Student focused, inclusive, courageous and caring about its community, Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU) stands as one of the UK's largest and well-established universities. Since 1823, LJMU has been the university of choice for Liverpool residents, empowering individuals, championing change, and collaborating with various partners to make a real impact. Today, LJMU's influence reaches far beyond its local borders, with a student body of over 28,000 on campus and 15,000 studying at 30 partner institutions worldwide, solidifying its global presence.

From its inception during the Industrial Revolution to the establishment of the Liverpool Mechanics’ Institute, LJMU has always sought to address the social, structural, and economic challenges facing Liverpool and its wider region. Even then, LJMU was pioneering opportunities for women in fields like pharmacy and physical education. Continuing this legacy, LJMU remains committed to champion inclusivity and diversity. In 2024, LJMU earned Athena Swan Silver accreditation for its dedication to gender equality. It also received Race Equality Charter Bronze for its efforts in combating racial disparities and fostering inclusivity. Additionally, LJMU recently submitted its first entry to the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings, showcasing its dedication to the UN Sustainable Development Goals and emphasising its research and initiatives aimed at building a more sustainable and prosperous future for local communities and the planet as a whole.

LJMU is currently in an exciting phase of growth. In March 2023, it opened a new school of education as part of its 200th anniversary celebrations, alongside recent transformative infrastructure projects such as the Student Life Building at Copperas Hill. LJMU's University Strategy for 2023 - 2030 underscores its ambition to further elevate Liverpool's prosperity and development.

Liverpool John Moores University was established as a Higher Education Corporation under section 121 of the Education Reform Act 1988 and exercises its powers as set out at 123A(1)(a) and (f) and section 123(B). Each member of the University's Board of Governors is also a Trustee of the University for the purposes of charity law.

The Board of Governors is responsible for overseeing the activities of the University, including determining its future direction and educational character, and securing its solvency.  

Collectively, the Board must:

• Act at all times in accordance with the Instrument and Articles of Government and the University’s internal rules and regulations
• Take responsibility for all decisions reached as a Board
• Set the strategic direction of the University
• Ensure that the standards of the academic awards given in the University’s name are appropriate to those of a UK Higher Education institution
• Secure the effective and efficient use of resources and safeguard the University’s assets
• Agree and monitor high-level University KPIs against the agreed objectives
• Carry out its business efficiently, effectively and in the manner appropriate to the proper conduct of public business
• Recognise and respect the proper separation between governance and executive management  

Liverpool John Moores University is seeking new Governors to bolster its Board and steer the University towards ongoing success. Candidates with a strong background in either Estates / Property Development, Education or Human Resources are encouraged to apply.

A connection to the Liverpool region would be welcomed. Above all, candidates should exhibit a passion for higher education and resonate with the values and mission of LJMU.

Estates / Property Development

Candidates will possess senior leadership experience in estates or capital development. The University is open to candidates from different backgrounds, such as chartered surveyors specialising in commercial property and mixed-use urban regeneration. Individuals who have advised public and private clients on senior estates projects, such as nationwide property and regeneration projects, or demonstrate expertise in master planning and regeneration, are especially encouraged to apply. Candidates should showcase the ability to provide strategic advice in complex environments with multiple stakeholders, along with excellent communication skills and the ability to positively influence others.

Higher Education

Candidates with a strong commitment to advancing higher education and a proven track record in academic leadership are encouraged to apply. They should have held a senior academic position at a Higher Education institution, with a deep understanding of academic governance and administration. The successful candidate will also sit on the Audit and Risk Committee, so exposure to audit, risk management, and compliance would be desirable. Additionally, they should be familiar with navigating the Office for Students (OfS) policy framework and Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) processes. Their insights and expertise will be invaluable in ensuring the University's adherence to regulatory standards and in driving academic excellence.

Candidates should showcase the ability to provide strategic advice in complex environments with multiple stakeholders, along with excellent communication skills and the ability to positively influence others. A connection to the Liverpool region would be welcomed. Above all, candidates should exhibit a passion for higher education and resonate with the values and mission of LJMU.

Please note that the University will not be considering candidates who are currently employed by another higher education institution, to avoid any potential conflicts of interest.

Human Resources (HR)

Candidates will have experience in dealing with a broad range of staff and organisational issues. They will play a pivotal role in ensuring that the University's workforce remains engaged, motivated, and student-focused. The ideal candidate could be an experienced Human Resources Director, from any sector, with a strong grasp of the challenges in higher education in a HR context. They will demonstrate commercial acumen, leadership, change management skills, and a strategic mindset. Candidates should showcase the ability to provide strategic advice in complex environments with multiple stakeholders, along with excellent communication skills and the ability to positively influence others.

To find out more about the Board of Governors, please see here.

This role is unremunerated and reasonable, and pre-agreed domestic travel expenses will be reimbursed. The Board of Governors meets four times per year in person and are also invited to attend an annual strategy day and evening workshop. Additionally, below are the Sub-Committee meetings for each Governor role:

• Estates / Property Development: The Estates Governor will join the Finance Committee which meets three times a year
• Higher Education: The Education Governor will join the Audit and Risk Committee which meets four times a year
• HR: The Human Resources Governor will join the Employment Committee which meets three times a year.

Appointments are for three years, which may be renewed for a further three years and thereafter may be renewed annually up to a maximum of three years (therefore up to nine years in total).

This organisation is based in Liverpool. Candidates will therefore be UK-based. Candidates with a connection to Liverpool or ties to the city's community will be welcomed.

Liverpool John Moores University welcomes applications from everyone regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, belief or disability. As women and those from an ethnic minority background are currently under-represented on the Board, applications from those individuals would be particularly encouraged. All appointments will be made on merit, following a fair and transparent process. In line with the Equality Act 2010, however, the organisation may employ positive action where candidates from underrepresented groups can demonstrate their ability to perform the role equally well.

Access and adjustments:

LJMU is committed to making its recruitment practices barrier-free and as accessible as possible for everyone. This includes making adjustments or changes for disabled people, neurodiverse people or people with long-term health conditions. They welcome applications from such candidates.

Liverpool John Moores University is a Disability Confident employer. If you have any access requirements or would like to do anything differently during the application, interview or assessment process, including being provided information in an alternative format,  please contact Hu Ching Mao from Nurole at huching.mao@nurole.com