Job title: Governor – Bridge College – Together Trust, Manchester
Salary: n/a – volunteer role
Hours: Approx 1-2 hours week; board meetings up to 5 times/year
Main geographical location of role: Openshaw, Manchester
Closing date: 28 February 2027
Where do applicants need to apply (preferred option): https://www.togethertrust.org.uk/volunteer-us
Where do applicants need to apply (secondary option): https://www.togethertrust.org.uk/volunteer-us
Job Description
We are currently seeking three dedicated volunteers to join our Governing Board and play a vital role in shaping the future of our college and the lives of our students.
Ideal candidates will have experience in one or more of the following areas: Physical Disability, Education, EDI (Equality, Diversity and Inclusion), Business Skills, IT.
Bridge College, part of the Together Trust, is a specialist college in Manchester for students aged 16 to 25 with learning difficulties, disabilities, complex health needs, and autism. We offer a highly personalised approach to education, helping our learners thrive and reach their full potential.
Why we want you
Collectively, individual governors contribute their professional, specialist and general management skills to the College (and its sub-groups) in a non-executive role.
Governors are volunteers who play a key role in planning Bridge College’s long-term future, its aims, and values. They hold the senior leadership of the college to account for its management; quality of the teaching and learning; achievement, wellbeing and safety of pupils; and compliance with statutory responsibilities.
This role will require Enhanced DBS, background and reference checks.
What you will be doing
- Helping shape the long-term vision, values, and priorities.
- Advising on and monitoring the operation and the internal management of the school / college, including number of teaching and support staff, curriculum, safeguarding arrangements, and health & safety
- Approving policies and the school/college quality improvement plan
- Promoting the well-being of students including independence, participation, diversity, inclusion, equal opportunities, and community cohesion
- Monitoring arrangements for safeguarding of children and young people
- Ensuring compliance with legal and financial responsibilities.
- Engaging with staff and students through visits and meetings.
The skills you need
- Strategic perspective
- Constructive evaluation skills
- Leadership and influencing skills
- Interpersonal and teamworking skills
- Planning and organisation skills
- Ability to demonstrate a full understanding and appreciation of the principles of governance
What’s in it for you
- Demonstrable leadership and strategic experience for CV
- Insights into special education
- Personal fulfilment from supporting the great work we do at Bridge College