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 22nd UK university by the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2023, 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 which fosters collaboration and achievement, the University of Leicester has invested £300m 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. In late 2021, it launched its exciting and ambitious 10-year strategy with a refreshed mission. Since the new strategy’s launch, the University has continued to grow and out-perform its peers, with student numbers increasing by 2,000 last year, and plans for a further 12% growth this year. With a new capital strategy for campus and digital infrastructure planned, and an international strategy recently agreed, Director of Digital Services appointed, and the goal to become a sector leader in digital learning, now is an exciting time to join the University of Leicester.

With two Council Members reaching the end of their terms, 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 making 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.

Council Member (Strategy & Organisational Development)

The University of Leicester now seeks a new Council Member with senior leadership experience across a number of areas, and individuals will bring expertise across at least one of the following: entrepreneurship, estates, finance, international, legal, marketing and media, fundraising, public sector management, students and young people, and quality assurance. Underpinning any of the above areas, knowledge and experience of strategy, and organisational change and development are important for all members of the Council who will play a key role in driving its strategic aims outlined in its ambitious 10-year strategy. They will advise the University leadership and wider Board on organisational development, change / transformation and growth matters. 

The successful candidate will ideally have a range of skills across the above areas and they will have led on large strategic projects and been through a period of organisational growth and development. Candidates will have operated in a similarly complex organisation. Prior governance experience is desirable, though experience as a Committee Member or as a leader who regularly attends board meetings and has influenced decisions at a senior level is also welcome.

Council Member (Digital)

The University of Leicester now seeks a new Council Member with senior digital leadership experience. Knowledge and experience of strategy and organisational change and development are important for all members of the Council, who will play a key role in driving its strategic aims outlined in its ambitious 10-year strategy.

With the world constantly evolving around us and the educational landscape changing, the successful candidate will be able to advise the University leadership on digital innovation and growth while bringing a creative flair and an ability to challenge.

They could be, for example, a CTO or Director of Digital, and will have a demonstrable track record of digital transformation. Experience at a tech firm would be welcome, but they could also have served in other large, complex organisations. Prior governance experience is desirable, though experience as a Committee Member or as a leader who regularly attends board meetings and has influenced decisions at a senior level is also welcome.

Above all, however, the successful candidates will be passionate about the University's vision as a truly inclusive university, working with its communities to provide inspiring education and research.

A list of current Council Members can be found here. 

In line with its commitment to diversity and inclusion, the University of Leicester is looking to broaden the profile and experience of the Board so that it better reflects the communities which it serves. As such, women and those with international experience are actively 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.

There are five Council meetings per year, which are in person and take place between 4-6pm. In addition to attending Council meetings, the Council Member (Digital) will be expected to join the Finance and Infrastructure Committee, which meets three to four times per year. Committee meetings take place in a hybrid format. There is also an annual strategy day that takes place in September. The overall 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. 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.

Location

Applicants should be able to attend in-person meetings.

In line with its commitment to diversity and inclusion, the University of Leicester is looking to broaden the profile and experience of the Board so that it better reflects the communities which it serves. As such, applications are particularly welcome from female candidates and/or from minority ethnic groups. Those with an international background are also actively 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.