The University College of Estate Management (UCEM) Board provides a non-executive oversight of all UCEM activities and contributes to the development of strategy and future vision.
The Board is responsible for the overall good governance, monitoring and strategic direction of University College of Estate Management (UCEM). The Board works together with the Executive Team to ensure that UCEM achieves the objects defined in the Royal Charter and governing documents.
The Board is responsible for ensuring that UCEM meets the regulatory requirements of the Office for Students (OFS), the Charity Commission, the ESFA and Ofsted and fulfils the expectations of the CUC Higher Education Code of Governance.
The Chair plays a key role in the business of the institution but recognises the proper separation between governance and executive management, which is the day-to-day responsibility of the Vice Chancellor and the Executive Team. The Chair is supported in their role by a Vice Chair, who is also an independent member of the Board of Trustees, the Vice Chancellor, the University Secretary and the Clerk to the Board of Trustees.
UCEM Trustees play a vital role in the governance of UCEM. They use their diversity of talent, expertise, background, thought and challenge in decision-making and ensure that UCEM performs to the highest standards. They work with the Chair of the Board and the Executive management of the institution to set the mission, strategic direction, overall aims and values of the University. They take collective responsibility for the activities and performance of the institution as a whole.
As Chair of the Board of Trustees you will:
Be responsible for the leadership of the Board, ensuring that it provides clear, effective and collective strategic direction to UCEM and to the Executive Team, ensuring that all meetings are carried out efficiently, effectively and in accordance with the UCEM Royal Charter, Bye Laws and Regulations, its charitable objectives and other legislative and regulatory requirements set by the Office for Students
Set and maintain vision, strategy and values and ensure that UCEM is focused on achieving them
Ensure the Board adheres to the CUC Code of Higher Education Governance and has the skills required to govern UCEM well
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Ensure there are effective systems of control and risk management in place
Ensure the financial stability of the institution, agreeing annual budgets, monitoring performance against agreed targets and ensuring that UCEM’s funds and estate are appropriately managed
Monitor and review the performance of UCEM Trustees through an annual appraisal process, encouraging them to contribute their skills and expertise and ensuring they all comply with the Nolan Principles of Public Life
Support recruitment processes for new Trustees to the Board and lead any recruitment process for the appointment of a new Vice Chancellor if required
Performance monitor, set objectives and guide the Vice Chancellor in leading the institution
Business:
Exercise control over the strategic direction of UCEM by receiving regular reports from the Vice Chancellor on progress towards agreed strategic priorities and key performance indicators
Provide constructive challenge in monitoring institutional performance in line with UCEM’s vision, strategy, KPIs, values, policies and procedures
Take an active role in discussion and sharing of ideas, using your specific skills, knowledge and experience to help the board to build consensus, reach sound decisions and ensure all voices on the Board are heard
Act as a critical friend to the Vice Chancellor and Executive team, bringing both support and challenge
Ensure UCEM has satisfactory control systems and procedures in place for holding trust for the beneficiaries all monies, properties and other assets and to ensure that monies are invested to the maximum benefit
Be a member of the Nominations and Governance Committee, the Finance Committee and the Remuneration Committee
Be an authorised signatory for key institutional documentation and regulatory compliance
Undertake regular communications with UCEM Staff on behalf of the Board
Personal:
Adhere to the Nolan Principles of Public Life – selflessness, integrity, objectivity, leadership, openness, honesty and accountability
Bring extensive experience in successful leadership of a complex organisation with an ambitious strategy
Have a strong personal commitment to the strategic goals. values, aims and objectives of UCEM
Always act fairly and impartially in the interest of UCEM, using independent judgement and maintaining absolute confidentiality concerning all sensitive/confidential information
UCEM is looking for an inspirational Chair with significant experience in the built environment sector who will be an ambassador for the organisation. They will be credible, able to take a constructive and advisory approach with the ability to challenge and take tough decisions, if necessary. They will be open, transparent, resilient and have gravitas.
The successful candidate will bring deep knowledge and experience of the built environment sector in a senior executive level capacity, in architecture, property, construction, real estate or sustainability. They will have significant chairing skills, either from operating as a Chair, Vice Chair or having chaired Committees to bring immediate credibility to the Board. They will be a role model with solid communication skills along with an ability to engage with various stakeholders internally and externally. The future Chair will be an ambassador for UCEM and will bring excellent relationship-building skills and will be a figure head for the institution and within the Board. They will have commercial acumen, an ability to spot, evaluate and drive business opportunities to deliver the best results for UCEM. Though experience of the higher education sector isn’t required, an understanding of the challenges higher education institutions are facing would be desirable. The successful candidate will have the time to commit fully to the role.
Above all, they will be passionate about education and the power of online learning, and will have a strong interest in the Built Environment sector. They will be aligned to the mission of UCEM and its values of passion, integrity, excellence and support. They will have a strong personal commitment to the Nolan Principles of public service and the principles of diversity and equal opportunities.
To apply for this position, please contact:
Brigitte Stundner
The University College of Estate Management is partnering with Nurole, the leading board-level search specialist, to find a new Chair. You can find out more and apply here https://app.nurole.com/roles/66f408b799086b7810e083f4. To arrange an informal conversation or in case of any other queries, please contact Brigitte.Stundner@nurole.com.
