About
The Royal Agricultural University (RAU), formerly the Royal Agricultural College, was the first agricultural college in the English-speaking world. Established in 1845, the RAU has been developing leaders, entrepreneurs and innovators ever since.
With a family of 17,000 + alumni world-wide, our mission today is to equip a new generation of graduates to meet the most pressing global challenges that face us – climate change, food security, sustainable land use, biodiversity loss, heritage management and so on. The RAU has some 1,100 students studying a range of subjects, including agriculture, animal science, business, environment, equine science, farm management, food, real estate and rural land management. Set on the edge of Cirencester in the beautiful Cotswold countryside, its small size provides an exceptional sense of community amongst students and staff, which supports, develops and encourages students from all backgrounds to achieve their ambitions. Additionally, the RAU delivers trans-national education to c. 2,600 students in countries overseas.
As the leading specialist university for research in England, our vision is to be the UK’s global university for sustainable farming and land management, enabling communities across the world to thrive in harmony with nature. We will pursue our vision by focusing on three outcomes which run through all that we do:
• Quality – a global reputation for excellence and leadership across our teaching, research and engagement.
• Reach – a growing, diverse and inclusive community of students and partners in the UK and internationally.
• Sustainability – a showcase for sustainable and resilient management, through our land and estate, our finances and our culture.
The RAU strategy is available here: https://www.rau.ac.uk/about-rau/our-vision-and-strategy
Role Specification
The main purpose of the role is to ensure that the Governing Council sets a clear vision, mission and strategy for the University and monitors the implementation of the University’s strategic plan by the Vice Chancellor and the Executive Team.
Independent Governors are expected to play an appropriate part in ensuring that the business of the Governing Council (and any Committees to which they are also appointed) is carried on efficiently, effectively and in a manner appropriate for the proper conduct of public business. To accomplish this, an Independent Governor will need to build strong and effective working relationships with fellow Independent Governors, the Vice Chancellor, the Executive Team and University staff and students, whilst avoiding involvement in the day-to-day executive management of the University.
All Independent Governors are required to act fairly and impartially at all times, in the interests of the University as a whole, using independent judgement and maintaining confidentiality as appropriate. They should question intelligently, debate constructively, challenge rigorously and decide dispassionately, and listen sensitively to the views of others, inside and outside meetings of the Board
Person Specification
Commitment to our vision, mission and purpose.
▪ Willingness to devote the necessary time and effort to discharging the key duties and
responsibilities and to achieving the main purpose of the role.
▪ Understanding of the external context in which we are operating.
▪ Independent judgement.
▪ Ability to think creatively and strategically.
▪ Willingness to speak their mind.
▪ Understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship.
▪ Ability to work effectively as a member of a team.
▪ Understanding of the Nolan Principles of Public Life
Board Composition
For more information about the Governance of the RAU and current Governors please visit the website here
Terms of appointment
This role is an unremunerated voluntary position, but reasonable domestic travel expenses will be reimbursed. There will be a total of four Governing Council meetings per year, plus an annual Strategy Day, which are held in person. The appointed Governor will be joining the Finance and Estates Committee which meets four times a year or the Audit and Risk Committee which meets three times a year.
The role is for a three-year term with the possibility of renewing twice to a maximum of nine years. All successful candidates must pass a ‘fit and proper persons’ check in line with all Trustees of charities.
Location: Candidates can be based anywhere in the UK but will be expected to attend Governing Council meetings in person.
Diversity
The RAU strives to be a diverse and inclusive place where everyone is welcome and we can all be ourselves. We particularly encourage applications from people who identify as Black, Asian or from a Minority Ethnic background, who are currently underrepresented.
How to apply
If you would like any further information before deciding whether or not to submit an expression of interest, please email: governance@rau.ac.uk
If you would like to express your interest in becoming an Independent Governor at the Royal Agricultural University, please send your CV, a covering letter and an Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form to:governance@rau.ac.uk
Please see the full application pack for more information about the RAU and the role.
To apply for this position, please contact:
Judith Crowther, Head of Governance
Governance@rau.ac.uk
Interview date will be Tuesday 16th April 2024.
