The University of Bath has an excellent reputation. It enjoys a sound financial position and has sustainably grown its student numbers in recent years. Under its new Vice-Chancellor, Professor Phil Taylor, the University is set to embark on a further exciting period of progress, building the underpinning infrastructure and foundations for future success and achieving global excellence. The current Chair of Council, Pam Chesters, will be stepping down from this position after six years of service in October 2025. She has overseen the continued success of the University over this period, including seeing it named The Times and Sunday Times University of the Year 2023. The University is now looking for a Chair of Council to build on this success and, working with the senior executive, to enable the University to achieve its ambitions on the global stage.
The Chair is responsible for leadership of the Council as the governing body of the institution. They will challenge and support senior management to deliver an ambitious strategy and equally importantly will be involved in the life and wider culture of the University. They will continue the development of a Council which is both collaborative and robust in tone. They will act as an excellent sounding-board and source of wise counsel for the Vice-Chancellor and other senior leaders of the University.
The next Chair of Council will bring a strong track-record of success in their field. Candidates will be proven leaders of people and resources, and will be experienced in the demands of board-level governance. They must bring well-honed commercial instincts, coupled with a public service ethos and an understanding of a highly regulated sector. They must enjoy engaging collaboratively with a broad range of stakeholders and have strong ambassadorial qualities. Some prior experience of Higher Education would be advantageous but is not necessary.
The Chair of Council serves for a period of three years (renewable once) from the date of their appointment. The time commitment associated with the pro-bono role varies according to circumstances but is expected to average 4 to 5 full time equivalent days per month.
To apply for this position, please contact:
Andrew Browning – Interim Head of Governance – governance@bath.ac.uk
The University of Bath is partnering with Minerva, a leading board-level search specialist, You can find out more and apply here https://www.minervasearch.com/current-opportunities/bath/ To arrange an informal conversation or in case of any other queries, please contact bath@minervasearch.com
The closing date for all applications, which should be in the form of a CV and cover letter, and addressed to bath@minervasearch.com, is by Monday 3rd March 2025.
