Competition launched to appoint Chairs to four Further Education College Governing Bodies
Date published:
The Department for the Economy has launched a public appointment competition to recruit new Chairs for the governing bodies of Northern Regional College (NRC), South Eastern Regional College (SERC), Southern Regional College (SRC) and South West College (SWC).
The further education colleges support a regionally balanced economy and good jobs by helping people to access the skills they need and meeting the needs of local employers.
A governing body Chair is a key leader – someone with the energy and attributes to support the drive to deliver best practice, engage in effective partnerships, oversee college services and ensure the delivery of strategic objectives.
They have key role in providing assurance that the Economy Minister’s priorities are appropriately reflected in sectoral priorities, college plans and performance.
Applications are welcome from people of varying backgrounds across the community, voluntary, business or public sector who can bring a wide range of skills and experience to the role. Knowledge of the further education sector is not essential.
Women, people with a disability and those from minority ethnic groups are currently under-represented and applications from members of those groups would be particularly welcome. The Department is operating the Guaranteed Interview Scheme for applicants with a disability.
Further information on the public appointments is available on the Department’s website.
The competition closing deadline is 12:00 noon on Thursday 8 October 2026.
The post of a governing body Chair is remunerated at a rate of £20,000 per annum plus travel and subsistence allowances. If successful, you can expect to commit around one day a week to college business including governing body meetings, which are generally held in the evening, as well as regular interaction with the Department.
To request an application pack contact DfE Public Appointments Unit by telephone on 028 9052 9212 (Textrelay: 18001 02890529212) or email PAU
Notes to editors:
1. NRC, SERC, SRC and SWC are four of the six further education colleges in Northern Ireland. Colleges are non-departmental public bodies of the Department for the Economy, which are established under the Further Education (Northern Ireland) Order 1997. The governing body of a further education college is responsible for securing the efficient and effective management of the college, the provision of suitable further education to its students and determining the college’s strategic direction. In delivering college services, the governing body takes into account the educational needs of the business sector and the local community.
2. Further information on Northern Regional College, South Eastern Regional College , Southern Regional College and South West College can be found on their websites.
3. This is an open competition which involves an application form and interview process consisting of a presentation and a competency-based interview. The competition is being run in accordance with the Commissioner for Public Appointments, Northern Ireland Code of Practice. Independent assessment, openness and transparency are integral parts of the process. DfE is also committed to equality of opportunity for all individuals and applications are welcome regardless of gender, age, marital status, disability, religion, ethnic origin, political opinion, sexual orientation, or whether you have dependents.
4. Appointment will be made on merit from those eligible individuals who best satisfy the four essential criteria – Leadership, Corporate Governance, Accountability and Risk Management, Problem Solving, and Collaboration. Individuals are also required to meet an eligibility criterion that they should be, or have previously been, engaged or employed in business, industry or any profession. No specific academic or other qualifications are required for these appointments.
5. It is currently anticipated that all four appointments will be made in late January/early February 2027 for an initial term of four years There are seven to nine full meetings of a governing body per year. A Chair is expected to attend all meetings and to represent the college at other meetings and public events. A Chair may also have involvement in sub committees.
6. Travel and subsistence allowances are payable at Northern Ireland Civil Service rates in respect of activities conducted whilst fulfilling the duties of the post.
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