University College of Estate Management (UCEM) is the leading provider of supported online learning about the Built Environment. It has over 100 years’ experience of providing the highest quality learning opportunities. UCEM has 4,000 students from more than 100 countries (25% of its students are international) benefiting from its qualifications, which are taught by tutors with extensive industry experience. UCEM helps to enhance Built Environment professional careers through accredited property-related and construction programmes offered at Postgraduate and Undergraduate levels, including apprenticeships; a growing area now representing 60% of the organisation's income. UCEM's MSc Innovation in Sustainable Built Environments was launched in September 2023. 

UCEM has undertaken a significant transformation during the last decade; with key achievements including moving its teaching model from correspondence courses, to being fully delivered online. It has also established its full independence as a Higher Education Institution (HEI) through the implementation of its Taught Degree Awarding Powers (TDAP), effective from 1 January 2013. UCEM is registered with the Office for Students (OFS) as an Approved (fee cap) provider. In autumn 2020, UCEM launched its revised portfolio of programmes through the Transform project, bringing in a number of additional benefits to students. The institution has responded quickly to changing market conditions by adapting existing programmes to provide Built Environment aligned apprenticeships at higher (degree) level. All programmes continue to focus on enabling education about the Built Environment, in line with its Royal Charter and aligned to the professional standards and vocational needs of the sector. 

Following a period of significant growth and change, the organisation is refining its financial plans to ensure it remains in a strong financial position during a challenging time for the education sector. UCEM is currently developing and expanding its product portfolio whilst having a real focus on sustainability. In 2019, UCEM launched its ambitious Vision and Strategy to 2025, as part of its mission to become the Centre for Excellence for Built Environment Education. It's an exciting time to join the organisation and shape its future as the organisation will deliver its 2030 strategy this summer.  

University College of Estate Management (UCEM) Trustees provide a non-executive oversight of all UCEM activities and contribute to the development of strategy and future vision. Governance is through the Board of Trustees and Sub-Committees as required.

The Board is responsible for the overall governance, monitoring and strategic direction of University College of Estate Management (UCEM). The Board works together with the Executive Team to ensure that UCEM achieves the objects defined in the Royal Charter and governing documents.

The Board is responsible for ensuring that UCEM meets the regulatory requirements of the Office for Students (OFS), the Charity Commission, the ESFA and Ofsted and fulfils the expectations of the CUC Higher Education Code of Governance.

UCEM Trustees play a vital role in the governance of UCEM. They use their diversity of talent, expertise, background, thought and challenge in decision-making and ensure that UCEM performs to the highest standards. They work with the Chair of the Board and the Executive management of the institution to set the mission, strategic direction, overall aims and values of the University College. They take collective responsibility for the activities and performance of the institution as a whole.

Trustee (Legal)

UCEM is looking for a new Trustee with a legal background to bring advice and scrutiny on various legal matters and provide strong governance. They will act as a critical friend to the Board and Executive team regarding their specialism. They will be credible, able to take a constructive and advisory approach but with the ability to challenge and take tough decisions if necessary.

Individuals will likely have experience of charity or commercial /corporate law, reviewing contracts and providing advice on a range of legal issues. They could have experience as a lawyer in private practice or with in-house experience as General Counsel. Experience of charity commision law is desirable but not essential. Some exposure to the Built Environment sectors would be welcome but is not a requirement for the role. Previous governance experience would also be welcome but is not essential.

Trustee (Higher Education)

UCEM is looking for a new Trustee with a background in higher education to provide advice on various matters and trends within the sector. They will act as a critical friend to the Board and Executive team regarding their specialism. They will be credible, able to take a constructive and advisory approach but with the ability to challenge and take tough decisions if necessary.

The successful candidate will have knowledge of the Higher Education (HE) environment from having worked in the sector at a senior level. They could also have provided advice or consultancy to HE sector organisations, such as membership bodies or regulators. Alternatively, they could  have worked for an EdTech company and have had responsibility for driving digital education or been a Digital Director / CIO / Transformation Director within the HE space. Individuals will bring a good understanding of the regulatory environment in which UCEM operates and the challenges facing the HE sector at the current time. Some exposure to the property / construction or apprenticeship sectors would be welcome but is not a requirement for the role. Previous governance experience would also be welcome but is not essential.

Trustee (Marketing / Business Development)

UCEM is looking for a new Trustee with a background in marketing and / or business development to provide advice on various strategic matters and trends. They will act as a critical friend to the Board and Executive team regarding their specialism. They will be credible, able to take a constructive and advisory approach but with the ability to challenge and take tough decisions if necessary.

The successful candidate will have experience at a leadership level in marketing or business development. They will have experience of brand development / positioning, profile-raising and will have led an organisation through a period of growth. Experience of going into new markets would be beneficial. Some exposure to apprenticeships or the Built Environment sectors would be welcome but is not a requirement for the role. Previous governance experience would also be welcome but is not essential.

Above all, they candidates will be passionate about education and the power of online learning, and will bring an interest in the Built Environment sector. They will be aligned to the mission of UCEM and its values of passion, integrity, excellence and support. They will have the time to commit fully to the role. 

To find out more about the Board, please view here. 

The time commitment for a Trustee is four Board meetings per year which are held in-person (in London or Reading), as well as three Board Sub-Committee meetings per year. There will also be one strategy day per year. The expected time commitment will be a minimum of c.10 days per year. These are three-year terms from the date of appointment, renewable for a further three-year period. These are voluntary roles with no employment status. The roles are not remunerated, however incidental travelling and subsistence expenses may be claimed. Please refer to the Terms of Reference which outlines the power and functions of the UCEM Board of Trustees here.  

Location: These vacancies are only open to UK-based applicants.

UCEM is proud of its diverse student community and wants to see the fantastic diversity of its student population reflected in its Board of Trustees. UCEM welcomes applications from everyone regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, faith or disability. As women and those from an ethnic minority group are currently underrepresented on the Board, applicants from these groups are particularly encouraged to apply. 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.