Bradford College: Hunt for community-spirited local business owners

EDUCATION: Bradford College are searching for a new governor to commit approximately 100 hours a year

Could you be a college governor?

Bradford’s business bosses are being urged to consider becoming a college governor this year, with the educational establishment wanting community-spirited employers to come aboard its governing body – the Corporation.

Given its strong employer-focus, the college is particularly keen to attract local business owners, especially those from the hotel and leisure industry, the retail and distribution sector and manufacturing.

Bradford College is one of the biggest Further Education colleges in the country and one of the largest providers of Higher Education outside of the university sector.

Employer engagement is high on the College’s agenda as it looks to align the provision with the long-term needs of industry and government policy.

Being part of the Corporation you will help drive the College’s mission to help transform the lives of young people and adults across the Bradford district and to help strengthen to local, regional and national economy.

The College’s estate has recently gone through a transformation and includes the stunning £50M David Hockney Building , the £10M Advanced Technology Centre and the £20M Trinity Green campus, which  provides industry-standard workshops and equipment for construction and engineering.

The College also offers hundreds of academic and vocational courses with an emphasis on STEAM – science, technology, engineering, arts and maths.

The independent governor role would take up at least 100 hours a year, including reading and preparation time for around 12 meetings a year.

While it is a voluntary, unpaid position, current Corporation member Dave Mann says the rewards come from giving something back to the local community.

“I experience a huge sense of achievement from contributing to the success of the College, being able to help shape its future and continuing to provide a sound prosperous basis to students,” said the businessman.

“Being a member of the Corporation at Bradford College means I can contribute on a professional level and assist on social and economic issues – both present and future.”

Fellow member Nasreen Karim, a partner with Platinum Partnership Solicitors, shares the sense of social responsibility.

“I’ve been brought up and still live in the area, so I wanted to give something back,” said the lawyer who studied at the College and is proud to have returned to help the present and future generations of learners.

“I wanted to see if any of my own experiences or input could actually make a difference to the lives of students at Bradford College.”

Long-serving member Cllr Dale Smith said: “I believe there are three aspects to the College’s work that are essential to the regeneration of Bradford: providing young people with skills and academic attainment; as a stepping stone for the older population to develop themselves and therefore help the community; and the social context and well-being aspect of bringing people together to enjoy learning.”

Andrew Chang, a finance expert at Yorkshire Water who recently stepped down from the governing body, would encourage others to get involved.

“The business of the College is so varied from the sector that I work in that everything I encountered at the College was of interest.

“Being a member of Corporation at this time in the history of Bradford College has been a privilege. There is so much change underway and being a part of it has been very exciting.”

Governors are encouraged to be involved in the many diverse aspects of college life including attending productions, concerts and events such as graduation ceremonies.

Anyone interested who would like an informal discussion about the role can contact Joanna Green, clerk to the governors, on 01274 433213 or by email at clerk@bradfordcollege.ac.uk

Alternatively, see www.bradfordcollege.ac.uk