The University for the Creative Arts (UCA) has been a passionate advocate for creative education and research for 160 years. UCA believes that creativity makes global communities more vibrant, more innovative, more human. Its campuses across Surrey and Kent, its Institute for Creativity & Innovation in Xiamen, China, and its homes within partner organisations, such as the Maidstone Television Studios, all have one thing in common: they are places to forge inspiring partnerships, make work with purpose and build real solutions to human problems across the globe-whether as part of its vibrant teaching and research community, or as a student on one of its courses.

Offering courses in Architecture, Crafts, Fashion, Graphic Design, Illustration, Fine Art, Photography, Film, Media, the Performing Arts and Creative Business, UCA's programmes are acclaimed for their top teaching quality, and are highly respected by creative sector employers. For 2023, UCA was ranked 2nd and 3rd by The Guardian and The Sunday Times Good University Guide respectively for the best specialist creative university in the UK. The 2023 Complete University Guide also ranked it top for student satisfaction across music and communication and media courses, second for student satisfaction across its business and management courses, and third for student satisfaction across its architecture courses.

Overseen by President & Vice-Chancellor Professor Bashir Makhoul, UCA’s 10-year strategy aims to develop and grow the University by enhancing the creative experience, and focusing on building employability, inclusivity and diversity. One of its key priorities is internationalisation and cultural exchange. It aims to build partnerships with educational institutions to deliver high-level creative education opportunities in more locations internationally. As it continues to grow its reach, its impact and its outstanding educational outcomes, it is an exciting time to join UCA. 

As the governing body of the University for the Creative Arts, the Board of Governors has overall responsibility for all of the University’s activities. The Board is accountable for the financial solvency of the University, its sound management, and the quality of the service which it provides; it is also accountable for the proper use of the public funds entrusted to it. The Board determines the strategic direction of the University’s development, and the strategic direction should inform its decisions in exercising its powers and undertaking its duties. The Board is not involved in the day-to-day management of the University but establishes and maintains the framework within which it operates

The Board’s duties are defined in the University’s Articles of Government. These include:

• Determining the educational character and mission of the University and overseeing its activities
• The effective and efficient use of resources, the solvency of the University and safeguarding its assets
• Approving annual estimates of income and expenditure
• The appointment, grading, suspension, dismissal and determination of pay and conditions of service of holders of senior posts
• Setting the framework for the pay and conditions of service of all other staff
• The appointment of external auditors

 The Role Description for Board Members is available here.

As part of prudent succession planning, UCA is seeking to add a new Governor to the Board and has identified that a finance skillset and / or someone bringing a background as a senior leader within a Higher Education organisation would be particularly additive to the Board. Candidates bringing a finance background with direct experience of the Higher Education sector (either as an executive or non-executive) would be of particular interest, however UCA is open to strong candidates who bring either finance or Higher Education experience or both.

Finance: UCA is open minded with regards to the sector experience that this person might bring. Candidates do not need to be have a chartered accountant qualification. Candidates could have operated as a commercial finance leader, as a professional accountant with a major accounting firm or in a broader commercial role where they are able to demonstrate their proximity to financial matters and thus maintained their financial acumen.

Higher Education: UCA is open minded with regards to the functional background of this individual; HR or legal skillsets and perspectives have been identified as potentially additive to the Board however candidates do not need to be functional experts in these areas. Candidates will have operated at the management committee level. Candidates will no longer be employed by a Higher Education organisation, such that they would not be conflicted. Of particular interest would be candidates bringing an understanding of relevant TNE issues.

A list of current Board Members is available here.

There are four Board meetings per year. Additionally, Governors are usually expected to serve on at least one Committee, and each Committee normally meets up to four times per year. UCA is open to non-UK-based applicants who may attend meetings virtually, however there is a strong preference for candidates to attend the four formal Board meetings in-person. The role is unremunerated but reasonable domestic travel expenses will be reimbursed. Additionally, there will usually be one in-person away day. The appointment is for a three-year term, twice renewable.

The University for the Creative Arts (UCA) aims to be a welcoming and inclusive University that is truly representative of our diverse society. Its Board is currently diverse. It is however over-represented by white people, men and people over 40 years old. We are underrepresented by disabled people. In order to better represent the diversity that the University serves, and in line with our opportunity to take positive action, we particularly welcome applications from people of ethnicities other than ‘White’, from women, from those who are under 40 years old and from disabled people. You can read more about the diversity of our Board here (Appendix 10).