Help shape the future of higher education.
The University of Winchester is seeking exceptional individuals to join its Board of Governors and help shape the future of a values-driven university at a time of significant change across higher education. This is an important moment in the University’s history and an exciting opportunity to contribute as a governor.
About the University
The University has been educating and transforming lives since the 1840s. Founded to expand educational opportunity and serve communities in need, we remain committed to social justice, widening participation and helping people from all backgrounds fulfil their potential.
Winchester is a distinctive institution with a size that enables us to sustain a genuine sense of community in which students are known, supported and encouraged to succeed. Our student-centred culture, strong commitment to wellbeing and belonging, and growing reputation for graduate success have enabled thousands of students to leave Winchester equipped for rewarding and meaningful lives. This was recognised in our recent Ofsted report, which praised the University’s ‘exceptional’ approach to inclusion and professional development. The University’s graduates are among the most employable in the country, with the latest national figures placing the University 12th out of 106 English universities for the proportion of graduates progressing into work and/or study.
The University campus, where Board meetings take place, is located in the beautiful city of Winchester, with excellent transport links including London by train in an hour and direct trains to Manchester, Birmingham and Weymouth.
About the Role
The University is at an important point in its story. Following the recent retirement of their predecessor, we have appointed a new Vice-Chancellor who will begin in post in December 2026. As a Board and Leadership Team, we have an exciting opportunity to shape the next chapter of Winchester’s development. Together, we will build on the University’s strengths while focusing on the priorities that will matter most for its future success:
• enhancing student outcomes;
• strengthening links with employers;
• supporting graduate success; and
• ensuring the University’s long-term sustainability, relevance, and impact.
We are therefore seeking governors who bring fresh perspectives, strategic insight and a strong commitment to our values. Above all, we are looking for people who can offer constructive challenge, independent judgement and active support as the University navigates a rapidly changing environment. We particularly welcome interest from individuals with experience in any of the following areas:
• strong connections to employers
• a knowledge of corporate governance, including subsidiary companies
• a background in digital transformation
• experience within further or higher education
• expertise in social mobility and widening participation
• professional backgrounds in health, law and youth marketing.
Governors would be appointed initially for a fixed term of 3 years, with the option to serve for up to a further two terms.
To avoid potential conflicts of interest, the University regrets that it is not considering applicants actively involved in other higher education institutions.
To apply for this post, you will need to submit the following documentation to us no later than 10am on Monday 05 October 2026
1. A CV setting out your career history, with key responsibilities and achievements. If you have previous experience in a non-executive or Governor role, please specify this.
2. A Supporting Statement (no more than two pages) explaining how you consider your personal skills, qualities and experience provides evidence of your suitability for the role, with reference to the role outline.
3. Confirmation of whether you require any reasonable adjustments to support your application.
The above documents should be sent directly to clerk@winchester.ac.uk
For a confidential discussion about the role, please email clerk@winchester.ac.uk
To apply for this position, please contact:
Stephen Dowell
Clerk@winchester.ac.uk
