South West Apprenticeship Company Limited (SWAC)
SWAC Independent Non-Executive Director
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Company Description
South West Apprenticeship Company (SWAC) is looking to appoint an Independent Non-Executive Director to join our Board and help shape the next stage of our growth.
SWAC is an awarding-winning Government approved Flexi-Job Apprenticeship Agency, wholly owned by City of Bristol College. We work with employers to recruit, employ and support apprentices, providing a flexible solution for organisations that want to develop new talent but may face practical barriers to employing apprentices directly.
Our approach is simple: one apprentice, one host employer. We employ the apprentice, manage the employment relationship, payroll, HR and compliance, and work alongside the host employer and training provider to support a successful apprenticeship.
Since our establishment in 2009, SWAC has supported more than 1,300 apprentices across a wide range of sectors and organisations, not only across the region but nationally.
We are ambitious about what comes next.
Our aim is not simply to place more apprentices. We want to help employers use apprenticeships as a genuine workforce development tool – developing skills, nurturing talent and creating opportunities for people to build successful careers.
We are therefore looking for an Independent Non-Executive Director who can bring independent thinking, constructive challenge, strategic insight and a fresh perspective as SWAC continues to develop.
About the Opportunity
This is an exciting time to join the SWAC Board.
The apprenticeship landscape is changing. Employers are facing skills shortages, recruitment challenges and increasing pressure to develop their own talent pipelines, while young people and career changers need accessible routes into meaningful employment and progression.
SWAC is well placed to respond to these challenges.
The Board plays an important role in helping us understand where the opportunities are, where the risks lie and how we can continue to grow sustainably while remaining true to our purpose.
As an Independent Non-Executive Director, you will work collectively with the Board and Managing Director to:
- Contribute to the development and delivery of SWAC's strategic direction.
- Provide constructive challenge, support and an independent perspective to the Managing Director.
- Bring insight from your own professional experience and networks.
- Review financial, operational and performance information and provide appropriate challenge.
- Consider risk, governance, compliance and organisational sustainability.
- Support the Board in making well-informed, ethical and commercially sound decisions.
- Help SWAC understand and respond to the changing needs of employers, apprentices and the wider skills landscape.
- Act as an ambassador for SWAC and, where appropriate, support stakeholder and partnership development.
- Contribute to maintaining and strengthening SWAC's reputation and impact.
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This is a non-executive role. You will not be expected to become involved in the day-to-day management of SWAC. Instead, we are looking for someone who can step back, ask the right questions, bring a different perspective and help us think BIGGER!
Who Are We Looking For?
We are looking for someone who is curious, constructive and willing to challenge thinking.
You do not need to have previous Board experience, nor do you need to have worked in the apprenticeship sector.
What matters most is your ability to bring sound judgement, strategic thinking, commercial awareness and a genuine interest in developing people and organisations.
We would particularly welcome applications from people with experience in one or more of the following areas:
- Employer engagement and workforce development
- Business growth and commercial strategy
- Experience of working with SMEs or larger organisations on skills and talent strategies
We are particularly interested in candidates who can help us understand the challenges employers are facing now, and where the opportunities for apprenticeship-led workforce development may be in the future.
You may already have Board or NED experience. Equally, you may be an experienced senior leader who is ready to bring your knowledge and perspective into a Board environment for the first time.
We are more interested in what you can bring than the job title you currently hold.
What Will You Bring?
We are looking for someone who:
- Can look beyond the immediate and think strategically.
- Is comfortable asking difficult questions in a constructive way.
- Can listen, challenge and contribute without needing to have all the answers.
- Has the confidence to offer an independent view.
- Understands the importance of good governance and accountability.
- Can bring a different perspective to the Board.
- Is passionate about developing talent and creating opportunities for people to succeed.
- Shares SWAC's belief that apprenticeships can be a powerful workforce development solution, not simply an alternative to university.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
SWAC is committed to equality of opportunity and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.
We recognise that a strong Board benefits from having a diversity of experiences, backgrounds, perspectives and ways of thinking.
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We particularly encourage applications from individuals whose backgrounds or experiences are currently under-represented in Board leadership.
Time Commitment
The anticipated commitment includes:
- An initial induction, including meetings with key SWAC and Board members and a visit to the SWAC offices.
- Attendance at approximately four Board meetings each year.
- Reading and preparation for Board meetings.
- Occasional additional meetings or activities where required.
We recognise that this is a voluntary role and will seek to make effective use of Directors' time.
Eligibility and Pre-Appointment Checks
Appointments are subject to:
- Enhanced DBS clearance.
- Satisfactory references.
- A Companies House check confirming eligibility to act as a company director.
- Declaration and consideration of any actual or potential conflicts of interest.
- Completion of a Director Consent Form.
Appointment Process
Following receipt of applications:
- Applications will be shortlisted.
- Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an informal discussion with the Chair and Managing Director to explore their experience, motivation and suitability, and to give candidates the opportunity to learn more about SWAC.
- Recommended candidates will be proposed to the Board for approval at the next meeting in October.
- The appointment will be confirmed following satisfactory completion of all pre-appointment checks.
How to Apply
If you are interested in joining the SWAC Board and believe you could bring something valuable to our next chapter, we would be delighted to hear from you. Please email Clare Vertigen clare.vertigen@theswac.org.uk and she will send you an application form.
For an informal discussion about the opportunity, or to request reasonable adjustments to the application process, please contact:
Clare Vertigen
clare.vertigen@theswac.org.uk
Closing date: 21/09/2026
Informal discussions: Week commencing: 28/09/2026
Board approval of appointment: 08/10/2026
A Final Word About SWAC
We are a relatively small organisation with a big ambition.
We believe apprenticeships can do much more than fill vacancies. Done well, they can help employers grow their own talent, give people the opportunity to build careers and help address some of the skills challenges facing our economy.
If you would like to help us shape what that looks like for SWAC over the next few years, we would love to hear from you.
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