Northumbria University is seeking suitably experienced individuals from all sectors of the community who are interested in becoming Independent Members serving on our Board of Governors. 

You will support us on our journey towards achieving our Vision to be a research-rich, business focused, professional university with a global reputation for academic excellence. 2022 – 2023 marks an exciting phase of our transformation with a new Vice-Chancellor, Professor Andy Long, joining the institution in August 2022 and the development of the next University Strategy commencing in 2023. This is an exceptional opportunity to be involved in the governance of one of the largest Universities in the UK with almost 35,000 students from 142 countries and over 3,000 staff. Ranked top 50 in both the Guardian and Complete University Guides, and was ranked 4th in the Times Higher Education Young University Rankings, we are a challenger institution transforming to take on tomorrow, and grasp the opportunities provided by the national and global drivers shaping UK higher education. 

The Board of Governors meets five times per year and is the University’s ultimate strategic decision-making body. It supports the Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive, and the University Executive management team, to lead and deliver the University Strategy. It delegates certain responsibilities to Committees to provide the capacity and expertise for more detailed consideration of specific areas of activity. Further details are provided on the University’s Leadership and Governance web pages.  

Northumbria is proud to be a multi-cultural community; we value diversity, and Equality, Diversity and Inclusion strongly underpins the University’s Vision 2025 and Corporate Strategy 2018 - 2023. We are determined to ensure that the opportunities we provide are open to all and interested particularly in hearing from individuals from ethnic minority and traditionally under-represented groups who are passionate about the transformative power of education and research, who share Northumbria’s Vision and have the motivation, commitment and ambition to help shape its future.

Governors contribute at the highest levels of the University, utilising their professional expertise to support, question, and advise the Vice-Chancellor and Executive on key strategic matters. You will also have the opportunity to engage with our students and staff and be part of some of the exciting events in our academic calendar.  We are particularly looking for individuals who have demonstrable senior executive and/or non-executive experience in one or more of these fields:

• commercialisation, innovation, enterprise and income development, and diversification;
• international working;
• IT and data management and technological transformation

How to apply

For further details, including the job description, person specification, and information on how to apply, please visit https://candidates.perrettlaver.com/vacancies quoting reference number 5816. Candidates wishing to apply should submit a CV (including comprehensive details of key achievements and responsibilities) along with a covering letter which fully addresses the competencies outlined in the role description and person specification.

The closing date for applications is 9am (BST) on Monday 13th June.   

Northumbria will be supported in these appointments by executive search firm Perrett Laver. Any initial enquiries should be directed to Luke Savidge on +44 (0)20 7340 6243 or luke.savidge@perrettlaver.com

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Please note this vacancy will close on 13/06/2022