Board recruitment
We are inviting applications to join the NESCol Regional Board.
North East Scotland College (NESCol) is one of the largest providers of vocational education and training in Scotland, supporting 20,000 learners and over 1,200 businesses each year. Our goal is to give everyone the chance to build the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in learning, life and work.
We are looking to appoint a new Regional Board Member with a background in finance to help shape the future of education and workforce development across the region.
Key information
- Role: Regional Board Member (Finance)
- Location: Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire
- Length: Up to four years
- Remuneration: Voluntary position (expenses reimbursed)
- Closing date: 5pm, Monday 31 August 2026
Apply now
About NESCol
With campuses across Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire, the College plays a vital role in realising the economic ambitions of the region, developing the workforce of the future, and responding to the needs of employers and industry.
The NESCol Strategic Plan 2025-30 was created with input from staff, students, Regional Board Members and stakeholders and sets the direction of travel for the College community for the next five years.
NESCol has four main campuses:
- Aberdeen City Campus
- Aberdeen Altens Campus
- Fraserburgh Campus
- Scottish Maritime Academy (SMA) in Peterhead
In 2025, the Energy Transition Skills Hub was opened and is at the heart of the region’s journey to net zero. ETZ Ltd worked with partners to deliver the facility, which is operated by NESCol.
NESCol offers courses at a wide range of levels across diverse subject areas, delivered by expert staff in modern, industry-focused learning environments.
NESCol Regional Board
The key duties of the Regional Board are to:
- Provide leadership, direction, and support to the organisation, setting its strategy and priorities.
- Promote commitment to the values and ethos of the organisation including equality and diversity.
- Ensure satisfactory delivery of the organisation’s performance and financial objectives, high quality learning and outcomes, and a good learning experience.
- Be accountable to and maintain the trust of key stakeholders.
- Comply with relevant legal and financial requirements including the Scottish Public Finance Manual.
- Ensure identification and control of the main risks to delivery of the organisation’s responsibilities and business objectives.
- Ensure staff have the appropriate skills, knowledge, culture and working environment.
- Adhere to the sector’s Code of Good Governance and the College’s relevant Financial Memorandum.
Regional Board meetings are currently being conducted in person, usually four times a year.
In addition to the Regional Board, there are a number of Board Committees. Members usually serve on two of the following:
- Audit & Risk Committee
- Curriculum & Quality Committee
- Finance & Resources Committee
- People and Culture Committee.
Committee meetings are typically held three times a year.
The NESCol Regional Board comprises of representatives from industry, commerce and education.
Being a Board Member
A Board Member is required to:
- Contribute to Board discussions in a constructive and supportive manner, explaining their thinking and listening to others.
- Scrutinise the College’s performance and, when necessary, provide challenge to senior staff and fellow Board members.
- Give the required amount of time to the role, attending meetings unless previously agreed with the Chair and be properly prepared for meetings.
- Accept and share corporate collective responsibility once the Board has made a decision on anything.
- Devote time to understanding the College and its operational environment.
- Take part in an annual Board member appraisal process overseen by the Chair, taking up opportunities for training to acquire and keep up to date their skills and knowledge.
- Represent the Board at College, regional or national events as required.
- Build relationships of trust and mutual respect with other Board members and senior staff.
- Abide by any confidentiality requirements subject to Freedom of Information laws.
- Uphold and promote the required standards of behaviour and values
Board Members are expected to adhere to the Nine Principles of Public Life and act at all times in good faith and in the best interests of learners.
Download the Application Pack for further information on the Nine Principles of Public Life.
Board Members are appointed to serve on the Regional Board as individuals, not as the representatives or delegates of forums or organisations.
Appointment to the Regional Board is for a period up to four years and requires approval by Scottish Ministers.
Appointments can be extended, with the approval of Scottish Ministers, for a single further period not exceeding four years.
The post is voluntary and non-remunerated, however relevant expenses will be reimbursed.
Following appointment, new Board Members will receive a NESCol Regional Board Induction to assist new Members to familiarise themselves with:
- Their role and responsibilities
- The operation of the College and the Regional Board
- The College’s operating environment.
You will also be required to complete a mandatory National Induction Programme, delivered by College Development Network (CDN) on behalf of the college sector.
You will be provided with ongoing opportunities to undertake training and continuing professional development activities. This will include internal and external training courses and conferences, briefing sessions, joint events with other educational institutions, and Board engagement visits to College campuses.
Gain first-hand insight into the Board Member experience from current Non-executive Board Member Leona McDermid.
Apply now
If you have experience in finance and are passionate about education and creating opportunities for the people and communities of the North East, we would love to hear from you.
We are committed to building a Board that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve. We encourage applications from groups that are traditionally underrepresented.
How to apply
- Download the Application Pack for full details on the vacancy, including the Board Member Person Specification
- Complete the online Application Form
- Complete the online Equal Opportunities Form
Application timeline
- Advertising of vacancy begins – July 2026
- Opportunities for potential applicants to speak with Regional Chair or Principal – throughout August 2026
- Closing date for applications – 5pm, Monday 31 August 2026
- Shortlisting of applicants for interview – week commencing 7 September 2026
- Applicants to be advised of outcome of shortlisting – by 5pm, Friday 11 September 2026
- Interviews – by arrangement with applicants
The timescales for the next stages are dependent upon the length of time required to gain approval for individual appointments from Scottish Ministers.
More information
Get in touch
To find out more information, or to arrange an informal conversation with the Regional Chair or Principal, please email Susan Lawrance, Secretary to the Board: s.lawrance@nescol.ac.uk