Opportunities

Independent Governor

The Board of Governors has responsibility for ensuring that measures are in place for the effective management of the University of Wolverhampton.

Governors are not managers of University business; this is the remit of the Vice-Chancellor. Governors operate at a strategic level, determining the University's mission and ensuring this is undertaken in a financially prudent way, to drive the University forward.

Under the Articles of Government, the Board of Governors has responsibility for:

• The determination of the educational character and mission of the University and for oversight of its activities, including the exercise of degree-awarding powers
• The effective and efficient use of resources, the solvency of the University of Wolverhampton and the Corporation and for safeguarding their assets
• Approving annual estimates of income and expenditure
• The appointment, grading, appraisal, suspension, dismissal and determination of the pay and conditions of service of the Vice-Chancellor, the Clerk and the holders of such other senior posts as the Board of Governors may determine
• Setting a framework for the pay and conditions of service of all other staff

Standards

• Members have a responsibility for ensuring that Board conducts itself in accordance with accepted standards of behaviour in public life, embracing selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership. They must at all times regulate their personal conduct as members of the Board in accordance with these standards.
• Members must make a full and timely disclosure of personal interests to the University Secretary in accordance with the procedures approved by the Board. They must as soon as practicable disclose any interest which they have in any matter under discussion and accept the ruling of the Chair in relation to the management of that situation, in order that the integrity of the business of the Board and its Committees is seen to be maintained.
• The University is an exempt Charity; therefore, members have a responsibility for ensuring that Board exercises efficient and effective use of the resources of the University for the furtherance of its charitable purposes, maintains its long-term financial viability, and safeguards its assets, and that proper mechanisms exist to ensure financial control and for the prevention of fraud.

Co-opted Governor

A Co-Opted governor is a person appointed by the governing body and who, in the opinion of the governing body, has the skills required to contribute to the effective governance and success of the university. We are seeking two experienced professionals to join our Audit & Risk Committee.

Individual roles

Governor & Chair of Audit & Risk Committee

Candidates will ideally have experience as a CFO or Audit Partner at a large, complex organisation. They could have experience in either the private or public sectors but will have sat on finance and audit committees. A UK recognised accountancy qualification is essential.

Governor Higher Education

The successful candidate will have knowledge of the Higher Education environment from having worked in the sector at a senior level. Alternatively, they could have provided advice or consultancy or held senior positions in HE sector.

Governor Human Resources

The successful candidate will bring extensive knowledge and experience of human resources and workforce development at a strategic level. They will likely have served as an HR Director or Director of People at a comparably complex organisation. The University is open as to the applicant’s sector background, but they will appreciate the central importance of nurturing and developing human resources.

Governor EDI

The successful candidate will have a passion for, and knowledge of, equality, diversity and inclusion matters. They will be committed to promoting the wellbeing of all staff and students and will have a track record of collaboration and influence at a senior level. They will help to ensure that there are appropriate EDI policies and procedures in place within the University and to champion best practice. The successful applicant may have professional experience in the EDI field, or may have a background in HR, academia, or EDI law. Candidates from all professional backgrounds are welcome to apply.

Governor Generalist

The successful candidate may have a general finance, clinical/medical or research background. They will have operated at an executive or non-executive level in a large complex organisation.

Co-opted Governor * 2

We are seeking two experienced professionals to join our Audit & Risk Committee. You will be a qualified accountant or qualified by experience and will have operated at an executive or non-executive level in a large complex organisation.

For all roles the successful candidates will be passionate about Higher Education, and the University’s mission to maximise opportunity across the UK and globally through knowledge generation, innovation and enterprise.

Applications are encouraged from candidates with experience outside of the HE sector.

Time commitment

Independent Governors - The Board meets six times a year (four Board meetings and 1 / 2 strategy days) and each member will also serve on one of the Board’s committees. It is expected that Board of Governor meetings would be in person, but any other committee meetings would be via Teams. On average a commitment of six hours each month is required.

Click on the following link to view the dates and times of Board of Governor and committee meetings for academic year 2022/23 Governance-Committee-meeting-dates-2022-2023---4-weeks-V12.pdf (wlv.ac.uk)

Additionally, candidates will be expected to attend university events such as graduations and open days. The appointment is for a three-year term, which can be renewed, with a maximum of nine years’ service in total.

Co-opted Governors – Sit on one or possibly two committees. In the academic year 2022/23 the Audit & Risk Committee met virtually for five two-hour meetings. The appointment is for a three-year term, which can be renewed, with a maximum of nine years’ service in total.

Each appointment is unremunerated but reasonable, pre-agreed expenses will be reimbursed.