Established over a century ago, the University College of Osteopathy (UCO) is an innovative and progressive institution training osteopaths and shortly other health practitioners, treating patients and conducting research from its clinic and teaching premises in Southwark. With HRH, The Princess Royal as its Chancellor, the UCO is a small energetic higher education provider with over 500 students. In addition to its focus on providing the highest quality education and research for all, the UCO also hosts over 35,000 appointments per year at its clinic, almost a tenth of which are given free of charge. This, along with its outreach work in the community and working with local charities in Southwark, contributes to its mission to provide the very best care, for each patient, on every occasion.

By 2027, the UCO hopes to be an internationally-recognised university for both education and research in osteopathy and associated health care subjects – a vibrant community of staff and students keen to explore new ideas and challenge existing views, whose work will positively influence the quality of healthcare and shape future clinical practice locally, nationally and internationally.

It's an exciting chapter in the UCO’s history as it builds on recent achievements such the award of Taught Degree Awarding Powers and University College Title as well as making ambitious plans for the relocation and development of its estate and the diversification of its curriculum offer.

The Chair will hold the Board and Vice Chancellor to account for the UCO’s vision, mission, and values, providing inclusive leadership to the Board of Directors, ensuring that each Board Member fulfils their duties and responsibilities for the effective governance of the University College. The Chair will also support, and, where appropriate, challenge the Vice Chancellor, and ensure that the Board functions as a unit and works closely with the Vice Chancellor’s Group to achieve agreed objectives. The Chair will act as an ambassador and the public face of the Institution in partnership with the Vice Chancellor. 

The UCO promotes equality and diversity across all aspects of its works and expects all stakeholders to share and contribute to this commitment.

The UCO is seeking to appoint a Chair who has the vision, experience and diplomacy skills to lead the board effectively and ensure the organisation continues to grow in potential, reach and impact. 

The successful candidate will have experience at board level and will ideally have demonstrable experience chairing (though not necessarily a full board). They may come from any sector but will have ideally led a growth strategy and will have the awareness to be able to apply their experience to a higher education context (experience of operating in or near the public sector, charities or education sector would be welcomed but is not essential).

Applicants will be entrepreneurial in their approach and will have the communication and advocacy skills to act as a strong ambassador for the UCO. It is important that the Chair is collegial, collaborative and has the empathy and emotional intelligence to work with a range of stakeholders ensuring decisions are made whilst voices are heard. Above all, they will bring passion for the UCO’s mission and values as well as being able to commit time to conduct the role efficiently including travel and attending events (some out of office hours).

The UCO is committed to striving towards a diverse and inclusive organisation and particularly welcome applications from candidates from diverse backgrounds and circumstances. 

This role is unremunerated, but reasonable, pre-agreed travel expenses will be reimbursed. Currently the Board meetings are on a quarterly basis. Workload is likely to be the equivalent of two days per month. As well as chairing four Board meetings per year, some based in London and others online, attendance or chairing certain additional meetings and other duties will be required. The appointment is for a three-year term, which can be renewed once at the discretion of the Board.