Lay Members of Council (non-executive) (FM11807)

Job title Lay Members of Council (non-executive)

Department Other

Grade N/A

Contract Type Part Time, Fixed Term

Placed on Monday 10 June 2024

Closing date Tuesday 02 July 2024

Interview date To be confirmed

Reference FM11807

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The University of Bath has grown into a very successful global institution over its fifty-year history. With over 19,000 students from 147 nations, it is a top-tier UK university, delivering high quality research and education and an outstanding student experience. Bath's University Council oversees the institution's long-term sustainability, with key duties including approving its vision and strategy, overseeing performance, and ensuring that strong risk management and controls systems are in place.

The higher education sector is facing significant external challenges and Bath is not immune from these. However we are well placed to weather the storm and support our new Vice Chancellor, Prof Phil Taylor who takes up his post on 1st August 2024.

The Council is also embarking on its own transformation, transitioning from a membership of twenty one to a more compact fifteen to enhance our governance effectiveness. As part of this exercise, we have reviewed the key skills and expertise needed and have identified two skillsets which we are now seeking to fill:

Audit and Risk Committee Chair Designate : We're seeking a senior professional with a recognised accounting qualification to serve as the chair designate of the audit and risk committee, transitioning to the chair role on 1st August 2025

Former Senior Executive Leader from the Higher Education sector now pursuing a NED /portfolio career: We're seeking a seasoned leader who can bring a wider HE perspective from beyond Bath and who has already begun to develop their non executive skills, whether in education or another sector

Key responsibilities for Council members include supporting the University in its mission and in the development and delivery of its strategic plan, ensuring governance structures align with best practice and ensuring the establishment of robust systems of risk management, controls and accountability. They hold the Executive to account for performance against strategic objectives, providing constructive challenge and support.

Members serve on at least one committee, act as ambassadors for the University, promote its activities, and advocate for equality and diversity. They participate in necessary training, stay informed about the higher education landscape, and adhere to the Nolan Principles of Public Life.

This position requires a time commitment of approximately two days per month, including preparation time for meetings.

Extensive senior leadership experience in a large complex organisation, (in the case of the ARAC role this does not have to have been gained in an education environment) coupled with a steadfast commitment to the institution's values. The ideal candidate will demonstrate robust commercial acumen and be adept at taking a strategic view when analysing complex information. A deep commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion is essential. The role requires an ability to influence and advocate with tact, discretion and sound judgment, and be capable of fostering trust within diverse communities. A solid grasp of corporate governance is a prerequisite.

To express your interest, please upload your current CV and a brief cover letter specifying which position you are applying for and how it aligns with your profile.

An initial term of three years renewable to a maximum of nine years (three terms).

Lay members of the Council offer their skills and experience in a non- executive, unpaid role. However, reasonable travel and subsistence expenses are reimbursed.

We aim to be an inclusive university, where difference is celebrated, respected and encouraged. We believe that diversity of experience, perspectives, and backgrounds will lead to better decision making and an environment where all our staff and students can flourish. We encourage applications from all genders, backgrounds, and communities, particularly from under-represented groups, and value the positive impact that will have on our institution.

For further details please see the attached role description.

We are constantly seeking to reduce the unconscious bias that enters any assessment process, with the goal of creating an inclusive and equal assessment process. To support this, personal details will be removed from application forms at the initial shortlisting stage.