Education Partnership North East (EPNE)

North East England

A pivotal Board leadership opportunity at one of the UK’s most high-performing college groups

Castle Peak Group is proud to be partnering with Education Partnership North East (EPNE) to appoint a new Chair of the Board a critical leadership role at a defining moment in the organisation’s journey.

EPNE is not only the largest college group based entirely in the North East, but also one of the most ambitious and forward-looking education providers in the UK. With an Outstanding rating across all areas from Ofsted, sustained investment of over £100m in facilities, and sector-leading outcomes for students, EPNE is shaping futures across the region and beyond.

As the organisation embeds its 2030 Strategic Plan, centred on becoming nationally recognised ‘Changemakers’, the appointment of a new Chair will be instrumental in driving governance excellence, strategic clarity and long-term impact.

The Role

This is a non-executive, non-operational leadership role, focused on stewardship, influence and governance at the highest level.

As Chair, you will:

• Provide inspirational and inclusive leadership to the Board, ensuring strong governance aligned to regulatory and strategic priorities
• Maintain a clear strategic focus, guiding the organisation through a complex and evolving policy, funding and skills landscape
• Act as a trusted advisor and critical friend to the Chief Executive, supporting and constructively challenging where appropriate
• Lead the appointment, appraisal and development of senior postholders, including the CEO
• Champion high-performing, diverse and effective governance, ensuring the Board reflects the communities it serves
• Serve as a key ambassador, representing EPNE across regional, national and sector forums

This is a role that sits at the intersection of place, policy and purpose, with the opportunity to influence not just an organisation, but the wider education and skills ecosystem.

The Opportunity

EPNE is deeply rooted in its communities, serving learners across Sunderland, Hartlepool and Northumberland, while also operating at scale across further education, apprenticeships, higher education and specialist provision.

With a strong financial position, exceptional teaching outcomes and a bold strategic ambition, the organisation is well positioned to:

• Respond to regional and national skills demands
• Drive social mobility and economic growth
• Lead innovation across the further education sector
• Continue to evolve as a sector-leading, values-driven organisation

For the incoming Chair, this represents a rare opportunity to lead a Board within a high-performing, purpose-led organisation at scale.

The Person

We are seeking an individual who brings:

• A strong personal commitment to education, skills and social impact
• Board-level experience, with the ability to lead collective decision-making and challenge constructively
• A clear commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging
• Strong strategic judgement, political awareness and financial acumen
• A well-established network across the North East and/or nationally
• The credibility and presence to act as a senior ambassador and influencer

Most importantly, you will bring the energy, integrity and vision required to lead governance in an organisation that is both ambitious and values driven.

Diversity & Inclusion

At Education Partnership North East, we are inclusive, supporting different perspectives to drive innovation. We are constantly looking to improve the diversity of our organisation and invite applications which reflect the diversity and demographics of our student cohort including applications from BAME, LGBTQ communities and those with a disability.

Application

Castle Peak Group is acting as our retained consultancy for Education Partnership North East on this appointment. A full candidate pack can be downloaded on our recruitment microsite. Candidates should apply using the Micro-site (link) Click on the ‘apply now’ button and follow the instructions by uploading a CV and short cover letter, or by emailing James Carss at james.carss@castlepeak-group.com The closing date for the application is:  Friday 22nd May.