Use your expertise to help shape the future of education, skills and opportunity in Essex as a Co-opted Committee Member.
At its heart, Chelmsford College is an inclusive and ambitious organisation, recognised for its support of learners with SEND and its focus on raising aspirations, reducing inequalities and creating opportunities for all. Guided by strong governance and a commitment to public service, the Board is seeking to strengthen the capacity and capability of its committees by appointing additional co-opted members.
The College is particularly keen to attract individuals with expertise in Artificial Intelligence, Construction, Green Skills and sustainability, alongside influential local business leaders who can bring strategic insight, challenge and industry knowledge to support the College’s continued success and contribution to the economic prosperity of Essex.
Who we are
For more than 60 years, Chelmsford College has been a leading provider of further, higher technical and vocational education in Essex, helping learners of all ages develop the skills, knowledge and confidence to achieve their ambitions.
Operating from campuses in Chelmsford and the Billericay Skills Academy, the College serves thousands of learners through study programmes, apprenticeships, T Levels, adult learning and higher technical qualifications. Its offer is closely aligned to employer and industry needs, ensuring learners are prepared for successful careers and progression.
The College is recognised for its commitment to inclusion and opportunity, particularly through its support for learners with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). Combining educational excellence, innovation and strong community partnerships, Chelmsford College plays a vital role in developing talent, supporting social mobility and strengthening the regional economy.
About the role
Chelmsford College is seeking exceptional individuals to join its governance structure as Co-opted Committee Members, providing independent expertise, constructive challenge and strategic insight to support the continued success of one of Essex’s leading further education colleges. With over 60 years of educational excellence, a strong reputation for inclusion, and significant investment in industry-leading facilities, the College plays a critical role in developing the skills, talent and opportunities that drive economic and social prosperity across the region.
As a Co-opted Member, you will contribute your professional knowledge and experience to one or more Board committees, helping to scrutinise performance, monitor progress against strategic objectives and support informed decision-making. Working alongside governors and senior leaders, you will bring an external perspective that strengthens governance and helps ensure the College remains responsive to the needs of learners, employers and communities.
This is a rewarding voluntary public appointment offering the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to education, skills development and social mobility. Your expertise will help shape the future direction of a dynamic institution that supports thousands of learners, including many with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), and delivers training in sectors that are vital to the future economy.
The Board is particularly seeking to strengthen committee capacity through the appointment of individuals with expertise in:
- Artificial Intelligence and emerging technologies
- Construction and the built environment
- Green Skills, sustainability and net-zero industries
- Business leadership, entrepreneurship and regional economic development
- Recent/relevant Ofsted exposure
These appointments form part of the College’s commitment to ensuring its governance benefits from contemporary industry knowledge and reflects the needs of the sectors it serves.
Who we are looking for
We are looking for experienced, passionate and values-driven individuals who are committed to the power of education to transform lives and communities.
Whether you are a senior leader, industry specialist, entrepreneur or recognised professional in your field, you will bring expertise that can support strategic thinking and effective governance.
Successful candidates will demonstrate:
- A genuine interest in further and higher education, skills development and lifelong learning.
- A commitment to inclusion, equality of opportunity and raising aspirations for all learners.
- Strategic thinking and the ability to understand complex issues and long-term priorities.
- Strong analytical skills, sound judgement and the confidence to ask constructive and challenging questions.
- The ability to work collaboratively and contribute as part of a diverse committee team.
- A commitment to the highest standards of integrity, accountability and public service.
- A willingness to advocate for the College and support its role within the wider community.
We are particularly interested in hearing from people who can bring contemporary insight into the opportunities and challenges presented by AI adoption, digital transformation, sustainable construction, renewable technologies, green workforce development, employer engagement and regional business growth. Those with strong local networks and an understanding of the Essex business community will be especially valuable.
Above all, we are seeking people who share Chelmsford College’s ambition to create opportunity, develop talent and positively impact the communities it serves. This is an opportunity to use your expertise and influence to help shape the future of education, skills and economic growth across Essex while supporting the success of current and future generations of learners.
Time commitment
Up to 4 hours per month.
Co-opted Committee Members will be expected to join one committee and attend all respective meetings across the Academic year.
Successful candidates will also be invited to a formal induction and onboarding, along with student-focused events and learning walks.
Peridot Partners and Chelmsford College are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and our client expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references before any final offer can be made.
To view the role description and person specification, please go to the ‘How to Apply’ tab above, fill in your details and download the candidate pack.
For further information or to arrange a confidential discussion, please contact our advising consultants at Peridot Partners:
Sarah Atkins-Boal | sarahs@peridotpartners.co.uk | 07841 017043
Katie Morris | katiem@peridotpartners.co.uk | 07904 814264
Letter from the CEO, David Warnes
Thank you so much for your interest in joining Chelmsford College as a Co-opted Committee Member. We are a general further education college offering a variety of vocational and professional courses, apprenticeships, and specialist provision for those with special educational needs and disabilities.
Chelmsford College has two campuses, both within easy walking distance of each other. Our modern, up-to-date facilities and resources help students to learn new skills that can be transferred directly into jobs. Recent investment includes a new Built Environment and Sustainable Technologies Centre, a cyber security laboratory and an immersive digital suite.
The difference Chelmsford College can make for learners is in the connections; the lightbulb moments, gaining new skills, mastering crafts, meeting new people, networking with employers and being inspired. Our Board is fully committed to ensuring that the college supports learners to be the best they can be.
Chelmsford College’s Governing Body has 17 members, consisting of volunteers drawn from the community, two staff members and two student members from the college. The Governors offer experience from a wide range of sectors, including industry, civic, education and the third sector. Independent Members are appointed by the Governing Body, and the Staff Governors are elected by the staff of the college and Student Governors by the student body.
We look forward to receiving your application of interest and the opportunity to discuss our college and the board further.
David Warnes
CEO & Principal
Chelmsford College
About Chelmsford College
Established in 1962, Chelmsford College has grown into one of Essex’s leading providers of further and higher technical education. For more than six decades, it has helped learners build skills, gain qualifications and progress into employment, higher education and lifelong careers.
The College delivers a broad range of study programmes, apprenticeships, T Levels, adult learning opportunities and higher technical qualifications. Operating across its Chelmsford campuses and the Billericay Skills Academy, it provides education that is closely connected to the needs of employers, industry and the wider economy.
A significant programme of investment has strengthened the College’s position as a centre of excellence for technical and vocational education. Recent developments include the South East Institute of Technology, specialist cyber security and digital forensics laboratories, and the Centre for Built Environment and Sustainable Technologies. These facilities support training in sectors that are critical to regional and national growth, including engineering, construction, digital technology, renewable energy and retrofit.
Inclusion is central to the College’s identity. As a major provider of education and support for learners with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) across Essex, Chelmsford College is committed to creating pathways that enable every learner to thrive, develop independence and achieve meaningful outcomes. The College fosters an environment where diversity is valued, aspirations are encouraged and opportunity is accessible.
Collaboration also underpins the College’s approach. Strong partnerships with employers, local authorities, community organisations and industry leaders help shape curriculum design, create work experience opportunities and ensure learners develop relevant, in-demand skills. These relationships also support local employers by helping to build a skilled and future-ready workforce.
Today, Chelmsford College is an ambitious, community-focused institution that combines educational excellence with innovation, inclusion and a strong commitment to the future prosperity of Essex and the communities it serves.
Learn more about Chelmsford College
Thank you for your interest in this role. Please download the Role Description and Person Specification.
To formally apply, please submit a CV and supporting statement (ideally maximum 2 sides of A4 each) that clearly outlines your suitability for the role against the criteria provided in the person specification, including your interest and motivation in applying for this position.
Please include your home address, contact email and mobile.
Please ensure that your application is emailed to response@peridotpartners.co.uk, inserting “Application: Chelmsford College—Co-Opted Committee Member” into the subject field. You will receive an acknowledgement of receipt within 2-3 days. If you do not receive an acknowledgement, please contact our admin team.
For further information about the role or to arrange a confidential discussion, please contact our advising consultant at Peridot Partners:
Sarah Atkins-Boal | sarahs@peridotpartners.co.uk | 07841 017043
Katie Morris | katiem@peridotpartners.co.uk | 07904 814264
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Timetable
Closing date: 9 a.m. Monday 5th October 2026
Interviews: Tuesday 13th October 2026
Equal Opportunities Monitoring
Peridot and Chelmsford College are committed to promoting equality and diversity. To help us raise awareness and support a culture that is diverse and recognises and develops the potential of all, we need to appreciate the profile of candidates who apply for positions. We will send you an equality monitoring survey at the point of receiving your application and at the time of placement. This ensures that our processes remain inclusive and equitable throughout, and provides us with important data to help us showcase our impact.
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