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.

The University is in an exciting phase of growth, having launching its next five-year strategy with a vision to achieve global recognition and be ranked among the top 15 UK universities by 2050. With a focus on opportunities like international student recruitment and increased income from research-related activities, the Board of Governors plays a vital role in overseeing these ambitions. Notably, the University of Lincoln leads Agri-Tech Global, securing £1.49 million for a collaborative project with the Universities of Cambridge and East Anglia, Cambridge Enterprise, and Ceres Agri-Tech. This initiative establishes a global Agri-Tech cluster, supporting start-up growth, international connections, and addressing industry challenges.

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 new Governor with a background in either estates OR a commercial background in either energy, engineering, agri-sector or defence. This new Governor will join the Board, playing a pivotal role in steering the University toward continued success.

Candidates will have expertise in one or more of the following areas:

Estates: Individuals will bring senior leadership experience in property/estates, architecture or property development. This individual will be reviewing the strategic opportunities around the University's campus and will bring significant experience in estates, building development and/or architecture and sustainability.

Commercial: Candidates should have strong leadership in the commercial sector, especially in energy, engineering, agri-sector, or defence. They should be able to navigate regulations, fostering innovation, and promoting sustainable growth. The ideal candidate should embrace a forward-thinking approach and adapt to technological, geopolitical, and market changes, while prioritising organisational excellence and ethical leadership. Those contributing strategic insights to advance agricultural technology initiatives are particularly welcome.

Previous non-executive experience is not a requirement for this role. 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. 

This role is unremunerated and reasonable, and 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. 

UK-Midlands

The University of Lincoln welcomes applications from everyone regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, belief or disability. As those from an ethnic minority background are currently under-represented on the Board, applications from those individuals would be particularly encouraged. 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.