Governing Council Member (Estates) | University of Derby

The University of Derby is seeking an experienced senior strategic leader of major capital projects and commercial property development to join the Governing Council. You will provide insight, support and challenge to help steer the University to achieve its ambitious strategic goals and contribute to the success and future potential of students.

Commitment: 6 meetings per year

Location: Derbyshire

Applications close at 9 a.m. Monday 9^th October 2023.

About the University of Derby

The University of Derby is a modern, innovative education provider that achieved its University status in 1992. Teaching at the Derby site actually dates back to 1851, when it was a Diocesan Institution for training teachers — so we have over 160 years of expertise in education. We have since become a University of first choice for students who want a supportive, aspirational environment where they can equip themselves for the career they choose. Our significant investment in world-class facilities is building on our reputation for student-focused, real-world learning in an increasingly competitive sector. Located in the heart of England, we build on our region’s heritage of innovation to provide industry-relevant, expert teaching at all levels.

Our combined higher and further education offering is spread over campuses in Derby, Buxton, Leek, and Chesterfield and we have some of the best university facilities in the UK.

About the role

The University’s Governing Council is the governing body of the University and the board of directors of the company. Membership comprises of a majority of independent governors (lay members) alongside representatives from the University’s staff and student body.

The Governing Council undertakes its duties through the work of its sub-committees, which are:

• Audit and Risk Committee Strategy,
• Finance and Planning Committee
• Skills Governance Committee
• Nominations Committee
• Remuneration Committee
• Student Affairs Committee
• Governing Council Member

Council Members are appointed for an initial term of up to three years and will need to commit 12 to 20 days per year for council and sub-committee meetings. New Members are provided with a full induction programme that will include mandatory governor training.

There are six full Council meetings throughout the year, inclusive of a Council strategy day. Preparation time will be required before meetings to read through board papers and to organise thoughts and contributions to debate. All members are expected to engage fully with the debate and contribute their expertise and knowledge as required to enable the work of the Governing Council and its committees.

You will be invited to attend networking events and University graduation ceremonies, and we love to see as many of our governors as possible at University events and celebrations.

Governing Council Membership is unremunerated, but all members of the Governing Council can claim reasonable travel and other expenses incurred whilst undertaking governor duties.

In return for your commitment and contribution, you will benefit from being part of a successful and ambitious University seeking to maximise opportunities for its graduates.

You will also have the opportunity to build professional networks, collaborate with other governors and further build your non-executive profile and impact.

Who we are looking for

The University of Derby is seeking candidates with a passion for contributing to the development of educational opportunities, the senior leadership experience and insight to steer the University through to its future goals, and the commitment to contribute to the success and future potential of its students.

For this role, the University is seeking to recruit an independent governor with recent and relevant experience in commercial property and estates management and major capital project work at a senior level.

Individuals should bring the relevant experience, credentials and interests required to support the University’s direction of travel and to help it realise its institutional ambitions.

We expect candidates to demonstrate a personal interest and commitment to higher and further education and to the aims, ethos and mission of the University of Derby. A strong and clear commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion is essential to this role.

We are seeking candidates who can demonstrate senior level experience of overseeing major capital developments, project management of complex building refurbishments, or building surveying experience and an appreciation of corporate governance and management of risk. We are interested to hear from those who bring this level of experience from a commercial or private setting, have experience of major capital projects in the higher education sector, or have led on large national infrastructure projects. Senior level experience of developing fit-for-purpose net zero strategies in a commercial setting would be incredibly useful.

In addition, candidates must demonstrate an understanding of the standards expected of appointments to public office and experience of either membership of or reporting to a non-executive board would be useful. You will have a proven professional track record, excellent communication skills and the commitment to be a strong ambassador and advocate for the University. The ability to absorb information, distil detail and frame constructive lines of inquiry will be required. You will be skilled in challenging effectively at executive level but also able to offer insight and support.

You must have the ability to contribute to strategic thinking, bring an understanding of compliance challenges within a regulatory environment and be adept at working in a non-executive role, taking the pulse without being hands-on.

Candidates must be able to commit their time and expertise as required to fulfil the duties of a Governing Council Member and take every opportunity to be an active part of the University’s community. As the University’s Estates Strategy is overseen by the Strategy, Finance and Planning Committee, the appointed Council Member will be invited to join this sub-committee.

As part of the University’s and Peridot’s commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion, we are particularly interested to hear from applicants from under-represented groups.

Please click 'Apply via website’ to be redirected to the Peridot Partners website, where you can find full details of the candidate profile and register your interest to apply.

Applications for this role close at 9 a.m. Monday 9^th October 2023