Founded in 1948, the University of Hertfordshire has developed into a thriving community of 24,500 students and 2,400 staff from a wide variety of backgrounds. The University of Hertfordshire offers a wide range of Undergraduate, Postgraduate, Professional and Short courses. Based largely in Hatfield, Hertfordshire, the University now has a turnover of more than £300 million.

The University of Hertfordshire's aim is to transform lives by offering opportunity, building community and embracing flexibility, while delivering a high quality educational experience underpinned by its strong people-first values. Over 90 countries are represented on campus and over 80% of courses are professional body accredited. More than 50% of students are female, nearly 50% are Black and Minority Ethnic and a significant number are the first in their family to go to University.

The University’s strategy is underpinned by the philosophy of Powering Potential – a deep commitment to having a positive transformational impact on every member of its community, and to sharing successes with the community around it. This means to transform lives, the University not only finds potential, it harnesses it and drives it. With a significant capital programme ahead and a review of the University’s estates more broadly, a new Deputy Vice Chancellor and a new digital strategy underway, it’s an exciting time for the University.

Governors are collectively responsible for determining the strategic direction of the University and ensuring its resources are properly used for the purpose of providing teaching, research and related activities.

This includes:

• Observing the highest standards of corporate governance and the Principles and Standards of Public Life
• Developing the educational character and mission of the University and to set its general strategic direction
• Acting as a critical friend to the Vice-Chancellor and the University Executive Team, bringing support and challenge
• Representing the Governing Body and the University externally in ambassadorial, networking and influencing capacities
• Advocating for the University in their own fields of expertise

The Governors are currently working towards making the most of demographic growth and moving towards the digital blended learning approach that the pandemic has catalysed. In particular the University is expanding its apprenticeships, aiming to grow the number of participants.

Commercial

The University of Hertfordshire seeks a new Governor who can bring strong commercial acumen and an entrepreneurial mindset. They will advise the University on maximising its assets and will be an advisor and sounding board to the executive team and Board on strategic commercial projects including the University’s entrepreneurship and mentorship programmes.

The successful candidate could come from any sector and any role but will be commercially astute, a strong communicator and will be able to take an advisory approach. Ideally, they will have strong industry networks and there is particular interest in individuals who are Founders or who have played a key role in fast-growing organisations.  

Someone with strong ties to the County of Hertfordshire could be beneficial but this is not essential.

Candidates will bring fresh ideas and will have the ability to constructively challenge. All candidates will be committed to the power of Higher Education and public service, and be personally aligned to the values of the University of Hertfordshire as an international, diverse and business-facing University.

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Digital/Property/Risk/Investment/R&I

The University of Hertfordshire seeks a new Governor who can guide and advise the Board in a range of areas of expertise. Candidates will bring one of the following backgrounds:

• Digital: The successful candidate will bring strategic digital / technology experience. This could be a founder/entrepreneur of a digital business or someone who has held a senior role in a technology-focused organisations. Marketing experience would also be interesting.
• Property, risk and investment: The successful candidate will bring strategic experience across property, risk and investment and will be able to guid the Board on how to identify and mitigate risk.
• Research and innovation: The successful candidate will bring a strong research and / or innovation background. This could be from the public or private sector, but will include experience in leading research projects and / or playing a key role in innovation within their organisation. Science or engineering backgrounds are of particular interest.

The University seeks someone who can bring fresh ideas and constructively challenge the University’s approach. All candidates will be committed to the power of Higher Education and public service, and be personally aligned to the values of the University of Hertfordshire as an international and business-facing University.

There will be a total of six Board meetings per year, as well as 3-6 relevant Committee meetings (only if individuals join a Committee), and ad hoc calls or events to attend. This role is an unremunerated voluntary position, but reasonable domestic travel expenses will be reimbursed. The role is for a three-year term with the possibility of renewing once.