The University of Northampton does things a bit differently and wants to break the mould of what Higher Education can be. What matters most to the University is ensuring that students and graduates have the opportunity to make their mark on the world, and that’s why in 2012 it was the first university in the UK to be named as a Changemaker Campus, one of only 50 such universities in the world. This puts social impact at the heart of its work.

The University’s commitment to transforming lives and inspiring change is at the heart of all that it does. It decided to build a new £330 million university, from the ground up, designed to reflect the way that we actually learn rather than the way we are expected to learn. As one of the youngest universities in the UK it is already leading the way and winning awards for delivering social impact.

The University began life early in the 20th Century, when new educational initiatives in science, technology and art education were developed to help support the needs of the region’s industries. It achieved full university status in 2005. In Autumn 2018, it welcomed the first cohort of students to the brand-new Waterside Campus, at the heart of Northampton’s Waterside Enterprise Zone. The University offers exciting, industry-relevant courses from foundation to doctoral level, excellent and passionate lecturers and face-to-face teaching is enhanced by the latest developments in technology to give students flexibility in the way they learn.

The University of Northampton’s mission and strategy is to Transform Lives and Inspire Change. It achieves this through outstanding teaching and research, the experience which it provides for students and the strategic partnerships it creates. With a new Vice-Chancellor joining, the University is set to embark on a new phase of its development. This will be an exciting time to join the Board. The Board is currently undertaking a full review of its structures and practices to ensure that it is fit for the future. It will want to appoint up to two Governors.

Governors will work closely with the Chair and Vice-Chancellor to:

• Offer insight, expertise and an external view
• Contribute to the development of strategy and offer challenge whilst maintaining positive and constructive relationships with University employees
• Contribute constructively to debate
• Identify risks and the consequences of actions
• Participate fully in procedures for review of the Board of Governors, senior post holders and individual Board members
• Display commitment to the University and identification with its vision, mission and values

The University of Northampton is looking for up to two Governors with a background in senior finance/accountancy and/or audit who will join the Board and play a key role in providing scrutiny and driving forward the University’s mission. Candidates will demonstrate sound knowledge in finance and/or accountancy, for example in financial management, planning and reporting, investment, treasury management and monitoring financial performance. Alternatively, they will bring a background in audit, with a strong understanding of the external audit process and the role of the external auditor as well as the role and responsibilities of the internal audit function. Experience as a senior Partner in an accounting firm would be welcome.

Ideally, one new Governor would bring previous governance experience from being on a Board or Committee. Candidates will also have experience of creating and implementing a strategy in a complex environment with multiple stakeholders. The successful candidates will bring an ability to work in a collaborative manner, debating constructively, and will be excellent communicators with the ability to influence others. They will reflect the Board’s culture by being open, honest, team players, and bringing a strong passion for education and making a social impact.

 Governors will be aligned with the University’s mission and values of:

• Delivering: a student experience of the highest quality
• Entrepreneurial: the commitment to innovation, value for money and financial sustainability
• Valuing: opportunity, diversity, a global perspective, inclusion and equality for all
• Enabling: a culture of empowerment, responsibility, tolerance and excellence
• Leading: enhancing the economic, social, cultural and creative life of those we work with across the world
• Openness: transparency, adaptability, resilience, celebration of success
• Performance: through continuous staff development and investment

This role is unpaid. Expenses will be reimbursed in line with the University’s policy, which could include cover should applicants have caring responsibilities. There are currently nine Board meetings per year. The timing of Board and Sub-Committee meetings is being reviewed. Whilst remote participation in meetings is possible, it is expected that Governors are visible and engaged with one another and with the University, and this means the ability to commit to spending some time on campus. The appointment is for a three-year term, which can be renewed twice at the discretion of the Board.