Independent Governor

Who are we?

Richmond and Hillcroft Adult Community College (RHACC) is one of nine institutes of adult learning (IAL) in the UK and was established on October 1st, 2017 through the merger of Richmond Adult and Community College and Hillcroft College. It is built on their shared expertise in adult learning and their commitment to the needs of adults and communities that need further educational or tailored opportunities to develop the skills to thrive and achieve their potential.

Our vision: By 2025 we will be the adult education provider of choice in South West London with our skilled adult learning workforce delivering outstanding learning and development opportunities from first class facilities in Richmond and Kingston.

What do governors do?

The Richmond and Hillcroft Adult and Community College Board determines the educational character and vision for the College. The Board approves the annual budget, capital and investment strategy as well as the College’s curriculum and quality strategy. The Board is the employer of the staff and management of the College. 

The Board consists of a maximum of 17 members, who act as company directors as well as charity trustees. The Board normally meets five times a year. It may also meet on other occasions (e.g. during Governors’ Development Events, which are used to develop the leadership and other skills of the Board and to concentrate on strategic issues facing the College).  There are also four committees: Audit, Finance and Resources, Quality and Standards and Search and Governance and governors will be asked to serve on at least one committee. It is estimated that the time commitment for a governor serving on the Board and one Committee is approximately five hours a month.

In joining the Board you will gain the chance to contribute widely to the life of the College, get involved in thinking about its future direction, reflecting on educational issues and how they affect the local community.     

Why become a college governor?

Although the role of college governor is unpaid, there are significant personal and professional benefits to taking this position. Becoming a governor provides not only plenty of opportunities to really shape your local community, the professional benefits gained from the role cannot be understated either. You will be able to develop leadership skills on the job, as well as upskilling and refreshing your knowledge in a vibrant and impactful environment.

Every year, 6,000 people  become governors in the FE sphere in the almost 300 colleges in the UK. In England alone, 1.7 million students attend FE, sixth form and specialist colleges, underlining the huge influence and responsibility that college governors have. One of the most rewarding aspects of becoming a college governor is the position it affords you to give others a helping hand on their journey through life.

What skills and experience are required?

College governors are expected to share their knowledge, ideas and enthusiasm within a forum of like-minded individuals. There isn’t one type of person best suited to becoming a governor and you don’t need a qualification to do so.  But in deciding to apply ask yourself the following questions: 

• As a Board member, can I put aside personal interest and make decisions for the good of the College as a whole, respecting confidentiality and sharing collective responsibility?
• Do I understand and accept the “Standards of behaviour for those in public life”?

(Selflessness, Integrity, Objectivity, Accountability, Openness, Honesty and Leadership) 

• Am I able to put in time to attend meetings, to read the papers beforehand and to contribute to discussions?

The College wishes the membership of the Board to encompass a wide variety of experience and cultural backgrounds. We would particularly welcome applications from people with skills or expertise in Accountancy or Audit to strengthen our current Board.

Please contact the Clerk if you would like further information about the role – clerk@rhacc.ac.uk 

About RHACC

RHACC is one of nine dedicated adult and community colleges in the UK, placing us in a unique segment of the education sector. RHACC was established in 2017 but has roots dating back to 1895, with an emphasis on providing our expertise in learning for wellbeing, skills for life and career development to disadvantaged women, people who have a disability and adults in need of improved wellbeing and career development.

This is an exciting opportunity where continued development opportunities are always available. We also offer a large number of benefits such as:

• Pensions
• UniDays
• Teacher Perks
• Carparking
• Counselling
• Cycle Scheme
• Costco
• Education
• Season Ticket Loans
• Eye Care Vouchers
• Discounted Software
• Discounted Room Hire 
• Discounted Gym Membership
  
  

Our Commitment Toward Equality and Diversity

We are strongly committed to ensure a diverse workforce from all backgrounds, culture, and protected characteristics. We believe that this is what helps our entrepreneurial and innovative approach that creates an inclusive College that generates great service and pride in what we do.

We would encourage applicants to apply for the position that they have suitable skills for, and we actively encourage applications from underrepresented groups. As a Disability Confident Employer, we offer a guaranteed interview for those applicants that meet the minimal requirements of the vacancy.

Safer Recruitment Commitment

As an education provider, we are committed to our statutory and moral duties in safeguarding our learners. This commitment extends to all applications to work with us, including those that supply to us. All individuals will be required to successfully complete the safer recruitment checks which includes:

• Enhanced DBS Checks, including barred lists where appropriate
• Overseas checks for candidates who have lived abroad in the relevant time period
• Obtaining two professional references (one has to be most recent employer)
• Confirmation of qualifications where requested
• Health Check

As part of our recruitment process shortlisted candidates may be subject to online and social media check.