Director (Non Executive) and Associate Director Opportunities
University of Cumbria
Voluntary roles | Appointment from 1 August 2026
The University of Cumbria is seeking two new Non Executive Directors and a small number of Associate Directors to join their Board and committees at a pivotal moment in their growth and development.
This is a young, progressive and ambitious university with a clear vision and strategic focus, working with anchor organisations and partners to deliver its priorities across Cumbria and beyond. Its academic portfolio is shaped around diverse routes into higher education, work based & flexible learning and the creation of excellent learning experiences underpinned by applied research and professional practice.
This is a period of significant development for the University. Major investments include the £79m Citadels campus project in Carlisle, the opening of the Barrow campus and the establishment of the Pears Cumbria School of Medicine in partnership with Imperial College London. These are reshaping its academic, civic and regional impact. Apprenticeships and workforce development have expanded rapidly, with over 2,300 apprentices now enrolled, positioning the University as a leading national provider.
The University holds a TEF Silver rating and achieves strong graduate outcomes, with 92% of students in employment or further study within 15 months. With campuses in Carlisle, Ambleside, Barrow, Lancaster and London, its strategy is led by people, place and partnerships and cross cutting themes of digital innovation, sustainability and carbon reduction, health and wellbeing, and collaboration.
This is a moment of inflection and a real opportunity to help govern and shape a university whose ripple effect extends far beyond Cumbria. If you are driven by purpose, place and impact, this is an exceptional chance to contribute to a university whose civic mission genuinely transforms lives.
The role
As a Director, you will play a central part in steering the University’s future, contributing to the University’s strategy and oversight of all aspects of the University, including finance, risk, audit, people, estates, sustainability and digital transformation, alongside the academic endeavour.
Associate Directors are not members of the Board. They sit on a committee and contribute specialist expertise, strengthening governance capacity and providing a potential future pipeline for Board roles. This is an excellent route to building non-executive experience and also an option for those with less time available to commit who would still like to support the University of Cumbria.
All roles are voluntary.
Time commitment: five Board meetings per year, an annual strategy conference, and 3–5 committee meetings per year , plus any ad hoc meetings that may be required Most Board and committee meetings are held in Carlisle or Lancaster, with some committee meetings online.
The impact you will have is profound. The decisions you help shape will influence economic growth and skills across Cumbria and the Borderlands region, graduate outcomes and social mobility, digital and low carbon futures, health and public services, applied research that changes practice and policy and opportunities for future generations.
What we are looking for
We welcome interest from candidates who bring senior leadership experience in large, complex organisations such as major corporates, NHS organisations, arm’s-length public bodies (including regulators or national agencies), professional services firms, regulated sectors or large charities.
We are particularly interested in leaders with expertise in:
• Finance
• Audit, risk and assurance
• Complex programme oversight
• Digital transformation, cyber or AI
• Capital projects
• Public services, health, wellbeing, education or workforce transformation
• Sustainability and carbon reduction
To apply for this position, please contact:
elle.hurst@ulassociates.co.uk
If you would find it helpful to have an informal conversation before applying, please email elle.hurst@ulassociates.co.uk with a short note about your professional background and include either your CV or a link to your LinkedIn profile.
This simply helps ensure your questions are answered well and that we use everyone’s time effectively. Where it appears that the role and your experience are well aligned, Elle will be very pleased to arrange an initial call. Elle will also be able to arrange calls with the Chair or University Secretary, if helpful
