The University of Lincoln is a public research university in Lincoln, England, with origins dating back to 1861. It gained university status in 1992 and its present name and structure in 2001. Situated in the heart of a beautiful and historic city, the University of Lincoln is placed among the top 20 universities in the UK for student satisfaction in both the Complete University Guide 2022 and the Guardian University Guide 2022.

With inspirational teaching, excellent staff and modern facilities, the University of Lincoln provides close links with business and pioneering research. The University's striking city centre campus provides a modern, student-centred community. Based on the picturesque Brayford Pool waterfront, significant investment in buildings and facilities have been made to provide the best learning environment for students. Over the past two decades, the University has invested more than £375m in its campus, with further plans to invest in additional facilities and refurbishments of existing buildings. The brand new, purpose-built Lincoln Medical School Building was completed in March 2021.

Following an impressive period of growth, it's an exciting time for the University as it embarks on its next five-year strategy. The University will continue to look at growth opportunities, for example in international student recruitment, as well as increasing income through research-related activities and the Board of Governors will very much be involved in overseeing the University's ambitions.

The Board of Governors is responsible for overseeing the activities of the University, including determining its future direction and educational character, and securing its solvency.  

Collectively, the Board must:

• Act at all times in accordance with the Instrument and Articles of Government and the University’s internal rules and regulations
• Take responsibility for all decisions reached as a Board
• Set the strategic direction of the University
• Ensure that the standards of the academic awards given in the University’s name are appropriate to those of a UK Higher Education institution
• Secure the effective and efficient use of resources and safeguard the University’s assets 
• Agree and monitor high-level University KPIs against the agreed objectives 
• Carry out its business efficiently, effectively and in the manner appropriate to the proper conduct of public business
• Recognise and respect the proper separation between governance and executive management  

The University of Lincoln is looking for a Governor with a legal background who will join the Board and play a key role in providing scrutiny as well as driving forward the University’s mission and new strategy. They will bring experience, skills and knowledge of the legal issues facing a large and complex organisation.

The successful candidate could be a lawyer with broad expertise, or someone who is legally qualified but has moved on to another field. Experience within regulatory law would be of particular interest, as would expertise or previous advisory work relating to corporate social responsibility. 

Previous non-executive experience is not a requirement for this role, but may be a differentiating factor. Applicants should feel capable of advising on strategy in a complex environment with multiple stakeholders, and will bring an ability to work in a collaborative manner, debating constructively, and will be an excellent communicator with the ability to influence others. 

To find out more about the Board of Governors, please see here. 

The Governor roles are unremunerated; reasonable, pre-agreed domestic travel expenses will be reimbursed. The Board of Governors meets six times per year in person, and Governors may also join a Board Committee. There will also be an annual strategy day. Board meetings are generally held on a Thursday morning from 10.30 – 1pm, with a formal dinner on campus for members the evening before.

Appointments are for a four-year term and can be renewed once. An induction session will be held in September, and the University also provides a ''Buddy Scheme'' for new Governors.

UK-Midlands

The University of Lincoln welcomes applications from people of all backgrounds, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, faith or disability. It especially welcomes applications from those from minority ethnic backgrounds which are currently under-represented on its Board. All appointments will be made on merit of skill and experience relative to the role following a fair and transparent process.