Governance vacancies

We wish to recruit new lay members to join the University Council and several of its committees.

About us

The University of Bristol is internationally renowned for the high quality of its research and teaching.   It has been described in the media as 'one of the jewels of British higher education' and 'at the cutting edge academically'.

The University is a member of the Worldwide Universities Network, a grouping of 19 research-led institutions of international standing, and of the Russell Group, an association of the major research-intensive universities of the UK.

Council, the University’s governing body) and its committees play an important role in University life, shaping new strategy and initiatives to help us maintain our position as a leading international community dedicated to academic endeavour of the highest quality.

Council’s work is underpinned by a structure of committees, which engage at a more detailed level in Council’s deliberations relating to matters such as Finance, Estates, Audit and Personnel.  Council committees are typically composed of both members of Council (‘internal’ members) as well as individuals from outside Council with particular expertise in the committee’s area of activity (‘external’ members). 

Members of Council are generally expected to serve on one Council committee and may be asked to serve on ad hoc advisory or working groups as appropriate.  Serving on a Council committee offers Council members a valuable opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the important aspects of the University’s activities and informs their work as Council members.

External members of Council committees play a key role in the University’s governance processes. Their knowledge and experience assists Council committees in taking wise and informed decisions and to plan strategically. A period of service on a Council committee may also lead to future opportunities to join Council.

About you

We are looking for people who will support the University in achieving its mission and ensure that it is governed and managed effectively. You would be required to make a commitment to the University and devote 15-20 days per year as a lay member of Council, and 3-7 days per year as a lay member of a Council committee.

You should have strategic vision; the ability to work as part of a team and to challenge others constructively within a governing body environment; and the skills required to analyse complex issues, and exercise reasoned judgments. You should also have strong networking and communication skills and an understanding of corporate governance principles.

Applicants for new lay members of Council should have skills and experience in one of the following areas:

• Financial/Private Sector (with commercial experience)
• Research (with experience of liaising with universities from a senior corporate position)

Applicants for new lay members of Council committees should have skills and experience in one of the following areas:

• Architecture
• Estates/property
• Health and safety
• Human Resources (ideally a broad base of HR experience at senior level in a large business)
• Law
• Pharmaceuticals industry

The University would welcome applications to Council committees from those applicants who are not certain that they have the necessary depth of experience to become lay members of Council, with a view to a future application to become lay members of Council.

The term of office will be from 1 January 2014 for three years.  This is renewable subject to a maximum of three such terms.

The posts are not remunerated but the University will pay reasonable travel expenses and reasonable child care costs and is considerate of carers' responsibilities.

The University will provide a comprehensive induction, training, and support programme.

How to apply

The closing date for applications is: 14 May 2013.

Shortlisted candidates for Council membership will be invited to attend interviews on one the following dates: 8, 9, 10, 11 July 2013 (when submitting your application please state which date(s) is/are most convenient for you).

Shortlisted candidates for Council committee membership will be invited to attend interviews in late summer/early autumn (dates to be confirmed).