Hopwood Hall College and University Centre is a vibrant and ambitious further education provider with campuses in Middleton and Rochdale, Greater Manchester. Serving a diverse and growing population of over 223,000, the College plays a vital role in raising aspirations and delivering real impact, particularly in a borough where only 50.8% of adults are qualified to Level 3, compared to a regional average of 57.9%. With a turnover of £31 million, the College supports over 3,000 16–19-year-old learners, around 4,000 adult learners, 650 apprentices, and 75 higher education students. It currently delivers 12 T Levels, with plans to expand to 19 within the next three years, demonstrating a clear commitment to curriculum innovation and future skills.
Hopwood Hall has received the Queen’s Anniversary Prize, the highest national accolade awarded to a further education college. It is recognised regionally and nationally for its forward-thinking approach, inclusive culture, and strong community engagement. Key features include a growing green technologies curriculum (solar, wind, hydrogen), advanced health and social care training suites, an on-site animal care centre, and Greater Manchester’s first esports and games development programme. The College also has strategic partnerships with the Rochdale Development Agency and Atom Valley, a nationally significant initiative focused on manufacturing and innovation.
The College is entering an exciting phase, with two major capital projects: converting a listed chapel into a VR-enabled learning centre, and constructing a new campus in Rochdale town centre to meet rising learner demand. Despite financial pressures in the sector, the College maintains an Outstanding financial health rating and continues to balance performance with a learner-centred ethos.
To support its growth, the College seeks new governors to join its high-performing Board. Governors contribute expertise in areas such as finance, estates, digital transformation, and employer engagement, supported by committees including Audit, Standards, Employment and Finance, Appraisal and Remuneration, and Search and Governance. This is an opportunity to be part of a college that is transforming lives and shaping the future workforce of Greater Manchester.
The College’s requirements:
The Board seeks a new governor with a professional background in finance or accountancy, to support the College's financial oversight and strategic planning. The ideal candidate will hold a recognised qualification (e.g., ACA, ACCA, CIMA) and have at least two years post-qualification experience, with practical knowledge of financial principles, accounting, budgeting, and decision-making. Experience from either private or public sectors is acceptable.
Candidates with experience or interest in large-scale infrastructure or estates development are particularly encouraged, given current capital projects. While experience in education is not essential, understanding of the education sector, governance principles, and the local context would be advantageous. Governance experience in any setting (education, charity, housing, healthcare) is welcomed, with full induction and training provided.
There is also an opportunity to serve as a Link Governor, aligned with professional interests or development goals, to contribute beyond finance. The appointment aims for completion by the end of September 2025.
Applicants may be asked to submit an updated CV or pen portrait.
Time commitment: up to two days per month, including meetings, preparation, and visits. The Board holds five meetings annually (Oct, Dec, Mar, May, Jul) and four committee meetings (Sept, Nov, Mar, Jun). Meetings are typically on Tuesday or Thursday evenings, starting at 17:00 for the Board and 16:30 for committees, with some meetings at the Middleton or Rochdale campuses. Hybrid attendance is possible, but in-person participation is encouraged.
If you wish to contribute to the future of the College and its communities, we look forward to your application.
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