University of Nottingham
Chair of Council
Unremunerated with reasonable expenses covered
Time commitment: 15–20 days on campus per year alongside wider engagement
Shape the Future. Lead with Purpose. Govern for Impact.
The University of Nottingham is a globally recognised, research intensive university with a distinctive mission, a strong civic commitment, and an exceptional international reach. With campuses in the UK, China and Malaysia, the University is home to a dynamic, diverse and ambitious community. Our world class research, transformative educational experience and deep partnerships across sectors enable Nottingham to make a lasting impact on society regionally, nationally and globally.
The University is now seeking to appoint a new Chair of Council to lead its governing body at a pivotal moment. Higher education is undergoing profound change, and Nottingham is responding with determination and ambition through the Future Nottingham transformation programme, which is strengthening strategic alignment, enhancing organisational resilience and shaping the University’s long term direction. The Chair will play a critical role in ensuring Council provides the strategic leadership, scrutiny and stewardship required for the University to navigate this period of transformation with clarity, confidence and purpose.
This is a role for an individual of exceptional calibre. Candidates will bring significant board level experience in complex organisations, ideally as Chair, and a strong track record of guiding organisations through change. They will offer astute strategic judgement, a deep understanding of effective governance, and a clear appreciation of the distinction between executive and non executive responsibilities. An authentic commitment to the mission of higher education, and to Nottingham’s values, culture and global role, is essential.
The successful candidate will demonstrate personal authority, integrity and independence of mind, combined with the interpersonal and communication skills to engage a wide range of stakeholders across a large and international community. They will work with inclusivity, openness and collaboration, reflecting the University’s commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion. As an ambassador for Nottingham, they will champion its strengths and potential locally, nationally and globally.
The initial term of office is four years, the role is unremunerated with reasonable expenses covered, and it requires around 15–20 days on campus per year alongside wider engagement; this is a rewarding opportunity to help shape the University of Nottingham’s future at a pivotal moment.
For an informal conversation about the role please contact our recruitment partners, GatenbySanderson. Maliha Ahmed Maliha.ahmed@gatenbysanderson.com
For further details and to apply, please click ‘Apply now’.
Closing date for applications: 9am Monday 16th March 2026
To apply for this position, please contact:
Maliha Ahmed
For an informal conversation about the role please contact our recruitment partners, GatenbySanderson. Maliha Ahmed Maliha.ahmed@gatenbysanderson.com
Join the non-executive Board of Governors of the University of Wolverhampton and help shape the future of an inclusive, values-driven university through strategic leadership, independent challenge, and a shared commitment to the transformative power of higher education.
Who we are
Independent Governors are non-executive members of the University’s Board of Governors. They bring independent judgement, strategic insight, and professional expertise to support the University’s long-term success, financial sustainability, and compliance with an increasingly complex regulatory environment.
The Board operates through a constructive partnership between Governors and the Executive, underpinned by mutual respect, clarity of roles, and a shared commitment to the University’s mission. Governors are responsible for strategic oversight, assurance, and governance, while the Executive team retains accountability for operational leadership and delivery.
Independent Governors are expected to work collaboratively, valuing strong relationships, open dialogue, and collective responsibility. The role requires a genuine commitment of time and attention, including engagement in discussions and workshops that support informed decision-making and long-term stability.
About the role
Setting direction and providing strategic oversight:
• Contribute to the definition, approval, and review of the University’s mission, values, and strategic priorities.
• Support the Board in maintaining a clear long-term strategic direction that is responsive to a volatile external environment.
• Provide assurance on institutional performance and future strategic positioning.
Ensuring financial sustainability and effective governance:
• Monitoring financial performance, long-term sustainability, and the effective management of risk.
• Overseeing governance frameworks and ensuring regulatory compliance, including with the Office for Students Conditions of Registration.
• Ensuring adherence to the University’s Instrument and Articles of Government, Board Regulations, and the Committee of University Chairs Code of Governance.
Providing constructive challenge and assurance:
• Offer informed questioning and constructive challenge, supporting robust decision-making.
• Recognise and respect the professional expertise and leadership of the Executive team, providing oversight without encroaching on operational management.
• Receive and evaluate assurance on delivery, outcomes, and the effectiveness of strategic execution.
Working in partnership with Board leadership and the Executive:
• Adopt a collaborative, relationship-based approach that supports Board cohesion and effectiveness.
• Maintain a ‘no surprises’ approach, keeping the Chair appropriately informed and supported.
• Be prepared to adapt thinking and support changes in strategic direction where required.
• Commitment, engagement, and ambassadorship.
The role requires:
• A meaningful commitment of time, including attendance at Board and committee meetings, strategy sessions, and workshops.
• Ongoing development of knowledge of higher education governance, policy, and regulation.
• A willingness to act as an ambassador for the University, representing and promoting it at key events and formal occasions, including graduations
Governors are expected to act in line with the Nolan Principles of Public Life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty, and leadership.
Appointments are typically for a three-year term, renewable up to nine years, with a 12-month probationary period. The time commitment averages a minimum of 5 hours per month, plus preparation, briefings, and 2 annual strategic away days.
Who we are looking for
We welcome and encourage interest from experienced, values-driven individuals who can bring independent, strategic thinking and senior professional expertise to the University of Wolverhampton’s Board of Governors.
Chair of the Audit & Risk Committee
We are looking for an experienced and commercially minded leader with either direct experience of leading audit and risk services for large and complex public institutions as clients, or as an experienced non-executive with prior service on an audit & risk committee. The successful candidate will have an excellent understanding of the business cycle of an audit & risk committee, including its critical oversight role in financial management, risk, and regulatory compliance, and the importance of audit in ensuring the long-term sustainability and governance of a higher education institution.
Independent Governor – Digital Transformation
We are seeking an individual with extensive experience leading major programmes of IT and digital change, linked to infrastructure planning, capital development, and investment to support organisational growth. This role requires the ability to bring strategic insight into how technology and digital initiatives can transform operations, enhance student and staff (customer) experience, and deliver long-term institutional impact.
Independent Governor – Higher Education Policy & Regulation
We are seeking a candidate with significant experience in higher education policy, regulation, or governance, gained either through work in government, advising government, or supporting the sector through professional and membership organisations.
Candidates could also come from think tanks or policy organisations with expertise in shaping higher education strategy, regulation, and compliance. This role requires an understanding of the wider higher education landscape and the ability to contribute insight into regulatory, policy, and sector developments that affect the University’s strategic objectives.
All Independent Governors
Successful candidates for all roles will demonstrate:
• Independent judgement, integrity, and the ability to act impartially
• Strong analytical, interpersonal, and collaborative skills
• The ability to provide constructive challenge while supporting collective decision-making
• A commitment to preparation, attendance at meetings, and ongoing development
• Alignment with fairness, inclusion, public service, and the University’s values
• A passion for the transformative impact of higher education and the University of Wolverhampton
We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds. Diversity of experience and thought strengthens the Board and reflects the inclusive values of our university.
Please click ‘Apply’ to be redirected to the Peridot Partners website, where you can find full details of the candidate profile and register your interest to apply.
Applications for this role close at 9 a.m. Monday 23 February.
To apply for this position, please contact:
Harper Adams University seeks to appoint a new Governor to act as a critical friend, bring advice, scrutiny, sound judgement and constructive challenge to the Governing Body and Executive team. We are looking for a new Governor who will have leadership experience at senior level to provide guidance and advice to the wider Board and executive team on the University Strategy 2030. We are interested in hearing from individuals with skills in diversification, transformation and/or digital innovation, but above all, they will bring a willingness to be challenging and operate in a professional and constructive manner.
The successful candidate will bring experience in senior strategic leadership roles. They may have operated in any sector but will ideally have experience from similarly sized / complex organisations and/or sectors aligned to the University’s specialisms. Individuals will bring a broad organisational perspective. Though previous experience in the higher education sector isn’t necessary, candidates will bring an understanding of the challenges facing the sector and have an appreciation for its highly regulated nature. The University is open to hearing from first time non-executives who can demonstrate an understanding of the nuances between an executive and non-executive role.
Above all, candidates will bring a commitment to the University’s mission of advancing knowledge, inspiring and equipping learners in our specialisms to deliver real change, and contributing to a sustainable future for the inhabitants of and habitats across our living planet.
About Harper Adams University
Harper Adams University is a welcoming, forward-thinking community working together to create real, lasting impact – ensuring that everyone, everywhere, can access sustainable food, land, and animal systems. Our work contributes directly to planetary health, animal welfare and ultimately human wellbeing. We’re passionate about what we do and are committed to making a difference
We are the UK’s premier educational institution serving the agri-food, animal wellbeing and connected industries, recognised as a world-leading specialist provider. Our focus is on food production and technology, animal health and wellbeing, management of land and property, and their contribution to sustainable living environments for our planet’s population; we are equally committed to making the UK’s food and farming competitive in a world where we will need to compete globally. Our education and research encompass food production and processing, animal sciences, environmental sustainability, mechanical engineering, land management and sustainable business management. We have strong relationships with companies in the UK and abroad, and with academic institutions across the world, collaborating in research and in the delivery of our courses. We are a University with regional, national and international reach and impact, repeatedly appearing in The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide as the UK’s highest-ranked modern university.
While our rural Shropshire campus remains central to who we are, our presence now extends to Telford – a town with a rich history of innovation and revolution, and a fitting symbol of our ever-evolving mission. This growing site strengthens our ties to the local region and reinforces our commitment to inclusive education and collaboration that reaches far beyond any single postcode. Our impact and reach are proudly regional, national and international.
We began life in 1901 as Harper Adams Agricultural College and became a university in 2012. Our Chancellor is Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal and our Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ken Sloan, joined us in 2021. Our rural campus near Newport in Shropshire is supported by a growing site in Telford, offering a range of housing options and excellent rail and road connections to the West Midlands and beyond. We’ve invested more than £50 million in our estate in the last decade – including leading-edge teaching, research and veterinary facilities, modern laboratories, and a purpose-built Veterinary Services Centre. Our commercial farm spans 494 hectares and plays an active role in our education, research, and knowledge exchange.
Take a virtual tour of the campus: Virtual Tour
For further details about the University, please visit our website: http://www.harper-adams.ac.uk
We are proud to be the UK’s highest-ranked small specialist provider for the agri-food and animal wellbeing sectors, consistently delivering the largest cohort of graduates into these industries – with over 97 per cent going directly into employment. We currently welcome over 3,000 full- and part-time students across undergraduate and postgraduate courses, including subjects like agricultural engineering, veterinary nursing, business, land and property management, and veterinary medicine and surgery – the latter delivered through the Harper & Keele Veterinary School, established in 2020.
Our Governing Body
The Governing Body of Harper Adams University is responsible for determining the educational character & mission of the University and has oversight of its activities, shaping the University’s long-term strategy and ensuring it is achievable and financially sustainable. The Board therefore provides oversight of academic quality and regulatory compliance, supports and challenges the executive in managing costs, driving efficiency and achieving sustainable growth, offers practical advice and insight on large-scale organisational transformation and cultural developments and ensures compliance with regulatory requirements.
Role Description
Working with the Chair, the Board, the Vice-Chancellor and other senior staff who act as University officers, this role has the following responsibilities:
• To provide vision and strategic direction for the development of the University
• To act impartially and in the best interests of the University at all times
• In conjunction with the Chair and Vice-Chancellor & Chief Executive, to provide advice, guidance and support to University officers to ensure the successful delivery of the University’s mission
• To monitor that key decisions are implemented on a timely basis
• To help the University liaise with key stakeholders, and to ensure that internal liaison between the Board and the staff and students of the University is effective
• To ensure that the University’s financial resources are being used sustainably, prudently and effectively
• To ensure that the University complies with relevant statutory and regulatory requirements
• On occasion, to represent the University at external functions
• To ensure that the Board delivers effective governance for the University in relation to guidance provided for the Higher Education sector on governance issues
To apply for this position, please contact:
Annabel Porter
Annabel Porter aporter@harper-adams.ac.uk
Keele University is an ambitious, leading university, a charity and not for profit organisation. Founded in 1949 by Lord Lindsay, former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Oxford, Keele has always been different from other universities – and 75 years later, we still are. Ever since our inception, we have been pushing boundaries to create an impact locally, nationally and globally. We are world renowned for the breadth of our teaching, our outstanding student experience, and our cutting-edge research tackling some of society’s most urgent problems, including ageing, global health and renewable energy. We are proud of our close-knit campus community in Staffordshire and of our strong local, regional and global connections. We embody a culture of engagement, inclusion and cohesion and this allows our staff and students to flourish and provides the skills and opportunities to thrive in an ever-changing world.
There has never been a more compelling time to become a part of our Council as we deliver our strategic plan, ‘Our Future’. The plan provided Keele with an opportunity to re-state our purpose and founding commitments, as well as a road map for direction that will ensure our future success. Our ambitions are high – and the skills, breadth of experience and judgement of our Council is crucial to our continued success.
Our Council sits at the top of our decision-making structure and is collectively responsible for establishing our strategic direction, ensuring we are accountable to our stakeholders, ensuring our academic governance is effective and overseeing the management of our finances, property and general business. Our diverse Council membership comprises external Lay Members/Trustees, staff, students and our most senior executives.
As a Lay Council Member/Trustee, you will play a pivotal role in bringing independent judgement and external experience to the formulation of University strategy and policy; in providing new thinking, ideas and specialist knowledge; and in holding the University’s senior leaders to account.
We are looking for new Lay Members to join our Council and to reflect the communities we serve. We are looking for a strong and confident communicator, with the ability to listen critically, think strategically, debate constructively and offer supportive challenge. You must show a commitment to our core values of collegiality; ambition; accountability; respect; fairness and consistency and the ability to work within a framework of collective decision-making.
You may bring professional expertise in areas that will enhance our current Council membership – for example, Audit, IT/Cyber Security, Finance, People, or an entirely fresh perspective from your own experience. Previous board experience is desirable.
How to apply
More information about Council can be found at www.keele.ac.uk/council
To apply please submit your CV and a covering email to Fiona Dumbelton f.dumbelton@keele.ac.uk
Closing date: 12 noon, Monday 16th June 2025.
Interviews will be held on the afternoon of 27th June 2025.
To apply for this position, please contact:
Fiona Dumbelton
f.dumbelton@keele.ac.uk
Born out of its community and Birmingham’s great technological flourishing in the 1870s, Aston University remains a driving force for innovation and the advancement of science, business and enterprise. An engine of social mobility, the University sits at the heart of Birmingham, the UK’s most ethnically diverse city. Its values of Inclusion, Entrepreneurship and Transformation underpin a restless positive energy to strive, to improve and to succeed. As a major player in Birmingham’s Innovation Quarter, Aston University is shaping the regional digital economy, investing in health technology and shifting the dial on social inclusion and equity, and access to life-changing opportunities.
The University is seeking to add a number of new Independent Members to its Council. First-rate governance is essential to institutional success and to helping to drive the new Aston 2030 Strategy, and the University is, therefore, seeking exceptional individuals with the requisite intellectual capacity, commercial acumen and strategic expertise to add genuine value as non-executive critical friends.
Expressions of interest are encouraged from a wide and diverse range of backgrounds and communities, and experience gained in the areas of legal or engineering leadership would be welcome at this time. The University is keen to increase the diversity of representation present on the Council and would particularly welcome applications from women, people with health conditions or impairments, and ethnic minority groups, that would help our Council better reflect the diversity of our University Community. Above all, it is essential that individuals are committed to Aston’s values and are able to work collaboratively with a talented executive team and Council for the benefit of all our communities.
Applications are invited by close of business on Tuesday 20th May 2025.
To apply for this position, please contact:
As we look to further strengthen the depth and diversity of thought, experience and skills on the Corporation board, we are seeking to appoint new governors to support and steer the college on its journey to become exceptional.
Supported by our Director of Governance, our governors set the strategic direction of the college and review progress in delivering the strategic plan; review and monitor the implementation key college strategies and policies; hold senior leaders to account for the use of college resources and outcomes for learners; ensure compliance with statutory requirements and the Corporation’s own governing documents; and consider and approve strategic developments and projects work collaboratively across the Corporation, contributing and applying their skills and expertise accordingly.
No qualifications or previous governance experience are required – the most important thing is that you believe in the college’s values of inclusion, care, ambition and respect and are passionate about making a positive impact. All new governors are supported by our Director of Governance with a comprehensive induction programme and an ongoing development programme thereafter.
Our students, staff and the local communities we work alongside all have different characteristics, backgrounds and lived experiences. We are committed to reflecting this diversity throughout our college so we can make an even greater impact.
For more information, visit https://www.halesowen.ac.uk/get-into-governance/
To apply for this position, please contact:
Steph Morley, Director of Governance
smorley@halesowen.ac.uk
0121 6027604 (please leave message if call not answered)
The Board is seeking a dynamic and forward-thinking Chair to provide strong leadership and guide HCA.
About the Role
We are seeking to appoint a Chair of Governors to provide exceptional leadership and governance for Hereford College of Arts. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in guiding the strategic direction of the college, ensuring effective oversight and collaboration with the Board and senior leadership team.
As Chair, you will lead Board meetings, support the professional development of Governors, and act as a key ambassador for the College. You will work closely with stakeholders to uphold HCA’s mission, champion the creative industries, and ensure the college continues to thrive as a vibrant, inclusive, and innovative community.
This voluntary role is a unique opportunity to help to benefit individual students and wider society.
Hours
This role is a significant time commitment from the Chair of up to approximately 30 hours a month. This includes attending about six Board meetings a year and at least three meetings for each committee the Chair is part of.
About You
We are looking for a candidate with exceptional leadership skills, a strategic mindset, and the ability to guide the Board through decision-making processes. You should be a confident communicator, capable of building trust and respect with a wide range of stakeholders and have a genuine passion for the arts.
This is a voluntary role, but reasonable travel and out-of-pocket expenses will be reimbursed.
About Hereford College of Arts
Hereford College of Arts is a vibrant, dedicated arts college providing undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, post-16 and Foundation courses and a wide-ranging short course programmes.
With a commitment to high-quality education at a personal scale, our teaching and student satisfaction on our College Road degree campus scored among the best in the UK in the last two independent National Student Surveys. Last year our post-16 and Foundation courses were rated Outstanding by Ofsted in all categories.
You will be joining an institution with more than 170 years’ of history, and a constant ambition to develop and grow. We are rooted in an exceptional place, and connected to the world.
To apply for this position, please contact:
Abi Boyce
How to Apply
Please submit your CV along with a covering letter (no more than one A4 page) explaining why you believe you’d be a successful Chair for Hereford College of Arts. Please visit www.hca.ac.uk/governance for an application pack or contact Abi Boyce, Clerk to the Governors, a.boyce@hca.ac.uk.
Closing date: Monday 17th March 2025
Interviews will be held week commencing: Monday 24th March 2025
Are you willing to gift your skills and expertise to improving the life chances of others through education? Do you want to gain board level experience, or use the experience you already have at this level, in a collaborative and inclusive community?
If yes, consider joining the Birmingham Newman University Council as an independent member. The Council is the University’s supreme governing body responsible for shaping its strategic direction, educational character, and mission.
Birmingham Newman is rapidly expanding and recognised as one of the UK’s fastest-rising institutions, as featured in the Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025 and the Guardian University Guide 2025.
The university excels in student satisfaction, ranking number one in the West Midlands for full-time student satisfaction and seventh in England for overall positivity in the 2024 National Student Survey (NSS). Additionally, we are placed in the top ten of the 2024 English Social Mobility Index.
This is a pivotal moment to join the University’s Council as we are in the process of developing our future vision and strategy. We are looking to appoint in the coming months three members with a view to adding to the Council’s existing collective expertise.
We are seeking individuals from a diverse range of professions and backgrounds. We are particularly seeking those with:
– Accountancy/audit experience to serve on the University’s Audit and Risk Committee
– Professional legal experience
– Digital and IT knowledge and experience
To be eligible for the current vacancies, you also must be a practising Catholic and be willing to role model the University’s values which are rooted in its Catholic heritage.
If you have both the time and willingness to contribute your insight and experience, we would love to hear from you.
While there is no deadline for submission of applications as there are a small number of upcoming vacancies, we would encourage expressions of interest be sent to Yvonne with a view to applications being submitted prior to 7 March 2025.
To apply for this position, please contact:
Yvonne Salter Wright, University Secretary
Y.salter.wright@staff.newman.ac.uk / Council@newman.ac.uk
Coventry University Group is an evolving, innovative and dynamic education group with a growing reputation for excellence in education and research, both at home and abroad.
The University has made considerable progress in recent years and has ambitious plans for the future. We have a strong focus on quality teaching and the student experience. We continue to invest in state-of-the-art facilities for our students, enhancing our research reputation across the globe, and continue to maintain strong links with the very best in industry.
We are particularly proud of the levels of our student engagement and attainment and of the rich diversity of our student body.
We are looking to appoint independent governors to provide effective, efficient and engaged governance across the Group in order to oversee the delivery of the 2030 Corporate Strategy and the Group’s evolution as a global charitable education group. Governors would also need to be willing to act as an ambassador and raise awareness about the Group in the education sector and beyond.
Further information about the skills required and a description of the role are outlined in the attached.
To apply for this position, please contact:
Claire English, Head of Governance and Group Company Secretary
claire.english@coventry.ac.uk
+44 (0)79 7498 4523
Born out of its community and Birmingham’s great technological flourishing in the 1870s, Aston University remains a driving force for innovation and the advancement of science, business and enterprise. An engine of social mobility, the University sits at the heart of Birmingham, the UK’s most ethnically diverse city. Its values of Inclusion, Entrepreneurship and Transformation underpin a restless positive energy to strive, to improve and to succeed. As a major player in Birmingham’s Innovation Quarter, Aston University is shaping the regional digital economy, investing in health technology and shifting the dial on social inclusion and equity, and access to life-changing opportunities.
The University is seeking to add a number of new Independent Members to its Council. First-rate governance is essential to institutional success and to helping to drive the new Aston 2030 Strategy, and the University is, therefore, seeking exceptional individuals with the requisite intellectual capacity, commercial acumen and strategic expertise to add genuine value as non-executive critical friends.
Expressions of interest are encouraged from a wide and diverse range of backgrounds and communities, and experience gained in the areas of HR, entrepreneurship, and higher education would be welcome at this time. The University is keen to increase the diversity of representation present on the Council and would particularly welcome applications from women, people with health conditions or impairments, and ethnic minority groups, that would help our Council better reflect the diversity of our University Community. Above all, it is essential that individuals are committed to Aston’s values and are able to work collaboratively with a talented executive team and Council for the benefit of all our communities.
Further information, including a full candidate brief, can be found at: www.odgers.com/92511
Applications are invited by close of business on Friday 22nd November 2024
To apply for this position, please contact:
Joseph Whittaker
Joseph Whittaker
+44 (0)20 7529 6329
joseph.whittaker@odgersberndtson.com
Nick Willis, Education Practice
+44 (0) 20 7529 6305
nick.willis@odgersberndtson.com
The University of Birmingham is looking for two new external Members to join its Council. They will contribute their skills and experience to the work of the Council and will have sound judgement, an ability to challenge constructively on a range of topics and to influence with tact. The new Council members will have successfully operated in a senior leadership role in a large and complex company, charity or public sector organisation.
About University of Birmingham
Ranked in the top 100 universities globally, the University of Birmingham is a member of the Russell Group, and a founding member of the Universitas 21 global network of research universities. It ranks highly among employers seeking to recruit graduates and is a diverse community, with staff and students from Birmingham and the West Midlands, across the UK and around the world.
The University’s thriving student population enjoys a wide range of courses, and exceptional campus and research facilities. It works with industry, business, universities, and governments worldwide to develop innovative research solutions to address key global challenges and improve areas as broad as rail engineering, maternal health, inter-faith studies, air and water pollution, and social inequality. The 10 Nobel Laureates among its staff and alumni have contributed to some of science’s greatest discoveries, including in recent times the Higgs Boson and Gravitational Waves.
Through its Birmingham 2030 Strategic Framework, the University has set an aspiration to become a top 50 global institution. This is a genuinely challenging aim, which will require a vibrant, intellectually exciting, and diverse University community for research and education, as well as working closely with its partners in Birmingham and around the world. Birmingham 2030 also strengthens the University’s commitment to sustainability as one of the core pillars of its activity. With this ambitious strategy, now is a truly exciting time to join the Council and help shape the future of the University of Birmingham.
See links:
https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/
https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/university/our-strategy
https://russellgroup.ac.uk/
https://universitas21.com/
Role specification
The Council is the University’s governing body and has ultimate responsibility for the University and the conduct of its business. Council sets the mission and strategic vision of the University and monitors and evaluates institutional performance against the University’s strategy as well as long-term academic and business plans. It oversees the University’s human resources, estate and finances, including annual budgets and accounts, and scrutiny of proposals for major investments by the University. Council also has an important role in the assurance of academic quality, standards and the student experience and the University’s legal and statutory compliance.
The Council has 24 members, two-thirds of whom are external and independent ‘lay’ members (neither employees nor students of the University). The remainder are academic staff and students. The Chair of the Council, the Pro-Chancellor, is elected from amongst the lay members. Mervyn Walker is the current Pro-Chancellor.
Person specification
The University of Birmingham is looking for two new external Members to join its Council. They will contribute their skills and experience to the work of the Council and will have sound judgement, an ability to challenge constructively on a range of topics and to influence with tact.
The new Council members will have successfully operated in a senior leadership role in a large and complex company, charity or public sector organisation. It is expected that one of the successful individuals will bring non-executive experience in a similar sized organisation. Individuals will ideally have a connection to the city, the West Midlands region or the University but more importantly, they will have the time to commit to the role.
Above all, the new Council members will have a strong commitment to higher education and to the objectives of the University of Birmingham. They will bring enthusiasm for the University’s vision and values and will be willing to engage with the University’s stakeholders, including its students and staff.
Board Composition
To find out more about the current Council Members, please visit: https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/university/leadership/governance/council
Diversity
The University of Birmingham welcomes applications from everyone regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, belief or disability. As women and those from an ethnic minority background are currently under-represented on the Board, applications from these individuals would be particularly encouraged. All appointments will be made on merit, following a fair and transparent process. In line with the Equality Act 2010, however, the organisation may employ positive action where candidates from underrepresented groups can demonstrate their ability to perform the role equally well.
Terms of appointment
Council meets five times per year in person (currently October, November, February, April, and June). Two of these meetings are full strategy days (with dinner the evening before) and the remainder consist of an evening presentation and dinner followed by a Council meeting of approximately three hours the following morning. Members are also expected to be willing to serve on one Committee of Council, which also meet in person (normally once per term) but with the option of joining these meetings via Zoom / Teams if necessary. Dates are set over a year in advance. The role is for a four-year term which may be extended, with the agreement of the Council, normally for one further period of four years, on the basis of performance in office. Membership of the University Council does not carry remuneration, but reasonable travelling and other associated expenses are paid.
To apply for this position, please contact:
Brigitte Stundner
The University of Birmingham is partnering with Nurole the leading board-level search platform on this appointment.
If you’d like to view the full spec click here: https://app.nurole.com/roles/6601b7699ec4072722559b22.
If you’d like to informally find out more about the role please contact Brigitte Stundner: brigitte.stundner@nurole.com
Becoming a governor of Telford College Corporation is a unique opportunity to contribute to the strategic direction and governance of the college. As a governor, you will play a crucial role in shaping policies, overseeing financial management, and ensuring the delivery of high-quality education and services to our students and the wider community.
Governors are responsible for providing oversight and guidance on key issues such as curriculum development, student welfare, staff recruitment, and campus facilities. Your input will help drive continuous improvement and ensure that Telford College remains a vibrant centre for learning and innovation.
We are seeking individuals who are passionate about education, possess strong leadership skills and are committed to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion. Whether you have experience in education, business, finance, law or other relevant fields, your unique perspective and expertise will be valued as part of our diverse governing body.
By becoming a governor, you will have the opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of our students and the future of our college.
Key Responsibilities:
-Determine the strategic policy and overall direction of the college; oversee its activities; and monitor the performance of the Principal and other senior post holders.
-Observe the provisions within the Instruments & Articles of Government (and in particular discharge the responsibilities given to them by the Articles), comply with the Standing Orders and ensure the Corporation acts within the powers conferred on it by the Further & Higher Education Act 1992
-Be committed to securing safeguarding and equality of opportunity within the college, to combating discrimination of whatever grounds
-Abide by the principle of collective responsibility. Once a decision has been taken by the Corporation, members have a duty to stand by it, even if they voted against the decision or were absent from the relevant meeting
-Ensure the business of the Corporation is conducted openly and transparently
We are specifically looking for individuals with:
-Ability to provide strategic direction, oversight, and leadership
-Experience in strategic planning, goal setting and performance monitoring
-Ability to identify, assess and manage risks related to governance, finance, operations and compliance
-Commitment to promoting and fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable learning environment for all students and staff
-Familiarity with quality assurance processes, and implementing continuous improvement initiatives
To apply for this position, please contact:
Joanna Perch, Governance Professional
joanna.perch@telfordcollege.ac.uk
01952 642294
if you are applying via email, please include a copy of your CV and a covering letter addressed to Gail Bleasby, Chair of the Corporation.
We are currently seeking an individual to be a member of our Strategic Project Focus Group (SPFG) committee within the Telford College Corporation.
The purpose of the SPFG committee is to oversee strategic projects, including major capital projects. This committee is of particular significance at present with exciting developments for the college in the towns Station Quarter.
Key Responsibilities:
-To monitor progress against key project milestones, both physical and financial.
-To receive assurance of systems being in place to secure value for money and effectively identify and manage risk.
-To play the role of critical friend by providing both support and challenge.
-To report to the Corporation, highlighting any areas of risk or unexpected impact.
We are specifically looking for an individual with Capital & Estates facilities experience at a senior level.
To apply for this position, please contact:
Joanna Perch, Governance Professional
joanna.perch@telfordcollege.ac.uk
01952 642294
If applying via email, please include your CV and a covering letter addressed to Gail Bleasby, Chair of the Corporation.
We are currently seeking an individual to serve as the Chair of our Audit Committee within the Telford College Corporation.
The role of the Audit Committee is to provide independent and authoritative advice to the Corporation on the effectiveness of the college’s financial and non-financial controls, and risk management procedures.
As part of ensuring its independence, the Committee must not adopt an executive role.
The Audit Committee is subject to requirements set out in the Post-16 Audit Code of Practice, which sets out specific requirements for the assurance, accountability and audit arrangements for providers of post-16 education and training and the broad framework within which they should operate.
The Audit Committee will have due regard to the government guidance published in January 2022 (updated 25th January 2023) – The scope of work of audit committees and internal auditors in college corporations.
Specifically looking for someone with:
-financial technical experience
-an understanding of current policy knowledge
-preferably CCAB qualified
To apply for this position, please contact:
Joanna Perch, Governance Professional
joanna.perch@telfordcollege.ac.uk
01952 642294
if applying via email, please include your CV and a covering letter addressed to Gail Bleasby, Chair of the Corporation
