Located on a beautiful campus in southwest London, the University of Roehampton is a supportive, diverse and inclusive community, where everyone can be inspired. With a proud history in higher education stretching back more than 180 years, the University’s four Colleges were founded in the 19th century and were pioneers in teacher training. The educational missions of its colleges are inspired by the values of social progress. These values inform the academic life of Roehampton today, including its teaching, research and engagement with communities and organisations locally, nationally and internationally. Roehampton was ranked the number one modern university in London by the Times Good University Guide 2022, the top 10 university in the UK for postgraduate student satisfaction and joint number one modern university in the UK for research in the Research Excellence Framework 2021 exercise.

Roehampton builds on its community, engagement and partnerships, with a belief that no matter their background, it can help its students realise their ambitions. Widening participation is at the heart of Roehampton's mission, with many of its students coming from deprived areas and being the first in their family to attend University, Roehampton is very proud of its student outcomes. Its graduates are part of a thriving global community of alumni adding huge value to businesses, the public and not-for-profit sectors and the creative industries. With around 13,500 students on campus as well as a further 6,500 studying off-campus and online, the University provides an engaging portfolio of courses across the creative arts, social sciences, law, healthcare, humanities, literature, education, business, psychology and human and life sciences. Roehampton also has an excellent research profile. With an international reach, its world-class research informs policy, enriches culture and improves people's lives.  

To achieve its long term goals, the University has developed a strategic plan built on the themes of student education, research and knowledge exchange and sustainability. More information about the University is available here. As it looks forward, Roehampton aims to achieve gold in the Teaching Excellence Framework after it was awarded silver in September 2023 for delivering high quality teaching, learning and outcomes for its students. The University will also seek to expand its academic portfolio, continuing to grow its on-campus student population as well as further developing its international partnerships and transnational education (TNE) provision. With a secure financial footing and an underlying surplus of £7 million for the last financial year, the University is in a good position to tackle the challenging environment universities operate in, which is characterised by intense competition and a rapidly evolving policy landscape.

For further information, please find the candidate pack here.

The University is looking to appoint a Vice-Chair of the University Council, which is the governing body of the University. Members of Council are also the University’s Directors and Trustees. Council is responsible for determining the ongoing strategic direction of the University. It approves major developments and is provided with regular and timely information on the overall strategic performance of the University, together with other information, including student education, research and knowledge exchange activity and the long-term sustainability of the organisation. 

Council is chaired by Phil Walker. The University’s Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive is Professor Jean-Noël Ezingeard, who is also a member of Council. The remaining members of Council are appointed from academic staff, professional services staff and student bodies or are independent non-executives (including some nominated by the University’s College providing bodies). More information about the Council and the University, including a copy of our most recent annual report and financial statements, can be found here.

The Vice-Chair will provide support to the Chair and lead Council in the absence of the Chair. They will act as an ambassador for the University, further its interests in the external environment and assist in ensuring that the Council observes the principles of public life and good governance.

To help further its ambitions, the University of Roehampton is looking for an inspirational Vice-Chair of the University Council. They will bring strong leadership with excellent communication and relationship-building skills and an ability to engage with various stakeholders internally (staff, students, and other lay Members of Council and its Committees) and externally. They will have the capability to support and deputise for the Chair of Council and act as a role model to other Council members and non-executive Committee members. They will have an enthusiasm and affinity for connecting with students at a grassroots level and be an advocate for the University in the wider world.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate an impressive senior leadership track record from operating in a broad role as a CEO, COO or similar in the the public, private or non-profit sectors. They will have led an organisation of similar size and complexity. The successful candidate will have chairing experience, whether from chairing a Committee or a full Board. Candidates do not need to have worked in the higher education sector, but they will have political nous and have an understanding of the challenges that universities face. They will be innovative and have an ability to help position the University in the 21st century. They will be open, transparent, resilient and have gravitas. They will be passionate about social mobility and widening participation.

Above all, they will understand and be committed to the accepted standards of public life, have high levels of integrity and probity and an ability to act fairly, impartially and always in the best interests of the University, its students and staff. They will have a commitment to the values of the University, a passion for the transformative nature of higher education and an understanding of the needs of its stakeholders. They will have a strong personal commitment to the Nolan Principles of public service and the principles of diversity and equal opportunities.

All Council members are required to confirm before appointment that they're ‘fit and proper’ persons as defined by the Office for Students. They act as Directors of the University under company law and as its charitable Trustees under charity law and will therefore be asked to confirm that they are not disqualified from acting in this capacity. They will also be required to work in accordance with the University’s Council Members’ Code of Conduct and Statement of Responsibilities.

To find out more about the Council, please see here. 

The role involves attending four two-hour Council meetings per year and a one-day strategic planning session in May. Dates of meetings are provided up to a year in advance. The meetings usually take place at the University’s main campus in Roehampton, London. Council may schedule additional meetings throughout the year, but these usually take place remotely. As Vice-Chair, there will also be a broader expectation that you will take on leadership responsibilities on behalf of Council. This may include attending external engagements, chairing committees of Council or acting as non-executive lead in relation to specific projects or initiatives. The post is non-remunerated, but reasonable expenses will be paid. The length of appointment would be for an initial term of three years, renewable for three further terms of three years. The University is committed to providing opportunities for training and development to all its committee members. There will also be numerous opportunities to meet and engage with staff and students across the University.

UK - London

The University of Roehampton welcomes applications from everyone regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, faith or disability. The University is keen to increase the diversity of representation present on the Council to further reflect the make-up of its student body. It would particularly welcome applications from female candidates, candidates from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds and disabled candidates. 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.