FE Governor

The RNN Group is a leading education and training provider with an annual income of £50 million, employing around 800 staff and serving approximately 11,000 students, including 1,200 apprentices. The Group offers a wide range of programs for 16-19-year-olds, adult learners, higher education students, and apprenticeships. It holds a Good Ofsted rating (2022) and a Good financial health grade.

In 2024, the Group approved a new Strategic Plan for 2025-2030, developed with active involvement from governors and stakeholders. The plan sets an ambitious vision to lead innovation and skills development within its communities, reflecting the Group’s mission to provide exceptional lifelong learning opportunities through strong relationships with employers, schools, and community partners. Governors maintain oversight of this plan through Board meetings, committees, and strategy sessions.
The Board of Governors operates within a traditional structure, supported by four committees: Audit and Risk; Finance and Resources; Quality and Standards; and Search, Governance and Remuneration. The Group’s core values - being inclusive, acting with integrity, working as one team, and delivering results - underpin all governance activities. It completed an External Review of Governance in 2024-5 and a skills and diversity audit in 2025. New governors receive a thorough induction and training program and have access to a buddy scheme for ongoing support.

Volunteering on the Board offers a unique opportunity to contribute to a forward-thinking organization with a clear strategic direction, playing a vital role in shaping education and skills development across the region. The College’s commitment to innovation, inclusivity, and community impact creates an inspiring environment for governors eager to make a meaningful difference.

The College’s requirements

RNN Group is seeking two new governors to join its Board.

The first role is for a governor who will also take on the position of Chair of the Finance and Resources Committee. This individual should bring chairing knowledge, a passion for education, and ideally some familiarity with the South Yorkshire and North Notts area. In addition to leading the committee, the Chair will contribute to strategic planning, champion excellence in teaching and learning, and provide constructive challenge across the Board’s work.

The second role is for a financially qualified committee member who will serve as a co-opted governor on the Finance and Resources Committee. Co-opted governors focus on detailed financial scrutiny and typically do not sit on the full Board. Candidates with backgrounds in finance, charity, the NHS, or related sectors are encouraged to apply. Both roles involve contributing to wider governance responsibilities.

The Board is currently looking for additional skills and experience in areas such as environment and sustainability, AI and cybersecurity, business, mental health and wellbeing, and equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI). Any pre-existing education governance experience, including within the FE sector, is desirable; however a full training package and induction is provided, and this is not an essential requirement of the role. Please see the Further Information section below for information on familiarising yourself with the role and sector. Success would involve actively contributing to strategic governance, bringing relevant expertise to committees, engaging constructively with the Board and community, and supporting the College’s mission for educational excellence and community impact.

Time commitment and meeting schedule

On average, the DfE expect governors commit up to two days per month to effectively contribute to their role, including meeting, preparation, committee involvements and any on-site visits.

Governors are expected to attend four Board meetings per year plus two strategy planning sessions annually which are held in person, plus one Committee which meets four times a year remotely Chairs of Committees also sit on the Board’s Search, Governance and Remuneration Board meetings are mainly held at the University Centre (Doncaster Gate, Rotherham S65 1DA) or nearby campuses within a 12-mile radius. Board meetings currently take place 16.30-18.30 followed by supper in the college restaurant and Committee meetings take place 17.00-19.00.

Governors are asked to attend at least three activities in addition to meetings. There are a range of activities to choose from including learning walks, open evenings, board twilight briefings, taster days.

Governors should commit about 2 days per month, with an expectation of 80% in-person attendance.

If you are a looking to take the next step on your governance journey and contribute to the future of not just a College Group, but the communities around it, then we look forward to hearing from you regarding these roles.

Establishment Information

• Unique Reference Number (URN): 130527
• Address: Rotherham College, Eastwood Building, Eastwood Lane, Rotherham, S65 1EG
• Website: https://www.rnngroup.co.uk/
• Type of establishment: Further Education
• Usual start time of meeting: 16:30 or 17:00