The University of Leicester is a public research-intensive comprehensive university based in Leicester, England with 22,185 students and 3,800 staff. It is one of the very best British and global universities with an enviable record of research discoveries, a flair for teaching innovation and proven success in broadening access to higher education. Ranked 27th UK university by the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2022, the university is hugely ambitious for the future as it pioneers a distinctive and research-intensive institution, open to all who have talent.  

The University’s research has wide-ranging impacts on society, health, culture, and the environment, which is judged to be internationally excellent. Whether it’s pioneering work in space, heritage, breakthroughs in the search for alternatives to antibiotics, or life-changing diabetes research, it demonstrates education and knowledge to be a power for good. To support the delivery of world-class academic activity and create an environment that fosters collaboration and achievement, University of Leicester is investing £300 million to update and refresh its facilities. This includes an expansion of its Students’ Union, a new home for the School of Business as well as new study and living spaces for students in Freeman’s Common.

The University can be described as modern, innovative, diverse and forward-thinking. Leicester has recently launched its exciting and ambitious 10-year strategy with a refreshed mission, as Citizens of Change, that champions its Citizens and cultivates a legacy of real-world change. The future is one of growth and opportunity whilst ensuring that the University reflects the diverse communities in which it is located and that inclusion is at the heart of its work, informing how it supports students, staff and engages with the local community.  

Please find more details about the University's new strategy here.

Due to three Council Members stepping down at the end of nine years’ service, there is now a need for new Members to join to strengthen the board and help the University drive forward its strategic aims. They will bring an outside perspective, diversity of thought and help facilitate opportunities for the University. First and foremost, they will be engaged with a passion to drive change whilst being aligned to the mission and values of Leicester: inclusive, inspiring and impactful.

Responsibilities of a Council Member include:

• Acting as a “critical friend”, to help ensure the effective development, implementation, control and monitoring of University strategy
• Providing assurance that the University conducts its affairs in accordance with its regulatory obligations to the Office for Students, its status as a charity and its public benefit objectives
• Contributing to debate and to make knowledge, insight and expertise available to Council as needs and opportunities arise
• Maintaining constructive and supportive working relationships with the executive team, remaining both independent and challenging, and observing the proper separation between governance and management
• Acting fairly and impartially at all times, in the interests of the University as a whole, using independent judgement and maintaining confidentiality as appropriate
• Representing the University and its interests in external networks as appropriate

This role provides an opportunity for accomplished professionals to use their public or private sector experience to act as a legal Trustee of the University, to guide, influence and monitor the effectiveness of University strategy, development and compliance with regulatory requirements.

The University of Leicester now seeks three new Council Members who will bring new perspectives, skills and experiences. There is an interest in the following areas but the University is open to bright, ambitious and committed individuals from all sectors and backgrounds.  

Legal: The University is looking for someone with a background in law due to an existing member with this expertise stepping down from the Board. Candidates will have a background in commercial law or as General Counsel to advise the board on a range of legal matters and be a sounding board to the other members and the leadership team.

Human Resources: As the University continues to develop, the Council is looking to strengthen its HR skills and therefore welcomes applications from those who bring a broad background in human resources. They will advise on various strategic HR and people-related issues whilst driving forward key inclusion and diversity objectives. Applicants will have a background in human resources at a strategic level and will advise on matters ranging from employment law to staff recruitment and well-being, as well as EDI.

Digital & Innovation: With the world constantly evolving around us and the educational landscape changing, the Council is interested in those with strategic leadership experience in IT and digital to help drive its strategic aims further. Candidates will be able to advise the Council in regards to digital and innovation matters whilst bringing a creative flair and an ability to challenge. They will have a track record in digital and innovation at a senior strategic level within a large organisation.

Estates (Physical / Digital): As the Higher Education sector evolves in the digital world, the University would welcome advice on how to use its space creatively while making the most of the estate, having recently completed a £200 million capital project. Ideally, applicants will have a senior leadership background in estates/facilities management and have an appreciation of how the physical and digital can best be integrated.

Commercial / Business: With a future of growth and opportunity, the University also welcomes those who can bring strong commercial acumen along with a creative mindset to the role, and will introduce new perspectives and advise the organisation from a non-HE perspective. Applicants will ideally have a strong track record of dealing with strategic growth scenarios in an organisation of some scale and complexity.

The University of Leicester is eager for its Council members to reflect the diversity of its student population and therefore would welcome applications from women and those from ethnic minority backgrounds who can help drive its ambitious strategy.

The University of Leicester welcomes applications from everyone regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, faith, disability or socio-economic back. As those from an ethnic minority background are currently under-represented on the Council, applications from those individuals would be particularly encouraged. All appointments will be made on merit, following a fair and transparent process.

These roles are unremunerated, but reasonable, pre-agreed travel expenses will be reimbursed. The appointment is for a three-year term, which can be renewed twice at the discretion of the Council. The time commitment for this position is estimated to total the equivalent of 10 days per year, spread over a greater number of separate visits to the University both in person and online.