Being a Governor at Middlesbrough College

Governors play a vital role in shaping the future of Middlesbrough College. As members of the Governing Body, they provide strategic leadership, support the College’s long-term success, and help ensure the very best outcomes for our students, staff, and wider community.

Our Governing Body comprises 23 governors, including independent governors, staff governors, and student governors. We are also supported by co-opted governors who bring specialist knowledge and expertise to our committees.

All governors are volunteers who contribute their skills, experience, and insight to help guide the College. They work closely with the Principal and Executive Team, providing both support and constructive challenge while ensuring the College remains financially strong, legally compliant, and focused on delivering high-quality education.

We are always keen to hear from individuals who can bring fresh perspectives, diverse experiences, and a genuine interest in education and skills. Successful governors are naturally curious, confident asking questions, and able to analyse information critically. Above all, they are committed to helping Middlesbrough College achieve its strategic ambitions and serve its communities effectively.

Why Become a Governor?

Being a governor offers a unique opportunity to:

Influence the strategic direction of one of the region’s leading colleges.
Contribute your professional expertise to support education and skills development.
Develop your own leadership, governance, and decision-making experience.
Work alongside experienced professionals from a wide range of sectors.
Make a meaningful difference to the lives of students, staff, employers, and the local community.

Governors are expected to review detailed information, challenge assumptions where appropriate, and apply professional judgement to support effective decision-making. A willingness to question, learn, and think strategically is just as important as previous governance experience.

Staff Governor Opportunities

Staff Governors bring an invaluable internal perspective to the Governing Body. They help ensure that board discussions are informed by an understanding of day-to-day college life, organisational culture, and the practical impact of strategic decisions.

While Staff Governors are elected by their colleagues, their primary responsibility is to act in the best interests of Middlesbrough College as a whole. They are not elected to represent individual views or campaign on specific issues. Like all governors, they share collective responsibility for board decisions and contribute equally to governance discussions.

Staff Governors play an important role by:

Providing insight into the College’s culture, strengths, opportunities, and challenges.
Helping staff perspectives inform strategic decision-making.
Acting as a valuable link between the workforce and the Governing Body.
Contributing to the ongoing evaluation and improvement of the College.

There are currently two Staff Governor positions at Middlesbrough College:

Academic Staff Governor (currently held by Dan Still)

Business Support Staff Governor (currently held by Aga Pajura-Jaszczak until 16th October 2026)

Staff Governors are elected for a four-year term and may stand for re-election for one further four-year term, giving a maximum service period of eight years.

What Does the Role Involve?

The Business Support Staff Governor attends all Governing Body meetings, typically around seven meetings each year. Governors may also be invited to participate in committee work, depending on their experience and areas of expertise.

Meetings take place at varying times throughout the year, including some afternoon and evening sessions, as well as a biannual residential weekend.

As a Staff Governor, you will gain valuable insight into the strategic leadership of the College and contribute to discussions that influence its future. You should feel comfortable engaging with colleagues to understand staff perspectives, reviewing detailed board papers, and contributing thoughtfully to meetings.

A comprehensive induction programme is provided, along with ongoing support and development opportunities. You will join a welcoming and experienced Governing Body made up of professionals from a diverse range of backgrounds who value active participation and constructive debate.

Stock photo of business people networking

Core Responsibilities of All Governors

Strategic Leadership

Help shape the College’s vision, mission, values, and long-term objectives.
Support and monitor the performance of the Principal/CEO and senior leadership team.
Contribute fully to discussions and uphold collective decisions once agreed.

Financial Oversight

Ensure the College remains financially sustainable and solvent.
Oversee the effective use of public funding and resources.
Review and approve budgets, financial plans, and key investment decisions.

Performance and Quality

Provide constructive challenge and support to senior leaders.
Monitor educational performance, student outcomes, and the learner experience.
Ensure continuous improvement across all aspects of the College.

Governance and Compliance

Uphold the Governing Body’s Code of Conduct, Instrument and Articles of Government, and Standing Orders.
Ensure the College meets all legal, regulatory, and statutory obligations.
Maintain the highest standards of integrity in line with the Seven Principles of Public Life (Nolan Principles).

Ethics and Confidentiality

Declare and manage any conflicts of interest.
Maintain confidentiality when handling sensitive information.
Act with professionalism, objectivity, skill, care, and diligence at all times.

Could You Be Our Next Governor?

Whether you have experience in education, business, finance, digital, public service, community engagement, or another professional field, your skills and perspective could make a valuable contribution.

If you are passionate about supporting learners, shaping the future of education, and making a positive impact across the Tees Valley, we would love to hear from you.

Note: The Principal/Chief Executive is responsible for implementing the Governing Body’s decisions, for managing the College’s affairs within the budget and frameworks fixed by the Governing Body and for the day-to-day running of the college.

Any more information, please contact Zeta Foster, Head of Governance, on z.foster@mbro.ac.uk or have a chat with Daniel Still (Academic Staff Governor).