Become a Governor

Thank you for your interest in joining the Board of The Bedford College Group.

I am incredibly proud to Chair a College Group that plays such an important role in the lives of people and communities across Bedfordshire and Northamptonshire. Every day, our colleges help young people take their next steps, support adults to develop new skills and careers, and work with employers to build the workforce our region needs.

As one of the country’s largest further education college groups, we have both a significant responsibility and an exciting opportunity. Education and skills are central to the future prosperity of our communities, and I believe colleges should be ambitious about the difference they can make.

This is an important time for the Group. We are building on strong foundations, continuing to improve the quality and experience of education for our students, and looking ahead to how we respond to changing learner needs, employer expectations and the wider skills landscape.

Our Board has a vital role in that journey. We are here to set strategic direction, provide effective oversight and ensure that the interests and outcomes of our students remain at the heart of our decisions. That means working collaboratively with our executive team, celebrating success, asking difficult questions and being prepared to challenge constructively when we believe more can be achieved.

We are looking for people who will bring fresh perspectives, professional expertise and independent judgement to our discussions. You do not need to have been a college governor before. What matters is that you share our commitment to education and opportunity, understand the responsibilities of good governance, and are willing to contribute your experience, curiosity and time.

I am particularly keen that our Board reflects the diversity of the communities we serve, bringing together people with different backgrounds, experiences and ways of thinking. A strong Board is one where everyone can contribute, where challenge is welcomed and where we remain united by a shared purpose.

Being a Governor is a serious commitment, but it is also an enormously rewarding opportunity. You will help shape decisions that matter to thousands of students, staff, employers and families, while working alongside a committed and experienced group of fellow Governors and senior leaders.

If our purpose resonates with you, I would warmly encourage you to consider joining us. I look forward to hearing from you.

Yours sincerely,

Laura-Jane Rawlings MBE DL

Chair of Governors

The Bedford College Group

Thank you for considering the opportunity to contribute to the governance of The Bedford College Group.

Few organisations have the opportunity to influence both individual life chances and regional prosperity on the scale that The Bedford College Group does today.

This is an exciting moment for both our organisation and the regions we serve.

The Bedford College Group is one of the largest further education college groups in England, supporting more than 20,000 students each year and employing around 1,800 colleagues across Bedfordshire, Northamptonshire and the wider South Midlands. Through our colleges, sixth forms, community provision and specialist education services, we help individuals acquire the skills, knowledge and confidence they need to fulfil their potential and contribute to society.

The context in which we operate is changing rapidly. Bedfordshire and the wider South Midlands are entering a period of significant growth and opportunity. Transformational projects, including Universal Destinations & Experiences UK and East West Rail, together with wider investment in infrastructure, housing and employment, are reshaping the economic landscape of our region. These developments will create new opportunities, new challenges and an increasing demand for a highly skilled and adaptable workforce.

Education and skills will be central to that future.

As a major anchor institution, The Bedford College Group has a critical role to play in supporting economic growth, social mobility and community prosperity. The choices we make today will influence not only our organisation, but also the opportunities available to future generations across the communities we serve.

At the same time, we are beginning the development of our next strategy for 2027 and beyond. This will provide an important opportunity to reaffirm our purpose, define our future ambitions and consider how we respond to a changing educational, economic and social landscape, while ensuring that we continue to deliver exceptional outcomes for our students, communities and stakeholders.

Strong governance will be vital to that process. As a Governor, you will contribute to the oversight of the Group’s strategic direction, helping to ensure that ambition is matched by sound judgement, effective stewardship and a clear focus on long-term sustainability, resilience and impact. Working alongside fellow Governors and the Executive Team, you will bring independent perspective, constructive challenge and valuable insight, helping to ensure that the Group remains true to its mission, values and responsibilities.

We are seeking individuals who are committed to public service understand the role of governance, and who recognise the transformative power of education. We welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives, recognising that effective governance is strengthened through diversity of thought, healthy debate and robust challenge.

Above all, we are looking for individuals who believe that education changes lives helps create the conditions in which students, staff, employers and communities can thrive.

This is an opportunity to contribute to an organisation that positively impacts tens of thousands of lives each year. It is an opportunity to help shape the future direction of one of the country’s leading college groups at a pivotal moment in its journey, whilst supporting the wider prosperity and development of our region.

I hope this information encourages you to consider becoming part of that journey.

Thank you for considering the opportunity to contribute to the governance of The Bedford College Group.

Yours sincerely,

Yiannis Koursis OBE

Chief Executive Officer

The Bedford College Group