Governor

7134

Vice Chancellor's Office
Vice Chancellor's Office
UAL - High Holborn, London UK
University Chairs
Non Remunerated

Fixed Term - 3 years

Part time - 0 hours per week

19 August 2021 23:55

The opportunity

Role specification


UAL has bold plans for the future, which include the completion of one of the most ambitious programmes of infrastructure investment in the sector, a new Academic Strategy, EDI Strategy and a dynamic People Strategy. Overarching this will be the new University Strategy, which will focus on social purpose, climate action, learning and teaching, and widening access through diversification. UAL’s governors will play a key role in overseeing the development of these strategies: they have overall responsibility for the strategic direction, educational character and financial sustainability of the University. 


As we emerge from the pandemic, the skills, knowledge and experience of our governors will be vital, in order to advise the Executive on risks, challenges and opportunities, and to monitor the University’s performance.

 
In order to complement the existing expertise of its governing body, UAL is seeking governors with a commitment to its values, aims and objectives, who have a professional background in one or more of the following fields:

  • Public policy / HE policy or HE leadership experience
  • Commercial or entrepreneurial experience
  • Philanthropic or development experience. 

Governors are expected to:

  • Ensure that the governing body (known as “the Court of Governors”) exercises efficient and effective use of the resources of the University, maintains its long-term financial viability, and safeguards its assets.
  • Ensure that the governing body exercises control over the strategic direction of the University, and assesses performance against strategic objectives.
  • Ensure that the University, as a higher education corporation and a charity, complies with its legal and regulatory obligations, and that it pursues its charitable objectives.
  • Act fairly and impartially at all times in the interests of the University as a whole, using independent judgement and maintaining confidentiality as appropriate.
  • Devote sufficient time to attending Court of Governors meetings, committee meetings and other university events.

Time commitment


Governors are expected to attend 4 board meetings per annum; at least 3 committee meetings per annum; an annual strategy day; and other University events (e.g. award ceremonies and student shows). Whilst online attendance may be possible for some meetings, it is expected that an element of in-person attendance will be required for certain aspects of this role. In-person meetings are held in in central London.  

Governors may also be called upon to participate in email-decisions, appeal committees and other ad-hoc meetings from time to time. Please think carefully about your own time commitments before applying for this position. 

Person specification


UAL is seeking an exceptional candidate with a strong personal commitment to higher education and the values, aims and objectives of the University, for appointment to its Court of Governors. In order to complement the existing expertise of the Court, the successful candidate will have the following skills and experience:

Required

  • Relevant Professional Background: The successful candidate will bring significant experience to the Court of Governors, with a senior-level background in one or more of the following fields: public policy / HE policy or HE leadership; commercial or entrepreneurial background; philanthropy or development.
  • Contribution to Committee meetings: The successful candidate will have the ability to devote time and expertise to at least one of the Court’s Committees; will have a strong understanding of the stewardship role, with the ability to provide strategic input into key UAL strategies. They will be invited to join at least one committee, for example, the Finance Committee or the People Strategy Committee, or similar. 

Desired

  • Non-Executive / trustee experience: The ideal candidate will have prior experience of acting as a trustee, governor or non-executive director.
 

About you

Board Composition


The Court of Governors currently consists of 19 governors who are also the University’s charity trustees. Whilst the majority of governors are external to the University, the Court membership includes the President and Vice-Chancellor, three elected staff governors, and one student governor.


UAL’s President and Vice-Chancellor, James Purnell, leads the Executive Board which manages the university. The Court of Governors is chaired by David Isaac CBE. Turner Prize-winning artist Grayson Perry CBE is Chancellor of UAL.

Eligibility and Further Information


As a trustee and governor of UAL, the successful candidate must meet the eligibility requirements set out by the Charity Commission and the Office for Students. For more information about eligibility, the governor role and the university, please visit the Court of Governors page.


Appointments are for an initial term of three years and are unremunerated, although certain travel and subsistence expenses may be met by the University.

UAL is committed to equality, diversity and inclusivity. We actively welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds, in order to reflect our multicultural and diverse student body. 


Process and Timeline


Candidates are invited to send CVs with a covering statement to  governance@arts.ac.uk.

 
Deadline for applications: 19 August 2021.


Shortlisted applications will be considered by members of UAL’s Nominations Committee.

Interviews will take place in early September, with the aim of the successful candidate commencing in October. 


The Privacy Information page explains how UAL processes personal data.  

This opportunity is closed to applications.