Founded in 1948, the University of Hertfordshire has developed into a thriving community of just under 33,000 students studying 550 degree options at its two vibrant, inclusive campuses and Bayfordbury Observatory. Its strong relationships with industry and award-winning careers services complement high-quality teaching to ensure Herts' students gain the knowledge and skills they need to match their ambition and succeed.

Long an anchor institution for the regional economy and community, the University has significantly expanded its overseas links in recent years, and now welcomes more than 11,500 international students from over 140 countries. Home to world-class research, University of Hertfordshire has jumped 21 places in the most recent Research Excellence Framework (REF) rankings, and jumped 61 places in the Research Impact ratings, the highest of any university. Its research is ranked in the UK's top 25% of all universities for research impact. In addition, the University of Hertfordshire is first in the East of England for overall student satisfaction and 26th nationally.

The University of Hertfordshire’s vision is to transform lives. This means whatever someone’s background, wherever they’re from, the University will drive their potential and power them to succeed. More information on its current 20-25 Strategy can be viewed here. With the appointment of a new Chair and new senior members of staff recently joining or starting in the new year, a new strategy currently being devised and a strong financial position, now is an exciting time to join the University of Hertfordshire. 

The Board of Governors is the University's governing body and is responsible for determining the educational character and mission of the University and for overseeing its activities.

The Board is responsible for the effective, efficient and economical use of the University’s funds. It sets and monitors the University’s strategic direction to ensure the sustainable delivery of its core objectives, making appropriate provision for the support, advice, guidance and welfare of students.

The University is proud of the open and inclusive culture of its governing body. Governors and the executive team enjoy a good relationship, maintaining a healthy balance between support and independent scrutiny. Governors are passionate about the University’s work, and enjoy working together to guide its strategy and make a real impact on the lives of students.

Governors (Generalist)

The University of Hertfordshire is looking for two new Governors with strategic leadership experience with the ability and insight to challenge effectively. They will have great attention to detail and an ability to scrutinise at board level.

The successful candidates will ideally have operated in a C-Suite level role in an organisation that is of similar size and complexity (or larger) across either the private, charitable or public sectors. They will have gravitas, be a strategic thinker who will see the bigger picture whilst bringing fresh ideas and new perspectives. Previous governance experience would be desirable (either from having sat on a Committee or Board) but more importantly, individuals will have a clear understanding of the nuances between a non-executive and executive role.

Governor (Health / Pharma)

With plans to open a Medical School, the University of Hertfordshire is looking for a Governor with strategic leadership in the healthcare / pharmaceutical sectors who will bring advice and scrutiny to the Board.

The successful candidate will ideally be an individual who brings senior strategic experience across the healthcare or pharmaceutical sectors. They will bring a strong regulatory understanding and ideally have experience of the different funding councils. They could come from the NHS, the wider healthcare sector, or a pharmaceutical company and will have operated in an executive capacity. 

All candidates will be committed to the power of Higher Education and public service, and be personally aligned to the values of the University of Hertfordshire as an international, diverse and business-facing University.

For further information and to view the Governor’s profiles, please visit the website here.

This role is an unremunerated voluntary position, but reasonable domestic travel expenses will be reimbursed. There will be a total of six Board meetings per year, which are held in person. Governors will likely be joining a Sub-Committee relating to their specialist area of expertise. There are three to six Sub-Committee meetings per year and these are also held in person, though new Governors will not be joining a Sub-Committee in their first year. The role is for a three-year term with the possibility of renewing once. All successful candidates must pass a ‘fit and proper persons’ check in line with all Trustees of charities. 

Location: Candidates will ideally be based locally and will be within 1.5 hours of the University to attend meetings in person.

Hatfield, Hertfordshire

The University of Hertfordshire is proud of its reputation as being an inclusive and diverse institution where people are valued irrespective of their background. Given it strives to have a good balance on the Board, it would particularly welcome applications from Black and Minority Ethnic candidates. All appointments will be made on merit, following a fair and transparent process. However, in line with the Equality Act 2010, the organisation will employ positive action and where underrepresented candidates can demonstrate their ability to perform the role equally well, preference will be given to them.