BRADFORD College is seeking more business leaders to join its governing body.

The college, one of the UK's largest further education establishments with a strong employer focus, especially wants to recruit local business owners from manufacturing, hotel and leisure and retail and distribution onto its Corporation.

The voluntary unpaid role takes up at least 100 hours a year, including reading and preparation time for around 12 meetings .

Corporation member Dave Mann, of Yorkshire Water, said : “I experience a huge sense of achievement from contributing to the success of the College, being able to help shape its future and continuing to provide a sound prosperous basis to students.

"Being a member of the Corporation means I can contribute on a professional level and assist on social and economic issues – both present and future.”

Fellow member Nasreen Karim, a partner with Platinum Partnership Solicitors, and a former Bradford College student, added: “I’ve been brought up and still live in the area, so I wanted to give something back. I wanted to see if any of my own experiences or input could actually make a difference to the lives of students at Bradford College.”

Long-serving member Councillor Dale Smith said: “I believe there are three aspects to the College’s work that are essential to the regeneration of Bradford: providing young people with skills and academic attainment; as a stepping stone for the older population to develop themselves and therefore help the community; and the social context and well-being aspect of bringing people together to enjoy learning.”

Bradford College has benefitted from major investment ,including the £50 million David Hockney Building, the £10 million Advanced Technology Centre and the £20 million Trinity Green campus, which provides industry-standard workshops and equipment for construction and engineering.

It is one of the largest providers of higher education outside the university sector and is looking to align learning with the long-term needs of industry and government policy.

The College academic and vocational courses with an emphasis on science, technology, engineering, arts and maths.

Interested parties who would like an informal discussion about the role can contact Joanna Green, clerk to the governors, on 01274 433213 or email: clerk@bradfordcollege.ac.uk .