Become a College Governor and Make a Difference 

Queen Alexandra College (QAC), a national residential College and Charity based in Birmingham, reveals how being a governor makes a positive difference to others in the community and changes lives.  

Governors are people like you!
The governing body, or board of a College requires a range of skills to enable it to provide insightful and effective support and oversight of how the College operates.

Many people wrongly assume that you need to be in a professional career, or have a higher education qualification to be a governor. Although these may be useful, they are not an essential requirement – an empathy for the values and aims of the College is important. Whatever your background, your skills and experiences could help transform and shape the future of young people and adults.  

Governors are volunteers and your skills, experience and ideas can help to widen the perspective of the board, whilst enabling you to give something back to your community and maximise the life opportunities of the diverse groups of students a College serves. 

Ian Richards, QAC Chair of Governors commented: “The students are a delight and being part of the team that shapes the college’s future direction for their benefit is really rewarding.” 

Personal and professional development 
The personal and professional benefits of the role are significant. It can provide the opportunity to develop and widen your own skills and experience in strategic planning, leadership, communication, financial management and data analysis. Induction briefings and training provided can also assist to achieve personal growth.

Employers may encourage their staff to become governors and trustees. They recognise that the skills gained from being a governor can be transferable to the workplace.   
 
Lorraine Copeman, QAC Governor commented: “I’m a parent and was interested in education so felt that this was an excellent opportunity to learn more about specialist education. I wasn’t sure I’d have the skills and confidence to be a governor but that certainly isn’t the case! I really enjoy being able to make a contribution towards things that really matter and have a positive impact on the students and wider community.” 

Did you know?
Our governors are able to get involved in all aspects of College life by supporting our fundraising efforts, attending our exhibitions or summer fayres, learning about our courses, or enjoying student performances and shows. QAC has a strong values driven ethos and is keen to involve dedicated people of all ages, abilities and cultural backgrounds who live and work in the Birmingham area and further afield. 

For an informal chat about the role of governors at QAC, please contact Alison Lydon, Director of Governance on 0121 803 5335 or alydon@qac.ac.uk.  

About Queen Alexandra College (QAC)
QAC is a specialist national residential College and community Charity that supports a diverse range of student abilities and needs. Based in the leafy south-west of Birmingham, the College provides education, training and routes to independent living and employment for young people from all over the country aged between 16 and 25. 

The curriculum is designed to maximise life chances, develop independence and work skills. As part of its 5-year strategy (2019-2024) QAC is developing a new range of services for young people with disabilities in the community. 

For more information please visit: www.qac.ac.uk or call 0121 803 5484