We help organisations build confident, capable boards through targeted and inclusive search – addressing priority skills gaps with care and focus, and appointing people with the skills, commitment and perspective to support resilience, learner success and long-term impact.

Further Education and mission-led organisations are operating in an increasingly complex environment, from financial pressure and regulatory scrutiny to workforce challenges and the need to better reflect the communities they serve.

Strong, effective governance is critical. But building boards with the right skills, perspectives and confidence to navigate this complexity remains a challenge across the sector.

Why etf 

ETF is the Professional Body for the FE and skills sector, with deep expertise in leadership, governance and workforce capability.

Our approach goes beyond recruitment. We help organisations build confident, capable boards by connecting high-quality candidates with sector insight, development opportunities and a strong understanding of governance in practice.

We work across the system, with providers, leaders and governance professionals, and, as a charitable organisation, we reinvest income from this service into leadership and governance development for the wider sector.

Our work is led by specialist expertise in Non-Executive recruitment, with a strong track record of delivering high-quality, inclusive board appointments across the public, and not-for-profit sectors.

About our offer

WHAT WE OFFER 

We support organisations to strengthen their boards by identifying and attracting individuals with the skills, experience and perspectives needed to govern effectively. Our approach focuses on:

  • Building board capability, not just filling vacancies
  • Accessing diverse talent beyond traditional networks
  • Connecting boards with individuals who understand local, regional and sector contexts
  • Supporting appointments that contribute to long-term board effectiveness

INCLUSIVE GOVERNANCE 

We place diversity at the heart of our approach, not as a standalone goal, but as a driver of better governance.

Boards that reflect a broader range of backgrounds, experiences and perspectives are better equipped to:

  • Make informed decisions
  • Provide effective challenge
  • Understand the needs of learners, employers and communities

We actively widen access to governance roles, supporting candidates from non-traditional and underrepresented backgrounds to step into leadership positions.

SUPPORTING OPPORTUNITY AND IMPACT

Governance in the Further Education sector plays a vital role in shaping learner outcomes and skills development.

By strengthening boards, we support organisations to deliver on their civic role - improving outcomes for learners, employers and communities, and contributing to wider social and economic mobility.

PLACE-BASED RECRUITMENT

We recognise the importance of local context in governance.
Our approach supports organisations to:

  • Connect with local employers, civic partners and community leaders
  • Build boards that reflect and understand their region
  • Strengthen place-based leadership and collaboration
     

HOW WE WORK

Our recruitment approach is sector-led, practical and collaborative. 
We:

  • Work closely with organisations to understand their governance needs
  • Identify candidates with relevant skills, experience and commitment
  • Engage individuals through targeted outreach and sector networks
  •  Support a smooth and informed appointment process.
Picture of Cezanne the Sector Governance Champion Lead

Get in touch 

If you’re looking to strengthen your board or explore upcoming appointments, our Sector Governance Champion Lead, Cezanne would be delighted to hear from you. Please contact the team or connect with Cezanne on LinkedIn 

 

Cezanne has extensive experience leading high-profile non-executive recruitment campaigns across central and local government, arm’s-length bodies and further education institutions. In her previous role, 47% of placements were women and 37% from global majority backgrounds. 

 

She specialises in connecting boards with skilled, diverse and committed candidates, with a strong focus on both client and candidate experience. Connect with Cezanne on LinkedIn or email at cezanne.ritchie-hutchinson@etfoundation.co.uk