic resilience, and improve social mobility across Newham and East London.
We are committed to supporting every student to achieve their full potential. We provide high-quality, inclusive education and training that prepares learners for their chosen careers, ambitions, and the challenges of the future.
We are committed to attracting, retaining and developing a workforce that reflects our values and ambition. We invest in continuous professional development, empower staff autonomy, and develop leadership at every level, ensuring our staff are skilled, professional and aspirational for all our students.
We foster a culture of inclusivity in all interactions with students, staff and stakeholders. Our shared behaviours and professionalism reflect our values and promote a safe, inclusive, respectful and welcoming environment.
We are committed to providing high-quality learning environments that support every student’s journey. This includes industry-standard equipment, modern teaching spaces, dedicated student areas, and facilities that enhance learning, wellbeing and progression.
Newham College Corporation is made up of independent members drawn from a wide variety of community, business and professional interests, along with staff and student members from the College and the Principal & Chief Executive.
Our external governors are drawn from a wide variety of community, business and professional interests and contribute their collective experience and skills to the Corporation in a non-executive capacity. They are people who are very successful in areas other than further education, and this enables them to bring a broader perspective to the leadership and set the strategic direction of the College.
The main responsibilities of the Corporation include:
ROLE DESCRIPTION – MEMBER OF NEWHAM COLLEGE CORPORATION
Overview
The Corporation Board’s composition is made up of volunteers who are accountable for the institution’s financial solvency, its sound management and the quality of the service which it provides. The Board is also accountable for the proper use of the public funds entrusted to it.
As a member of the Corporation Board (Governor) you will ensure it discharges its fiduciary duties, under the Instrument & Articles of Government. In brief this is:
Person Specification:
The role of the Corporation Board Governor in setting the strategic direction and providing leadership is central to the success of the Newham College. By becoming a Governor, you will be joining a high performing board and successful college. This is your opportunity to steer provision that benefits the students, the local community and employers directly. Being a Governor is hugely rewarding and is an opportunity to make a real difference to the communities we serve.
Sound governance requires more than ensuring that the books balance and that the Principal & CEO is getting on with the business of running the College within the parameters established by the governors. Colleges must be able to respond to changes in direction of government policy and anticipate changing needs in their communities. The Corporation Board must be actively involved in reviewing the role of the College and planning and managing change to ensure long-term health and success.
Recognising Newham College’s ambitious strategy to provide skills to enable all students, employer partners and our community to thrive and succeed.
The following are essential requirements of corporation members (governors) of Newham College of Further Education:
Experience of:
The above should be underpinned with a track record of strong strategic leadership in one of the following areas:
Commitment to:
Understanding of:
Skills (one or more of the following)
Term of Office
Governors will serve a 3-year term with the potential of renewal for up to 3 terms.
Time Commitment
Governors are expected to attend 4 Corporation Board meetings, 1 strategic planning day and the occasional College event per academic year. In addition, Governors will be invited to form part of a committee membership, which takes place 3 times a year. Circa 10 days per year in total.
Anderson Quigley is acting as an advisor to Newham College London. An executive search process is being carried out by Anderson Quigley in addition to the public advertisement.
The closing date for applications is 13 April 2026.
Applications should consist of:
Should you wish to discuss further details about the role in strict confidence, please get in touch with either:
Sophie Rees at sophie.rees@andersonquigley.com or +44 (0) 7719 313 982, or Paul Aristides at paul.aristides@andersonquigley.com.
| Closing Date | 13 April |
| Final Panel Interviews | Thursday 23 April & Thursday 30 April (in-person) |
newham.ac.uk 