UWS Vice-Chancellor’s Executive

Paisley Campus base with travel to other locations as required.

Full-time, Permanent

THE POST

University of the West of Scotland (UWS) is driving an ambitious strategy - Dream, Believe, Achieve - for high-quality teaching and research, with a global engagement agenda to reflect the needs of the 21st century workplace. UWS works in partnership with its students to deliver world-ready graduates who will design, shape and build a new future. We are pioneers in developing effective interactions with global business, industry and the public and voluntary sectors. 

UWS research and innovations will address major global challenges. Through our multi-disciplinary teams we will deliver at a scale and intensity that will ensure sustainable impact.

In alignment with the strategy, UWS Principal & Vice-Chancellor, Professor James Miller, seeks an outstanding individual to join his Executive Team (VCE):

• Vice-Principal (People & Student Wellbeing)

As a member of the Vice-Chancellor’s Executive (VCE), the post holder will contribute to leadership and collective responsibility for the strategic direction of the University. Undertaking appropriate horizon scanning to ensure a greater understanding of the political, economic environment as well as developments in the higher education sector in Scotland, the UK and internationally, assessing their implications and advising on appropriate plans/actions.

Through the People team:-

• Continuously enhance the provision of an effective and efficient service, building and directing a high-performance team to deliver responsive, supportive and sound people solutions to complex portfolios, ensuring that team members work in partnership with the wider University teams
• Define our long-term People plan, alongside other relevant Vice-Chancellor’s Executive (VCE) members as part of the strategic planning process
• As the staff wellbeing Executive champion, ensure there are wellbeing frameworks in place, which take cognisance of equality, diversity and inclusion, to support staff emotional and social wellbeing
• Lead innovation and shape talent planning, performance management, organisational design and positive partnership working
• Drive digital enhancement of HR systems, employee engagement, diversity, equality and inclusion initiatives, ensuring that our people feel valued and are at the heart of the student experience

Through the Student Wellbeing team:-

• Continuously enhance the provision of an effective and efficient student wellbeing service building and directing a high-performance team to deliver responsive, supportive pastoral services to students to ensure a rounded student experience
• Define the strategic direction of improved levels of student wellbeing and pastoral care to build a positive, healthy, learning community
• Lead on innovation and shape the development of a strong student health and wellbeing culture throughout UWS, strategically leading on ensuring a consistent and professional approach to student wellbeing
• As the student wellbeing Executive champion, ensure there are wellbeing frameworks in place, which take cognisance of equality, diversity and inclusion, to support students’ emotional and social wellbeing
• Develop and deliver an effective communication plan to ensure staff and students have extensive knowledge of the UWS wellbeing provision as well as the provision of other agencies

The successful candidate should have the following:

• A First Degree and relevant postgraduate qualification or significant demonstrable relevant experience, and up to date continuous professional development
• Chartered membership of CIPD or commensurate level of experience and qualification
• Proven success in leading large functions and delivering operations and strategies within a large complex organisation 
• Experience of developing and contributing to long-term strategic business planning, ideally within the higher education sector environmen
• t Demonstrable track record of leadership of professional staff and the delivery of plans and strategy in fields of Human Resources and Student experience
• Significant experience of delivering and embedding change in a complex environment
• Experience in, or a demonstrable understanding of, the Scottish higher education landscape

ABOUT US

UWS was named Higher Educational Institution of the Year in The Herald Higher Education Awards 2022 and is ranked in the top 150 universities worldwide under 50 years old (2022 Young University Rankings).

University of the West of Scotland is one of Scotland’s largest and most dynamic modern universities. Our reach across the country, together with our London campus, means that UWS is a significant force in global knowledge creation, innovation, and a leading provider of undergraduate, postgraduate and research degree education. Our degrees provide students with a transformational experience; equipping them with highly sought-after graduate skills that set them up for global success in world-leading sectors, industries and businesses.

With cutting-edge courses, modern pedagogy and practical knowledge, we enable our students and staff to experience the joy of learning, teaching, research and innovation, and apply their knowledge for the benefit of others.

Further information on the Vice-Principal (People & Student Wellbeing) vacancy can be found on our website.

Closing Date:         31^st May 2023  (by midday)

Interview Date:      Monday 19^th June 2023

The University reserves the right to shorten/extend the closing date of any position where a high/low volume of suitable applications are received. Therefore, if you are interested in this role, an early application would be encouraged.

UWS is committed to equality and diversity and welcomes applications from underrepresented groups.

UWS is a “Disability Confident” employer.

University of the West of Scotland is a registered Scottish charity, no. SC002520