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
