Alongside his executive role, he serves as Vice Chair of London South East Colleges and Chair of their Multi-Faith Board. He was previously the chair of a large Multi-Academy Trust and served as Vice Chair and Non-Executive Director on a Group Education Board. Earlier in his career, he was Group Director of Operations and Chief Operating Officer for one of the country’s largest and most successful trusts, overseeing more than 40 schools.
Mark is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, the Chartered Management Institute, the Institute of Leadership and Management, and the Institute of School Business Leadership. He also sits on the Church of England’s National Professional Qualifications Governance Board, supports the homeless charity Robes Project, and serves as a school governor.
He is passionate about education, public service, and creating opportunities for others. A committed advocate for mental health awareness, he speaks openly on the subject and promotes the work of BoysGetSadToo.
Volunteer Voices: A Conversation with Mark Burnett on the Value of Governance
As part of National Volunteers’ Week, we spoke with Mark Burnett about what inspired him to become a College governor, what he finds most rewarding about the role, and why serving on a board can be such a powerful development opportunity.
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What inspired you to become a governor and what does this role mean to you personally?
My career has always been rooted in education, spanning primary, secondary, further and higher education. Becoming a governor gave me the opportunity to contribute across that wider educational journey while supporting opportunity for people from all backgrounds. It has also been personally rewarding, not only because it allows me to give back, but because serving on a board has been one of the most valuable forms of professional development in my career.
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What do you find most rewarding about being a governor at the college?
What I find most rewarding is being able to make a meaningful strategic contribution and support the wider organisation through periods of challenge and change. I have reflected in particular on the development of the Greenwich campus, where governance played an important role in managing risk, maintaining focus and creating the right structures for oversight. I value being able to support senior leaders while also helping the board maintain a balanced, long-term view.
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Can you share an example of how you have contributed to the college's development through governance?
As Vice Chair, I have been involved in major strategic projects, including work connected with the Greenwich campus and the integration of Bexley College into London South East Colleges. My professional experience in education and inspection has enabled me to bring an informed perspective to board discussions. I see my contribution as asking the right questions, helping shape strategy and supporting leaders to move important work forward with confidence.
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What would you say to someone considering becoming a governor?
My advice would be simple: do it. Governance is a meaningful way to contribute to public life while also developing your own strategic thinking, leadership skills and perspective. I do not think governors need to come from an education background, and in my view boards are strongest when they include people with varied experiences and different lenses on the same issues. That diversity of thought helps boards avoid blind spots and leads to stronger decision-making.
Mark’s reflections are a powerful reminder that volunteering in governance is both a service to others and an opportunity for personal growth. It brings people together from different backgrounds, strengthens organisations, and creates space for thoughtful, strategic leadership. Thank you to Mark for sharing your time and insights.
