The Department for the Economy has launched a public appointment
competition to recruit new Chairs for the governing bodies of
Belfast Metropolitan College (BMC) and North West Regional
College (NWRC).
The six 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.
The Chair of the governing body has a 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.
The closing date for receipt of applications is 12 noon on 6
February 2025.
For information on the positions, including responsibilities and
selection criteria visit: www.economy-ni.gov.uk/department-economy-public-appointments
To request an application pack contact DfE Public Appointments
Unit by telephone on 028 9052 9461 (Textrelay: 18001 02890529461)
or by email to pau@economy-ni.gov.uk
Notes to editors:
1. BMC and NWRC are two 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 the two colleges can be found on their
websites at www.belfastmet.ac.uk and
www.nwrc.ac.uk.
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 –
Corporate Governance, Delivering Strategy and Analytical Skills,
Leadership and Collaborating and Partnership Working.
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 both appointments will be
made in Spring 2025 for an initial term of four years. If
successful, you can expect to commit around one day a week to
college business. This includes governing body meetings, which
are generally held in the evening, as well as regular interaction
with the Department. 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. The post of a governing body Chair is remunerated at a rate of
£20,000 per annum plus travel and subsistence allowances which
are payable at Northern Ireland Civil Service rates in respect of
activities conducted whilst fulfilling the duties of the post.
