The University of Aberdeen is seeking to appoint its next Senior Governor, the senior lay member of the University Court. The role is akin to the Chair of a Board or University Council, providing leadership to the governing body and playing a central role in ensuring the effective governance and long term sustainability of the institution.
The University of Aberdeen is one of the UK’s ancient universities – founded in 1495 it is the fifth-oldest university in the English-speaking world. Aberdeen combines a rich academic heritage with a forward-looking approach to teaching and research. Through its Aberdeen 2040 strategy, the University sets out an ambitious vision to become a more “inclusive, interdisciplinary, international and sustainable university,” building on its historic strengths while responding to the challenges of the future.
In line with its foundational purpose, the University is committed to education and research that are “open to all and dedicated to the pursuit of truth in the service of others”. Aberdeen focuses its research on key global challenges through five interdisciplinary priority areas: health, nutrition and wellbeing; social inclusion and cultural diversity; energy transition; data and artificial intelligence; and environment and biodiversity. These areas reflect a commitment to producing research that delivers meaningful impact both locally and globally.
The Role and Its Statutory Functions
The Senior Governor provides leadership of the University Court and is responsible for ensuring that the governing body conducts its business effectively, efficiently and in accordance with its statutory, legal and governance responsibilities. Acting as a charity trustee, the Senior Governor must ensure that Court operates in the best interests of the University and upholds high standards of governance, integrity and public accountability.
The functions exercisable by the Senior Lay Member of the governing body include:
• Leading the effectiveness and conduct of the University Court
• Ensuring the University discharges its statutory, regulatory and governance obligations
• Chairing meetings of Court, or agreeing appropriate arrangements for chairing with the Rector
• Leading Court’s oversight of strategy, performance, risk and financial sustainability
• Enabling constructive challenge and accountability of the Principal/executive, while maintaining a clear distinction between governance and management
• Promoting inclusive, transparent and well governed decision making
Criteria for Appointment
Candidates will be assessed against published criteria which include:
• Senior leadership experience at board or organisational head level within a large and complex organisation
• Proven experience of chairing a complex board or major committee
• Strong governance capability and a clear understanding of the distinction between governance and executive responsibilities
• Significant strategic and financial experience
• Independence of judgement, integrity and credibility
• The ability to work effectively within complex stakeholder environments
Appointment Process
The appointment of the Senior Governor is subject to election under Scottish legislation. The process will involve an initial selection stage followed by a formal election by staff and students of the University conducted in line with statutory requirements.
Remuneration, Allowances and Expenses
Remuneration in the form of an honorarium of £22,000 is available for this role, based on an expected annual time commitment of 50 days. Reasonable expenses incurred in connection with attending an interview, or otherwise participating in the appointment or election process, and in undertaking the role, will be reimbursed in accordance with university policy.
To apply for this position, please contact:
Dr Maliha Ahmed – maliha.ahmed@gatenbysanderson.com
To arrange a conversation about this opportunity please contact Dr Maliha Ahmed maliha.ahmed@gatenbysanderson.com
Would you like the opportunity to apply your expertise to influence the decision making at the very top of one of the country’s oldest ancient universities?
The University of Aberdeen is seeking to appoint five talented and dedicated individuals to its governing body – the University Court – and two of its key Committees. Applications are invited from individuals with a record of successful leadership within a public, private or third sector organisation, who are passionate about supporting an internationally competitive, research-intensive and diverse University.
In line with our commitment to diversity and creating a truly representative board, we also have a vacancy for a Governance Apprentice, and candidates wishing to take their first steps towards a future Trustee role are encouraged to apply for this opportunity.
Established in 1495 to serve the north-east of Scotland, today the University is a global presence in higher education. A dual focus on the region and wider world is as important to it today as it was five centuries ago.
The new appointments to Court will ensure the continued successful delivery of the University’s priorities and objectives, the setting of its strategic direction and commitment to its values and mission.
To apply for this position, please contact:
Janine Whitfield
INFORMAL QUERIES
For confidential enquiries please contact:
Samantha Waters, Chief Governance Officer & University Secretary.
Email: samantha.waters@abdn.ac.uk
or
Janine Whitfield, Governance Officer. Email: janine.whitfield@abdn.ac.uk
Please do not send application forms or CVs to Ms Waters or Ms Whitfield.
This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the governance of a leading University in a rapidly changing global environment. The University of Aberdeen is a broad-based, research-intensive University, and we put students at the centre of everything we do. Outstanding in a wide range of discipline areas, Aberdeen is credited for its international reach and commercialisation of research ideas into spin out companies.
The University has over 16,000 matriculated students and 3,600 staff representing 130 nationalities. We encourage bold thinking, creativity and innovation, and we nurture ambition in an inclusive learning environment which challenges and inspires.
The mission, objectives and targets outlined in our award winning Aberdeen 2040 Strategic Plan are approved and monitored by the governance structure of the University Court, the University’s Governing Body with corporate and legal duties and ultimate responsibility for the University.
We are currently seeking to appoint an individual as an external member of University’s Investment Committee, whose primary role is to advise the Finance & Resourcing Committee in relation to the effectiveness and performance of the University and University of Aberdeen Development Trust’s investment portfolios.
With proven experience of acting as a Non-Executive or Trustee, you will possess demonstrable expertise of investment strategy and management.
Further information about the University and the role of an external member of the Investment Committee is provided in the candidate pack.
Members are not remunerated; however, the University will meet reasonable costs incurred in carrying out the role, including reimbursement for travel.
Each position is for three years in the first instance. The expected time commitment is attendance at four meetings of the Committee per year of which a minimum of one meeting is expected to be in person at the University of Aberdeen.
The University values a diverse working environment and recognises the benefits this can bring. We are keen to receive applications from all suitably experienced individuals from across all of the equality protected characteristics (age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation). Applications would be particularly welcomed from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic, disabled and early career candidates, as we recognise that individuals from these groups are currently underrepresented on the Committee and would further enhance its diversity.
To apply for this position, please contact:
To enquire informally about the position, contact Ellie Dickens, Senior Financial Accountant at:
Candidates should apply with a CV and covering letter outlining their suitability for the role. All applications should be submitted via email to the University’s recruitment team at:
Please quote reference FINIC2501 on all correspondence.
The closing date for applications is Friday 7th February 2025.
The interview date is to be confirmed.
The Court of the University of Aberdeen is seeking to appoint a new independent member (non-executive director and charity trustee) to fill a vacancy that will arise during the Summer 2024.
The University was established in 1495 to serve the north-east of Scotland, today our university is a global presence in higher education. A dual focus on our region and the wider world is as important to us today as it was five centuries ago.
The University is now seeking an exceptional individual to fill a vacancy on Court to ensure the continued successful delivery of the University’s priorities and objectives, the setting of its strategic direction and commitment to its values and mission.
Members of the governing body need to have a keen interest in, and empathy for, Higher Education, and be willing to commit their time and expertise to helping the University deliver on its significant ambitions. Applications are invited from individuals with a record of successful leadership within a public, private or third sector organisation, who are passionate about supporting an internationally competitive, research-intensive and diverse University.
Interest would be particularly welcome at this time from individuals with skills and experience in in relation to sustainability and the environment as we seek to fully embed our commitment to net zero and addressing the climate crisis within our financial and strategic planning. Demonstrable expertise in strategic leadership of the implementation of corporate sustainability strategies, green finance, sustainability, or environmental policy leadership would therefore bring particular value to University Court and to the role of independent member.
The post is not remunerated, however reasonable expenses incurred as result of your role will be reimbursed in line with the University’s expenses policy.
For further information and a candidate pack please visit: https://www.abdn.ac.uk/about/strategy-and-governance/recruitments-3326.php
To apply, please send your CV and a covering letter detailing how you match the criteria for the role and completed Equal Opportunity Monitoring Form to the Governance and Executive Support Team, University of Aberdeen at gest@abdn.ac.uk.
Please do not send applications or CVs to Mrs Slaven or Mrs Thomson.
Please quote the reference number UCIM2024002 on your correspondence.
The closing date for the receipt of applications is Thursday 12th September 2024.
Interviews will be held during weeks commencing 30 September and 7 October 2024.
The Court recognises the strengths that diversity brings, both to our governing body and our institution, and is committed to ensuring that its composition is reflective of the perspectives and experiences of the University’s staff and students, who bring their diverse and intersectional lived experience of religion, race, age, sexual orientation, gender identity and disability to work or study with them each day. Applications are therefore encouraged from candidates who can identify with these lived experiences and the challenges and barriers faced by marginalised communities.
To apply for this position, please contact:
Janine Whitfield – janine.whitfield@abdn.ac.uk
Informal enquiries should be made to Tracey Slaven, University Secretary (tracey.slaven@abdn.ac.uk) or Louise Thomson, Head of Governance and Executive Support (louise.thomson@abdn.ac.uk).
The Court of the University of Aberdeen is seeking to recruit a member of Court to Chair the Remuneration Committee to fill a vacancy that will arise during the Summer of 2024.
The University was established in 1495 to serve the north-east of Scotland, today our university is a global presence in higher education. A dual focus on our region and the wider world is as important to us today as it was five centuries ago.
The University is seeking exceptional candidates to fill the vacancy to ensure the continued successful delivery of the University’s priorities and objectives, the setting of its strategic direction and commitment to its values and mission.
The following areas of professional expertise and/or experience would bring particular value to University Court and to the role of Chair of the Remuneration Committee:
• Demonstrable knowledge and expertise in people and HR leadership, change management, organisational development, culture, diversity and inclusion, and reward.
• Proven experience of connecting boards and executives to people and organisational priorities as a senior leader.
To apply for this position, please contact:
Louise Thomson
Tracey Slaven, University Secretary, tracey.slaven@abdn.ac.uk
The Court of the University of Aberdeen is seeking to appoint four new independent members (non-executive directors and charity trustees) to fill vacancies that will arise during the Summer 2024.
The University was established in 1495 to serve the north-east of Scotland, today our university is a global presence in higher education. A dual focus on our region and the wider world is as important to us today as it was five centuries ago.
The University is seeking to recruit a member of Court to Chair the Remuneration Committee. The following areas of professional expertise and/or experience would bring particular value to University Court and to the role of chair of the Remuneration Committee:
• Demonstrable knowledge and expertise in people and HR leadership, change management, organisational development, culture, diversity and inclusion, and reward.
• Proven experience of connecting boards and executives to people and organisational priorities as a senior leader.
To apply for this position, please contact:
Louise Thomson
Tracey Slaven, University Secretary and Chief Operating Officer, tracey.slaven@abdn.ac.uk
The Court of the University of Aberdeen is seeking to appoint four new independent members (non-executive directors and charity trustees) to fill vacancies that will arise during the Summer 2024.
The University was established in 1495 to serve the north-east of Scotland, today our university is a global presence in higher education. A dual focus on our region and the wider world is as important to us today as it was five centuries ago.
After serving on our governing body, University Court, for a number of years, four of our independent Court members will step down in August 2024. The University is now seeking exceptional candidates to fill these vacancies to ensure the continued successful delivery of the University’s priorities and objectives, the setting of its strategic direction and commitment to its values and mission.
To apply for this position, please contact:
Louise Thomson
Tracey Slaven, University Secretary and Chief Operating Officer – tracey.slaven@abdn.ac.uk
