Royal Holloway, University of London (RHUL), is a distinctive university, steeped in history and culture, yet constantly evolving and adapting to the demands of modern higher education. The University was founded by two social reformers who advocated for the ideal of education and knowledge for all who could benefit. It was among the first places in Britain where women could access higher education. Bedford College, in central London, opened its doors in 1849, and Royal Holloway College's stunning Founder's Building was unveiled by Queen Victoria in 1886 – it is still the focal point of the Surrey campus. In 1900, the colleges became part of the University of London and, in 1985, they merged to form what is now known as Royal Holloway. Today the University has a turnover of around £216m. A link to the Annual Report can be found here.

In the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2024, Royal Holloway’s score puts it in the top 400 in the world, and joint 41st overall in the UK. The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024 ranked it in the top 30 Universities in the UK. It is also placed 36th in the UK in the category of 'International Outlook': recognising its broader outlook as a global university.

As one of the UK’s leading research-intensive universities, Royal Holloway is home to some of the world’s foremost authorities in the sciences, arts and humanities, business, economics and law, many of whom act as advisors to policymakers and the Government on issues ranging from cybersecurity to climate change to the cutting edge of the creative industries. The University has a total of 11,844 students. Of these 9,421 are from the UK, 601 are from the EU and 2,002 are from further afield internationally. There are currently 9,943 undergraduates, 1,308 postgraduate taught and 595 postgraduate research students. The National Student Survey (NSS) 2022 revealed that Royal Holloway, with a rating of 79%, remains above the sector average.

The staff at Royal Holloway change lives, expand minds and help current and future leaders understand power and responsibility. Diversity defines the strength of the University, as it welcomes students and academics who travel from all over the world to study and work at RHUL, ensuring an international and multicultural perspective at both the historic campus, situated in 135 acres of parkland in Egham, Surrey, and facilities in central London with the University of London. It is no surprise that Royal Holloway has been named as one of the most beautiful universities in the world.

The University has started work on the development of its new strategy to take it into the 2030s: RH2030s. New Council members will be joining early in this work and will directly contribute to the strategy. Its strategic ambitions are focused on: inclusive education and research; skills for choice and opportunity; partnerships and collaboration; and being civic minded and globally engaged. RHUL's leadership recognises that to achieve these ambitions, everything the University does must be underpinned by a commitment to People, Culture and Inclusion; Environmental Sustainability; and to the creation of a future-proofed and fit for purpose digital and physical infrastructure.

College Council is the governing body of Royal Holloway and is responsible for overall strategy and policy-making.

Council is responsible for:

• Setting the overall strategic direction for Royal Holloway
• Ensuring the University's financial and academic probity, and its sustainability
• Safeguarding the institution's good name
• Ensuring that policies and processes are in place to achieve the University's desired outcomes and are properly executed

Council has adopted the Higher Education Code of Governance and Statement of Primary Responsibilities drawn up by the Committee of University Chairs (CUC).

Council Member (Knowledge Exchange)

The successful candidate will have substantial experience in developing and managing collaborative partnerships between academia, industry, government and community organisations. They will understand the broader societal and economic impact of academic research, while possessing the ability to align knowledge exchange initiatives with institutional goals. Candidates should have a sound understanding of university governance structures, policies, and compliance requirements, particularly in the context of knowledge exchange and industry partnerships. Individuals who have not served on a board before are welcome to apply, provided they have operated in strategic-level executive roles.

Council Member (Marketing, Branding, Communications, Digital)

The successful candidates will be commercial, customer-focused and innovative, with a strategic-level leadership background in the above areas. They will have the ability to translate their industry experience to the higher education sector, advising both the Council and the University's executive leadership on how RHUL can promote and differentiate itself within an increasingly competitive market, both domestically and globally. Individuals who have not served on a board before are welcome to apply, provided they have operated in strategic-level executive roles.

Council Member (Finance)

The ideal candidate will be a professionally qualified accountant with substantial experience in complex financial leadership roles. The Council is particularly interested in individuals who have operated in the public or third sectors, as this will help them to understand the unique financial landscape of the higher education sector. Individuals who have not served on a board before are welcome to apply, provided they have operated in strategic-level executive roles.

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All candidates should have the communication skills, diplomacy and confidence to operate in a high achieving and complex environment with multiple stakeholders. Above all they will be strongly committed to the vision and values of Royal Holloway University, passionate about the transformative power of education, and committed to ensuring that the University continues to be a pioneering positive influence on society locally, regionally and globally.

Council membership consists of:

• Council Chair, The Right Honourable Dame Margaret Hodge DBE, MP
• the Principal, Professor Julie Sanders and President of the Students’ Union, Maia Jarvis (ex officio members)
• Independent Members, appointed for an initial term of four years
• Members elected by the professional services staff
• Members elected by the academic staff
• A Student Member elected by the students

A full list of current College Council members can be found here.

Council member roles are unremunerated, and reasonable, pre-agreed domestic travel expenses will be reimbursed. There are five Council meetings each year in October, November, February, May and July. Council meetings are usually held on a Thursday at 5pm and last for two hours, followed by an informal supper. Meetings usually take place on campus in Egham, however they may occasionally be held in London at RHUL's campus space at the University of London. Training or briefing sessions for Council members are often held earlier in the afternoon before these Council meetings. The November meeting is held as part of a residential Strategy Day which all Council Members attend.

Council Members are also expected to join one of the Council's six sub-committees. These meet up to five times per year, generally during the working day on campus in Egham, for two hours. In-person attendance at all meetings is the preference, however where this is not possible there is the option of dialling in via video conference. Council Members are invited to many of the University's events, with the opportunity to meet staff, students and generally involve themselves in University life. This includes concerts and lectures; the biannual Fawcett lecture, The London lecture and Magna Carta lecture; the annual honorary fellows ceremony and summer and Winter graduation ceremonies.

Terms of office for Council and committee members are four years with the possibility of reappointment for up to four years.

Royal Holloway is based in Egham, Surrey, and Council meetings will take place in person. Candidates can be based anywhere in the UK provided they are able to travel to the University for meetings. 

RHUL welcomes applications from everyone regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, belief or disability. 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.