National Leaders of Governance for further education: guidance for applicants
Updated 12 May 2026
Applies to England
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Overview
National Leaders of Governance are experienced serving college governors, or governance professionals who have a strong record of supporting college improvement.
They provide peer-to-peer support and mentoring to further education (FE) and sixth form colleges.
The role of National Leaders of Governance
National Leaders of Governance work with college governance boards to support improvement and help secure the best possible outcomes for learners. They might be involved in:
- diagnosing and reviewing governance improvement needs
- assisting the board of governors to draw up an improvement plan
- developing the capacity and expertise of the board of governors
- providing support and advice
- coaching and mentoring
- identifying additional and ongoing sources of support
We match National Leaders of Governance to colleges that have requested support or where a need has been identified by the FE Commissioner.
Support from a National Leader of Governance is free.
Become a National Leader of Governance
Applications to become a National Leader of Governance are now open.
To apply, download the application form and refer to the NLG guidance for applicants for additional information.
The closing date for applications is 2 June 2026.
What’s involved
Participation in the National Leaders of Governance programme offers college governors or governance professionals the opportunity to:
- develop additional skills through leading improvement projects
- work with other National Leaders of Governance as part of an active improvement network
- transfer learning and experience back to their home college
- help colleges to attract good-quality governors
National Leaders of Governance are expected to provide up to 50 days of support over the course of an academic year, subject to demand. The length of each assignment will vary. There is no guarantee as to how many days’ work a National Leader of Governance will be offered.
National Leaders of Governance are required to submit reports on the improvement support they have provided and its impact.
We appoint National Leaders of Governance for up to 2 years. At the end of this period, they may be able to apply for re-appointment.
Assessment process
Applications will be rigorously assessed against the assessment criteria set out in the eligibility section on this page.
We will assess candidates for:
- skills
- expertise
- track record, including Ofsted inspection reports
- data that DfE already holds about institutions you have served in
Short-listed candidates will be invited to an assessment day. The assessment will include:
- a scenario-based exercise
- a formal interview
When making decisions about applications, other factors relevant to the objectives of the NLG programme will be considered. These may include, for example, the need for:
- a balanced geographical distribution
- a range of experience across the NLG cohort that matches the likely improvement needs of colleges within the sector
Eligibility
National Leaders of Governance must be serving chairs of governors, subcommittee chairs or governance professionals at general or specialist FE or sixth-form colleges and designated institutions in England.
As an applicant, you should be able to demonstrate:
- a track record of college improvement
- a track record of effective governance
- a track record of coaching and mentoring to improve
- experience of successfully driving governance transformation or improving standards within a college or across the further education sector
- experience in leading or supporting change management
You’ll also need to demonstrate good written and verbal communication and analytical skills.
National Leaders of Governance need to comply with the 7 principles of public life.
What you’ll get
National Leaders of Governance receive a payment of £350 a day plus expenses. Payment for any work beyond what we fund will need to be agreed between the National Leader of Governance and the supported college.
Contact
Colleges wanting support from a National Leader of Governance should email fec.operations@education.gov.uk.
Email FE.Commissioner@education.gov.uk if you have any questions about the National Leaders of Governance programme.