Helping students grow in confidence, develop skills for work and life, and achieve things they once thought were out of reach is one of the most rewarding parts of being involved with Derwen College.
Now, the specialist further education college and charity, based in Gobowen, near Oswestry, is looking for new governors and trustees to help shape its future and support young adults with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) to thrive.
Governor Dan Owen says: “If you care about helping young people achieve their potential and can bring your own perspective to the table, you could make a valuable contribution.”
Governors play a vital role in Derwen College’s success, offering support, challenge and guidance while helping to keep students and clients at the heart of key decisions.
That commitment has recently been recognised nationally, with former Chair of Trustees Kathleen “K” Kimber awarded an MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours List for services to education. K chaired Derwen College’s Board from 2012 to 2025 and remains a valued governor.
K said: “I have been privileged and fortunate to work with students and staff at Derwen College for 20 years. They never fail to challenge and amaze.”
Make a genuine difference
Dan, who has been a governor for just over a year, said: “Becoming a governor felt like a chance to give something back to a local organisation I admire, while using my professional experience in a way that could make a genuine difference.”
He added: “Attending a Student Council meeting was a real highlight, offering a valuable opportunity to connect directly with students, hear their views, and better understand what matters most to them.”
Fellow governor Liz Leigh, a qualified nurse with 35 years’ experience in children’s community nursing and hospice management, first encountered Derwen College during a chance visit in 2015 and was struck by its ethos and the opportunities it offered young people with learning disabilities.
Liz said: “Being a governor is hugely rewarding, allowing me to use my experience to support others while seeing the incredible progress made by students and staff. Derwen College is inspiring, and this role offers the chance to make a real difference.”
Derwen College supports governors and trustees to feel informed, welcomed and involved. The Board meets six times a year, with committee meetings also taking place during the year, and governors are invited to take part in wider College life, from charity fundraisers to Christmas and summer shows.
The College would like to hear from people with the skills and experience to support the governance of a complex, multi-faceted organisation. Applications are especially welcomed from those with experience in further education, care or SEND.
Anyone interested in becoming a governor or trustee is encouraged to contact Governance Professional Mark Baker at mark.baker@derwen.ac.uk to find out more.