The University of Sheffield is one of the UK’s leading research-intensive universities, with an international reputation for excellence. It is a World Top 100 University (QS World University Rankings 2022) and has been awarded five Queen’s Anniversary Prizes, an award that recognises quality and innovation in research, and achievements that have made an outstanding contribution to the nation’s intellectual, economic, cultural and social life. Founded in 1905, the University has roots going back to 1828. The aim of its founders was to bring higher education within reach of the children of the people working in the great industries of Sheffield, to give support to those industries and to serve as a centre for the study of diseases. The University of Sheffield remains true to its origins and the values this has embedded. Its historic civic commitment to the city of Sheffield and the region remains strong and it continues to embrace that role. 

As a member of the Russell Group of 24 leading UK research universities, the University is consistently confirmed by independent assessment as outstanding for its research. In May 2019, it became the UK’s No 1 university for engineering research income and investment, and it has partnerships with the likes of Boeing and Rolls Royce. The University was awarded Silver in the Teaching Excellence Framework, overall student satisfaction is over two per cent above the sector average, according to the latest National Student Survey (NSS). Excellence in research-led learning is one of Sheffield's core values.

The University is proud to be a values-led institution with global purpose and a reputation for the provision of outstanding research, teaching and student experience. Led by Professor Koen Lamberts, it is committed to changing the world for the better through the power and application of ideas and knowledge. Its vision is to build a University community that actively attracts, engages and develops talented individuals from all different backgrounds who will positively impact the world around them.

The governing body, the Council, plays a significant role in ensuring the effective governance and success of the University. In a rapidly changing external environment and with an increasing emphasis on regulation and accountability, Council business is growing in complexity. The University is looking to appoint exceptional external Council Members who can make a significant contribution to the University’s future direction and to the effective operation of Council.

The main collective responsibilities of members of Council (derived from the functions of Council set out in Regulation II) concern strategy, performance and accountability and can be summarised as follows:

• To promote and safeguard the interests of the University, supporting the development of its mission and strategic vision to meet the needs of stakeholders
• To ensure that the University’s performance against its strategic objectives is monitored and evaluated
• To be the principal financial, business, legal and employing authority of the University and to have overall responsibility for its assets, property and estate
• To ensure the establishment and monitoring of systems of control and accountability
• To ensure that the University delivers its charitable objectives for the public benefit
• To ensure that the University’s Charter and Statutes are followed at all times; this includes applying that Academic, Teaching and Research staff have freedom within the law to question and test received wisdom, and advance new, or controversial, or unpopular opinions

The University seeks External Council Members with one or more of the following senior-level experience/expertise: higher education, entrepreneurship, income diversification/generation, IT / digital and marketing.

The successful candidates could have the above experience across any of the private, public or third sectors. Whilst previous non-executive experience is not necessary, candidates will have strong leadership experience, a strategic approach, and excellent communication skills. They will be collaborative, collegial and will be strongly committed to the University of Sheffield's vision and values and passionate about the transformative impact of education.

Diversity: The University of Sheffield is strongly committed to having a diverse community which is inclusive and recognises the power of different perspectives and backgrounds. The University therefore particularly welcomes applications from individuals who have previously been underrepresented at board-level. This includes but is not limited to females, ethnic minority candidates and younger candidates.

A list of current Council Members can be found here.   

There are five Council meetings per year, held in October, November, February, April and July. Council Members will also be expected to attend an away day, which is usually held in June. Overall, the expected time commitment of members for Council business is approximately equivalent to seven days per year. Additionally, Members of the Council may also be invited to serve on its Finance, Audit and Risk Assurance, or other committees, as well as taking a part in other aspects of University life, for example through involvement in task and finish groups or other initiatives where their skills and experiences can add value and attendance at degree congregations. The appointment is for a renewable three-year term. The role is unremunerated but reasonable, pre-agreed expenses will be reimbursed. 

Council Members will be expected to attend in-person meetings, and will therefore be UK-based. 

The University of Sheffield welcomes applications from everyone regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, faith, or disability. As people from ethnic minority backgrounds, women, and younger people 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.