We are run by a Board of Governors who take strategic decisions that will shape the college of the future.
Board vacancies
Being a board member of one of over 200 further education colleges in England can be very rewarding. It enables you to make a difference in the lives of thousands of young people and adults who train and develop their skills in this vital sector. The Board of Kendal College make the critical decisions that ensure the future of the college is secure and that the courses and training delivered meet the needs of our local community.
We are always keen to hear from anyone interested in joining the Board as local community representatives who can bring vocational expertise and sector experience to help the college ensure it meets the skills needs of local employers.
Being part of the Board means you will experience first-hand the opportunities the college offers and ensure the requirements of the South Lakes community in terms of training and services are met. It is an exciting time to be involved with the college as it continues to broaden its curriculum and build on its excellent reputation, especially as it was previously ranked number 1 in the country (based on four key indicators linked to satisfaction levels and student progression).
Recruitment to the Board occurs throughout the year and is aligned with known vacancies and identified skills gaps. We would especially welcome applications from exceptional people and employers who can give time to support the college's ongoing development. We are always keen to hear from people with strong financial and business expertise, and the role is ideal for those with recent senior boardroom experience. The position is also suitable for those seeking to broaden their knowledge by joining a board.
We also seek governors with further education experience who can support curriculum development and quality oversight. Plus, we have a vacancy for a governor with a strong knowledge of safeguarding and SEND provision.
The Board encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds and interests and operates an inclusive policy regarding Board membership.
If you want to learn more, please get in touch with Tam Breeze for more information.
t 01539 814761
e tamara.breeze@kendal.ac.uk
The Board's structure means that most of its work is carried out at Board meetings, which take place a minimum of 6 times per year. The Board is also supported by 2 committees: Audit & Risk and Search & Governance, which meet on a termly basis, plus a Remuneration Committee that meets a minimum of once per year. Additional assurance on Finance is provided by a Finance & Resources working group, made up of governors and senior staff who together can provide scrutiny of the financial position and oversee capital projects.
Our standing orders propose 11 business members plus 2 staff and at least 2 student members and the College Principal, making a total of 16 full members but may increase where governors with the right skills are identified. The Board can also be supported by co-opted members, who bring additional skills to the Committees. In addition, the Board sets up working groups that bring in specific expertise and can provide additional assurance to the Board.
The Board works to its statutory Instrument & Articles of Governance with members acting in the capacity of trustees and with the College holding exempt charitable status. The Board has adopted the Code of Good Governance for English Colleges and allied Remuneration Code and operates its business in line with its Standing Orders.
Minutes of all Board and Committee meetings are published in line with statutory requirements and following board or committee approval.
Jon Thedham
Chair of Corporation
Jon was appointed Chair of Corporation in July 2021 having joined Kendal College Board in 2016, bringing with him a vast amount of sector experience to the College. Jon lives locally and has over 25 years experience of providing training, coaching and consultancy to a wide range of organisations across the UK and internationally. He has worked in the FE sector for over 28 years with experience as a chief examiner, assistant principal and lecturer. He currently delivers leadership and management programmes across the FE sector.
Ben Rockliffe
Vice Chair and Chair of Remuneration Committee
Ben joined the Board in 2019 having relocated to the area. He is an experienced education professional and is skilled in the development of qualifications, assessments and policy. Skilled in project, stakeholder and line management, Ben currently works for AlphaPlus, an education service business that specialises in standards, assessment and certification.
Andrew Lord
Photo awaited.
Board Member
Andy joined the Board in November 2023 and brings a great deal of experience in the education and awarding sector. Andy is the Director of Compliance and Quality Assurance at Ascentis Awarding Organisation and Access Validating Agency, who design and award a wide range of qualifications. Andy has a strategic responsibility for ensuring the organisation maintains regulatory compliance.
Andy James
Photo awaited.
Board Member
Andy joined the Board in the spring of 2023 and is the Operations Director of Westmorland Family, a key Cumbrian-based employer. He is passionate about the long-term success of the college and its students and has a lot of experience developing strategies within the hospitality and customer services area.
Ben Matthews
Board Member and member of Search & Governance Committee
Ben brings a wide range of educational experience to the Board being part of the senior team at Lancaster University where he is the Head of Global Engagement. Ben is passionate about the power of education to change lives, recognising the strong contribution the college can make in its community.
Carla Clarke
Photo awaited.
Board Member
Currently holds the post of Named Midwife for Safeguarding in University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay, a statutory strategic role leading safeguarding within maternity services. Has 18 years’ experience as a midwife, which has included working in the hospital setting and the community. The last 6 of these years have been as the safeguarding midwife for UHMBT, working across Lancaster, Morecambe, Kendal and Barrow.
Elaine Davies
Board Member and member of Finance & Resources Working Group
Elaine joined the Board in Spring 2023, bringing to the Board a range of skills linked to finance and financial services in her role as a Commercial Finance Consultant. Elaine is keen to use her skills to support the college and make a difference.
John Mansergh
Board Member and Vice Chair of Audit & Risk Committee
John joined the board in 2021 and brings with him a high level of experience from his different roles at South Lakes Housing where he is part of the executive team. He describes himself as a business "all rounder" and has specific expertise in governance, strategy, performance and risk management.
Kevin Boles
Board Member and Chair of Search & Governance Committee
Kevin is in his first term as a governor, having retired from his role as Head of Business Development at the University of Central Lancashire where he was responsible for the strategic leadership and management of the University’s Knowledge Exchange Framework practices and policies
He has extensive experience of the higher education sector and working with colleges in areas of business development and apprenticeships.
Neil Boggin
Board Member and Chair of Audit & Risk
Neil joined the board in 2020 and brings almost 40 years of experience from the chemical & pharmaceutical industry. He is a chemist by training and has worked across many disciplines – technical, operations, procurement & business improvement, most recently with GSK at Ulverston.
Rachel Tyson
Board Member
Rachel is Head of Partnerships & Projects at Cumbria Tourism, where she is Deputy to the MD and part of Cumbria Tourism’s Senior Management Team. She works continuously to promote hospitality as a worthwhile career within Cumbria and links closely with the college to support this important skills area. She is also part of the LSIP Steering Group and the Cornerstone Employer Group, a group of 300 businesses in England that are committed to helping young people to find their ‘next best step’ out of education into employment.
Richard Quinn
Board Member
Richard joined Kendal College Board in 2024, having relocated to Cumbria in 2022. Richard is a chartered accountant by profession with over 40 years of experience at the director level in commercial finance across technology, media and education sectors. After relocating, Richard taught Accounting & Business here at the College in 2022/23, and he considers Kendal College a centre of investment, providing a fantastic learning environment to equip the next generation with skills, expertise and passion so they can prevail in a dynamic workplace. Richard works full-time with a commercially successful local farming business with an extensive regional network of supply farms as a technical manager responsible for compliance with regulations and standards in food safety and quality and environmental and animal welfare management. Outside of work, Richard is actively involved as a volunteer with Crisis, the homeless charity in Newcastle, and Guide Dogs for the Blind in the North Lakes area.
Kelvin Nash
Kendal College Principal and Search & Governance Committee Member
Michael Watts
Staff Governor
Michael joined the Board in 2019 in his capacity as Business Support staff governor. His college role is that of Catering Manager, and as such, he has a lot of interaction with staff and students across the college.
Jane Barker
Staff Governor
Jane Barker joined the Board in February 2023. Jane is the Curriculum Leader for Professional Services (HR, Accountancy and Leadership & Management) and has been at the College for over five years, with previous experience teaching at degree and post-graduate levels.
