Governor – Finance Professional

Heart of Yorkshire Education Group

Time commitment: approximately 2 days per month

Term of office: four years (initial one‑year probationary period)

About the Group

Heart of Yorkshire Education Group is committed to being an outstanding, first‑choice education group, passionately serving all of our communities. Our strategic priorities focus on developing future‑ready skills, delivering transformative outcomes, nurturing inclusion and belonging, and operating in a resilient and sustainable way.

The Role

We are seeking a Governor:

with strong finance expertise, gained in a relevant professional role, preferably Finance Director or equivalent;
holding a formal accountancy qualification; and
based in Yorkshire or willing to travel to Castleford, Selby and Wakefield Colleges for Board meetings and business as necessary.

As a Governor, you will contribute to setting the strategic direction of the Group, overseeing performance and ensuring the effective and efficient use of resources. Governors work collectively to ensure high standards of education, financial sustainability and strong governance.

Key Responsibilities

As part of the Governing Body, you will help to:

Set and periodically review the educational character, mission and strategy of the Group
Monitor performance, quality of provision and learner outcomes
Oversee financial sustainability, solvency and the safeguarding of assets
Approve annual income and expenditure budgets
Act as a critical friend, providing support and constructive challenge to senior leaders
Uphold collective responsibility for decisions taken by the Board

Governors are expected to comply with the Code of Conduct, including the Nolan Principles of Public Life, and to act at all times in the best interests of the Group.

Time Commitment and Meetings

The Governing Body generally meets five times per academic year, usually in the early evening (3-4pm). Governors also serve on at least one committee and may be asked to act as a Lead Governor for Finance and Resources, acting as a bridge between senior management and the Board to provide assurance as necessary. Meetings take place across the Group’s Wakefield, Castleford and Selby sites.

Person Specification

You will bring:

Finance expertise with relevant business experience.
A formal accountancy qualification.
Strong communication skills and the ability to contribute effectively to strategic debate.
Sound judgement, integrity and an independent, inquiring mindset.
A commitment to further education and to improving outcomes for learners.
The time and enthusiasm to contribute fully to the work of the Board.

We welcome applicants from the public, private and community sectors.

Training, Support and Expenses

Full induction and ongoing development are provided. The role is unpaid, but reasonable expenses may be claimed in line with the Group’s policy.

Equality, Diversity and Safeguarding

We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcome applications from all sections of the community. Governors are expected to promote equality and diversity and to take a proactive role in safeguarding and promoting the welfare of learners. Appointment is subject to eligibility checks, including Disclosure and Barring Service requirements where applicable.

How to Apply

Applications should be made via our website, using the link below. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview, following which recommendations will be made to the Governing Body.

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact: Sam Cremore, Head of Governance and Legal Services, Email: SCremore@heartofyorkshire.ac.uk

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