Governor

The opportunity

Role specification

UAL has bold plans for the future, and has recently launched a new ten-year strategy, which includes ambitions to bring a high-quality creative education to more students than ever before and to change the world through our creative endeavour. The strategy focuses on social purpose, climate action, learning and teaching, knowledge exchange, and widening access through diversification. UAL’s governors will play a key role in overseeing the development of the new strategy and in monitoring the implementation of the related People, Digital, Research, Academic and Estates strategies. Governors 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. 

UAL is currently seeking governors with a commitment to its values, aims and objectives, as well as a passion for artistic and/or creative disciplines. In particular, we are seeking up to four new governors who have a professional background in at least one of the following fields:

• HE leadership.
• Public policy / HE policy.
• Creative practitioners (e.g. fashion industry, fine art, performing art, design, film and broadcasting practitioners).
• Strategic Consultancy / Accountancy / Finance.

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 at least four board meetings and three committee meetings per year; 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 exceptional candidates with a passion for artistic and/or creative disciplines; a strong personal commitment to higher education and to the values, aims and objectives of the University. In order to complement the existing expertise of the Court, the successful candidates will have the following skills and experience:

Required

• Relevant Professional Background: Successful candidates will bring significant experience to the Court of Governors, with a senior-level background or recognised standing in at least one of the following fields: HE leadership, public policy, HE policy, strategic consultancy, accountancy, finance, or creative practice.
• Contribution to Committee meetings: Successful candidates 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. 

Desired

• Non-Executive / trustee experience: The ideal candidates 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 trustees and governors of UAL, the successful candidates 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 see our website.

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: 22nd August 2022.

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

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

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