Job title: College Governor (Educational Leadership Expertise) – Henshaws Specialist College, Harrogate (Yorkshire)
Salary: Voluntary
Hours: Voluntary time to include attending 4 board meetings a year and termly sub committee meetings
Main geographical location of role: Harrogate (Yorkshire)
Closing date: 30 September 2026
Where do applicants need to apply (preferred option): https://www.henshaws.org.uk/careers/current-vacancies/
Job Description
Company Description
Henshaws is a northern charity supporting people living with sight loss and a range of other disabilities to go beyond expectations. We believe that, wherever they are, everyone has the right to an independent and fulfilling life. Our support, advice and training enables people and their families build skills, develop confidence, help each other and look forward to a more positive future.
Position
Join Our Governing Board – Make a Lasting Impact on Young Lives!
Are you an experienced educational leader looking to use your skills and expertise to make a real difference? Whether your background is in schools, further education, or the wider education sector, we’d love to hear from individuals who can bring strategic leadership experience and some knowledge of SEND to support our college community.
We are seeking an inspiring and committed individual to join our Board of Governors — someone who brings strategic insight, educational leadership experience, and a genuine commitment to inclusive education and positive outcomes for young people.
Henshaws Specialist College in Harrogate is a transformational place. Through our personalised approach to education, learning and care we empower young people living with a disability to progress and live life the way they want.
What You’ll Gain:
- A rewarding opportunity to shape the future of learners with diverse needs.
- A chance to work alongside a dedicated and skilled governing body.
- Personal development and growth in governance and leadership.
- The knowledge that your contribution directly supports the success and wellbeing of young people.
- The opportunity to contribute to the wider strategic direction of Henshaws, with potential opportunities to explore broader governance involvement, including Trustee positions, for those interested in supporting the organisation at a wider level.
Requirements
· A strong background within Further Education, or the wider education sector – ideally gained within a senior leadership role such as Headteacher, Deputy Head, or other educational leadership position.
· A willingness to devote the necessary time and effort, including attending Board meetings 4 times per year in Harrogate (remote attendance is possible) and join a sub-committee of college that meets termly
· Willing to take an active role in the strategic governance of the college
· Enthusiastic and have an interest in services for disabled young people
· Demonstrate sound independent judgement and integrity
· Have an ability to think creatively
· Be able to work effectively as a member of a team and to maintain good working relations
Other information
Henshaws Society for Blind People aims to employ a diverse workforce and is committed to equality of employment and welcomes applications from all sectors of the community.
Henshaws is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and vulnerable adults. It is a criminal offence for people barred from working in regulated activity to apply for roles that require them to work unsupervised with that particular group e.g. vulnerable adults, children or both. An Enhanced DBS with barring and reference checks will be sought from the successful candidate.
Henshaws reserves the right to check social media accounts of all successful applicants.
Registered Charity No: 221888