The Organisation
Newham College London is a vibrant and diverse further education institution based in East London. With a strong commitment to social mobility, innovation and student success, the College plays a key role in the educational and economic development of its community. Its inclusive ethos and dedication to continuous improvement underpin its ambition to be a leading provider of skills and education in the capital.
The Brief
The College sought to strengthen its Board of Governors by appointing individuals who could reflect and represent the rich diversity of the Newham community, while also bringing valuable professional expertise. At the time of recruitment, the College was looking for candidates with a passion for vocational education, underpinned with a track record of strong strategic leadership in a wide range of areas including communications, media relations, marketing and customer service, health and social services, audit and risk management and welfare to work. The College was also keen to attract candidates with a commitment to governance and a passion for supporting young people in further education.
The Candidate Base
A wide-reaching and inclusive search strategy was implemented to attract interest from a broad and representative pool of professionals. This targeted engagement across multiple sectors and communities led to thirteen formal applications. Candidates brought with them a wealth of experience across a range of industries, including education, health, law, technology, the arts and local government. Importantly, the candidate pool reflected Newham’s diverse population in terms of ethnicity, age, gender and lived experience—something the College had prioritised in this process.
The Selection Process
As this was a voluntary, non-remunerated role, the process was carefully designed to support candidates at every stage. The College, working closely with the lead consultant, took a values-led and transparent approach that assessed both technical competencies and personal motivation for joining the Board. Each applicant received a full briefing on the College’s strategic priorities, performance, financial health and community role. They were also provided with a realistic picture of the time commitment and responsibilities expected. Informal conversations were offered to help candidates understand the culture of the Board and how their contributions might align with institutional needs. A panel comprising members of the existing Board and senior leaders of the College conducted interviews with shortlisted candidates. The selection focused on skills, alignment with the College’s mission and the ability to contribute to strategic governance.
The Outcome
Following a competitive and inclusive process, seven new governors were appointed to the Board. These individuals bring fresh perspectives and a wealth of expertise to the College’s governance. Their diverse professional and personal backgrounds reflect the values and demographic makeup of Newham, strengthening the Board’s capacity to serve its learners and community with relevance and insight. The success of this recruitment reflects Newham College London’s commitment to inclusive leadership and its proactive approach to succession planning and board development.