The University of Warwick is one of the UK’s leading universities — it's globally connected, forward-looking and entrepreneurial. With almost 7,000 staff and 29,000 students from approximately 150 countries, its student numbers have grown by more than 5,000 in the last 10 years. The University provides excellent education and development for all our students, across a comprehensive range of disciplines, with exceptional performance in employability and a commitment to sector-leading widening participation programmes. In 2021, Warwick was named University of the Year for Teaching Quality and runner-up for University of the Year by the Sunday Times’ Good University Guide 2022. Warwick has always featured in the top ten of The Times/Sunday Times Good University Guide and The Guardian University League Table and is currently third in the Russell Group for overall student satisfaction in the National Student Survey.

Warwick's research income in 2020/21 was £139.8m and its capital spend reached £97.6m. The University aims to be even more successful by 2030 than it is today, as one of the world’s exceptional universities. It will focus on and support its talented staff and students, giving them the freedom and environment in which to flourish. Its core aspirations are in research and education, underpinned by four strategic priorities: innovation, inclusion, regional leadership and internationalisation.

As one of the largest employers in the region, Warwick is based on a beautiful campus between Coventry and Warwickshire. The campus features lakeside walks, the recently extended and transformed Warwick Arts Centre – one of the largest multi-art form venues in the UK — an amazing new Sports and Wellness Hub, and many other great facilities. It’s an exciting time to be in the region, as huge investment is being made. Warwick is part of the Midlands Engine, a coalition including businesses, universities and other important bodies, working with the Government to demonstrate the region’s competitive and compelling offer. The city of Coventry has been the City of Culture in 2021/22 and the Commonwealth Games are being held in Birmingham this year — Warwick is proud to be involved in these.

By joining the Council, members can help Warwick shape a sustainable campus that is outward looking, with the opportunity of transforming the world around us. Council members are required to:

• Have a responsibility for ensuring that the Council acts in accordance with the governing instruments, as set out in the University Charter and Statutes as well as the University’s internal Ordinances, Regulations and Policies
• Accept collective responsibility for all decisions reached by the Council. No member is permitted to act as a representative or a delegate for another constituency. All members are required to act in the best interest of the University in their role as a Trustee or as a Director of one of the University Subsidiary Companies
• Attend Council and other committee meetings in order to ensure that the business of the University is appropriately conducted and that they are assured that this is being done effectively, efficiently and within the law, maintaining the financial viability of the University and safeguarding its assets, through appropriate financial controls
• Ensure that Council makes efficient and effective use of the resources of the University in order to fulfil its Charitable purposes (the provision of education, research and activities for the public benefit)
• Take responsibility for ensuring that they as individuals and Council as a whole, conducts itself in accordance with accepted standards of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership
• Be responsible for ensuring that the Council exercises control over the strategic direction of the University, through an effective planning process, and that the University is properly assessed against the strategic aims and objectives which the Council has approved
• Represent the Council and the University at external events as appropriate

The University of Warwick is seeking to recruit an independent Member of Council who shares Warwick's values, who wants to make a difference to its local and regional communities, as well as challenges and further stretches its ambition.

They will be a critical friend to the Council and senior leadership team, providing advice in their area of expertise and advise on leveraging relationships and connections between academia and the commercial sector. The University is interested in hearing from individuals who bring great regional influence and networks, who can leverage relationships for the benefit of the University and open new opportunities. This person would ideally bring broad experience from the commercial / private sector. Experience across the engineering, manufacturing and / or industrial sectors would be welcome.

Individuals will have made a significant contribution to their field of expertise so that their experience and qualifications enable them to fulfil the role of Council Member appropriately. They will currently hold, or have previously held, a senior position within their workplace, profession or community (this may be or have been on a voluntary capacity) including proven management and leadership skills. This may be demonstrated through a Board Directorship or Chief Executive or Ambassador role. Above all, applicants will have a demonstrable commitment to the proper conduct of public business and the principles of public life with a focus on Higher Education. Applications from women and / or those from minority ethnic groups are strongly encouraged.

This role is unremunerated, but reasonable, pre-agreed domestic travel expenses will be reimbursed. Formal Council meetings take place up to five times a year with a strategic session held the afternoon before. Council Members will need to be able to commit the appropriate level of time and expertise to Council and at least one other associated Committee (a total of approximately 15 days per year).