Kingston University is the largest higher education provider in South West London, with almost 17,000 students from over 140 countries enrolled on full or part-time courses. Its four campuses are located within a four-mile radius of Kingston upon Thames town centre. Offering a comprehensive range of undergraduate and postgraduate study programmes, Kingston University provides students with a choice of subjects reflecting their interests and the needs of industry.

In recent years, the University has risen through the league tables and is now ranked 45th overall in the UK in The Guardian league tables. This improvement is reflected in the quality of courses the University provides as well as in its ability to attract and retain students. The university is in a strong financial position and looks to continue investing in the future of the institution, its staff, and students.

Kingston School of Art (KSA) has long been recognised as one of the best art and design schools in teaching and research, which is shown in its subject rankings, research, performance, industry and student awards, and the leading brands and institutions who choose to work with the University. Students learn in an inspiring environment – the Design Museum calls the University's studios and workshops "a world class design facility," and it was recently awarded the Royal Institute of British Architects’ prestigious 2021 Stirling Prize for excellence in British architecture for its flagship Townhouse, housing the university library, teaching and study spaces, and dance studios.

Kingston University is committed to opening up higher education to the whole community and encouraging students from under-represented and disadvantaged backgrounds to further their studies. The University believes that diversity in all forms brings only benefits for its students, people and work. As such, it has done a great deal of work on ensuring inclusive curricula across all disciplines, as well as equal opportunities for academic progression and promotion amongst staff. The University is proud to be one of just eight institutions to hold the Race Equality Charter bronze award.

Research plays a central role in the University; through a variety of individual cutting-edge projects and the development of multi-disciplinary centres of research excellence, Kingston has made significant strides in creating a broad range of industry-acclaimed research. The University also plays an active role in nurturing innovation and enterprise. By producing applied research, developing technology transfer and sharing knowledge it has become a driving force in forging strong links between education and the business community. The University’s graduates have produced more start-up companies than any other UK higher education institution for six years, topping the tables in the Higher Education Business and Community Interaction Survey.

The Board of Governors is responsible for the strategic direction of the University, including: determining its educational character and mission; overseeing its financial viability; and making key policy decisions about the running of the University.

The new Governors will play a crucial role in the oversight and development of the University’s new strategy and opportunities for investment. Given the constantly changing higher education landscape, it is more important than ever that the University ensures robust and astute governance.

Audit & Risk

Kingston University is looking for someone with senior audit and / or accounting experience to join the Board and the Audit and Risk Assurance Committee.

The Audit and Risk Committee (ARAC) supports the Board of Governors and senior members of the university executive in their responsibilities for maintaining sound risk management, control and governance arrangements. As such, applicants will be able to offer strategic guidance on best practice with regard to audit, risk, compliance and assurance frameworks. The successful candidate will bring fresh perspectives, a collaborative approach, and be willing to challenge where necessary. The University welcomes candidates who have an accounting background but is also open to high quality individuals who have broad finance / risk or digital experience.

Given the increasing need to have digital experience on a University Board, Kingston University is also keen to hear from individuals with senior digital / technology experience who will contribute to governance oversight of the university’s response to IT and information challenges and digital investment.

Kingston University is looking for candidates who are highly committed and share the University’s passion for educating students to enable them to reach their full potential, and ultimately shape society positively.

Finance

Kingston University is looking for someone with senior strategic level experience in finance to join the Board and the Finance Committee.

The Finance Committee supports the Board of Trustees and the Vice-Chancellor in their responsibilities for maintaining financial governance arrangements. As such, applicants will be able to offer high-level, strategic guidance on best practice with regard to financial accounts, budgeting, forecasting, financial appraisal, management and monitoring. The successful candidate will bring fresh perspectives, a collaborative approach, and be willing to challenge where necessary. The University welcomes candidates who are financially qualified, and who may have been a CFO / Finance Director / Partner in an accounting firm, but is also open to high-quality individuals who have broad finance / risk experience.

Kingston University is looking for candidates who share the University’s passion for educating students to enable them to reach their full potential, and ultimately shape society and contribute to the economy.

Given the increasing need to have digital experience on a University Board, Kingston University is also open to hearing from individuals with senior digital / technology experience.

This role is unremunerated, and reasonable, pre-agreed travel expenses will be reimbursed. There are four to five Board meetings (from 08.30 – 11.30), one all-day strategy session and four to five Sub-Committee meetings (from 08.30 – 11.30) per year. Meetings are held in Kingston Upon Thames, Surrey, with at least half done face-to-face and the rest done virtually. The appointment is for a four-year term, which can be renewed once at the discretion of the Board.