Breaking into the non-executive world can feel like a catch-22: there is an expectation with many board roles, especially those that are remunerated, that candidates will have previous board experience, but getting that first foot in the door can often be the hardest part.
If you’re considering building a non-executive portfolio, one powerful and often overlooked route is becoming a college governor.
Your first step into the non-executive world.
Governor roles in colleges serve as an excellent stepping stone into the non-executive world whilst providing you with the chance to use your strategic expertise to positively impact the lives of thousands of people at the same time, and most likely, your own local community. Almost always, these are unremunerated, volunteer roles. Despite being voluntary, colleges will still run competitive recruitment processes for these roles, as they are important in helping shape the direction and impact of the organisation.
Whilst the majority of people who enter into the non-executive world already have some prior experience of the boardroom through their professional settings, these roles provide you with practical, board-level experience from the other side of the table. You’ll learn how a governance board operates, how committees function, and how decisions are made in a collaborative, strategic context, away from the day-to-day operational aspects of the business. This kind of exposure is invaluable when applying for further non-executive roles in sectors like health, housing, charities, or even corporates.
If you’re thinking about building a portfolio career or looking for a role that complements your executive experience, this can be an ideal entry point.
Skills you’ll build as a college governor.
College governance equips you with a wide range of transferable skills that are vital for non-executive success:
- Strategic thinking: Shaping long-term goals and being a trusted advisor.
- Performance oversight: Understanding KPIs, financials and outcomes.
- Constructive challenge: Learning how to question and scrutinise effectively without overstepping the boundary into operational delivery.
- Risk and compliance: Engaging with safeguarding, audit, and legal responsibilities.
As a governor, you won’t just be contributing your professional expertise — you’ll gain new perspectives on strategic development and delivery. Colleges are deeply embedded in their local communities, with responsibilities that span education, economic development, stakeholder management and inclusion. You’ll develop a greater appreciation of public service, build your knowledge of local social, economic and environmental priorities, and gain a deeper insight into the broad impacts that strong governance can have.
How a college governor role grows your network and visibility.
Being a college governor places you alongside leaders from a wide range of backgrounds.
College boards are filled with other experienced non-executives from a range of sectors, which will include education professionals, finance experts, and community stakeholders. It’s a chance to connect, learn, and grow your visibility within a governance context.
You’ll also get the chance to play a vital role as an ambassador for the college, too, sharing your own experiences with those in your professional network for the benefit of the college, its staff and its students.
An accessible governance role with meaningful impact.
Perhaps most importantly, many colleges are actively seeking new voices. You don’t need decades of board experience — or even experience of ever having studied at a college. The colleges we work with welcome fresh thinking and diverse perspectives. If you have leadership experience, sector knowledge, or simply a strong commitment to education and community impact, you’ll likely be welcomed.
While the role is voluntary, the personal and professional return can be significant, and your contributions can make a genuine difference in learners’ lives.
Begin your non-executive career with purpose.
Starting a non-executive career doesn’t always require going straight to a remunerated role in a PLC boardroom. For many, the college governor route is the ideal first step — a strategic role full of growth opportunities and, most importantly, a role full of impact.
If you’re ready to give back, build your boardroom credibility, and step confidently into non-executive life, becoming a college governor might be the smartest move you make.
Dan Baxter is our Principal Consultant, Further Education Appointments (North). With his extensive experience working across the education sector with organisations that champion those who need support, Dan has been brilliantly supporting our clients to inspire the next generation ever since. You can connect with Dan on Linkedin, or send him an email.
