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- Tasks: Lead the Board of Governors and oversee strategic direction for arts education.
- Company: Arts University Plymouth is a pioneering institution shaping the future of creative education.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible time commitment and the chance to influence the next generation of creatives.
- Why this job: Join a vibrant community dedicated to innovation, inclusivity, and social impact in arts education.
- Qualifications: Seeking experienced leaders with governance expertise and a passion for creative education.
- Other info: Applications close at 9 a.m. on Tuesday 26th August 2025.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Job Description
Join Arts University Plymouth as Chair Designate of the Board of Governors. In this role, you will lead the body accountable for the strategic oversight of a bold, creative, and forward-thinking institution, as it shapes the future of arts education and innovation.
Applications close: 9 a.m. Tuesday 26th August 2025
Location: Plymouth, Devon
Time commitment: c.3 days per month across academic year
About Arts University Plymouth
Established in 1856, we are proud to be the Arts University in Plymouth, Britain’s Ocean City.
Founded in 1856 as Plymouth Drawing School, Arts University Plymouth offers a range of Undergraduate, Postgraduate and Pre-Degree study across Art, Design and Digital Media.
Our campus is home to our creative studios, workspaces and laboratories, our public gallery, ‘MIRROR’, Fab Lab South West, and Plymouth Arts Cinema. Making Futures is the university’s flagship international research platform.
Arts University Plymouth is the UK’s newest specialist arts university, and recently achieved the title of 2025 University of the Year (South West) at the Whatuni Awards, as well as being ranked 5th in the UK for Student Satisfaction and 2nd in the UK for staff to student ratio by the Complete University Guide. With a vision for a new kind of arts university for the 21st century, one that prepares graduates uniquely positioned to provide creative solutions to the complex global challenges of our time, our university is confident that we offer the best education to support the next generation of talent to succeed.
Our 2030 strategy, ‘Creative Education for a Changing World’, will ensure that our work is energised and designed to meet the ambitions of our students and staff, while acknowledging the shifting realm of creativity through new technologies and the workplaces of tomorrow.
About the role
To help us take the next transformative steps in delivering our strategy, we are seeking an experienced Chair with a passion for the power of creative education and research to transform lives, societies and cultures.
This is an exciting non-executive leadership opportunity for someone who can steward the university’s governance towards our 2030 ambitions, whilst working with the Vice-Chancellor’s Executive team to navigate the ever-changing and challenging higher education sector. This role will be pivotal in maximising the institution’s potential and positively impacting students and communities.
As Chair, you will champion sustainable growth, social justice, and the empowerment of our graduates to meet tomorrow’s challenges.
Who we are looking for
This is an opportunity for a strategic leader to make a significant impact whilst advocating Arts University Plymouth’s place within the specialist HE sector.
We are seeking to appoint a Chair Designate with significant experience in governance who can lead with confidence, influence, and integrity.
The ideal candidate will work to foster a supportive environment while constructively challenging when necessary, helping us to push boundaries and achieve our goals.
The successful candidate will be an exemplary leader who champions our mission and values and who actively engages with students, staff, and other members of the Board of Governors.
The person appointed as our next Chair will demonstrate a deep commitment to inclusivity and reflect our dedication to equality, diversity, and inclusion in all aspects of their leadership.
Importantly, we hope to appoint a values-led individual to become our next Chair, who shares our passion for the university, our pride in Plymouth and the South West region, and our deep commitment to creativity and innovation.
Please click 'Apply on website’ to be redirected to the Peridot Partners website, where you can find full details of the job description and register your interest to apply.
Applications for this role close at 9 a.m. Tuesday 26th August 2025
Chair Designate employer: Peridot Partners
Contact Detail:
Peridot Partners Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chair Designate
✨Tip Number 1
Network with current and former members of the Board of Governors at Arts University Plymouth. Engaging in conversations with them can provide you with valuable insights into the role and the university's culture, which can help you tailor your approach.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the university's 2030 strategy, 'Creative Education for a Changing World'. Understanding their goals and challenges will allow you to demonstrate how your experience aligns with their vision during discussions.
✨Tip Number 3
Attend events or forums related to arts education and governance. This will not only expand your knowledge but also help you build connections within the sector, showcasing your commitment to the field.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and how it aligns with the values of inclusivity and diversity that Arts University Plymouth champions. Being able to articulate this clearly will set you apart as a candidate who truly understands their mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Chair Designate
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Thoroughly read the job description for the Chair Designate position. Understand the responsibilities, required skills, and the values that Arts University Plymouth upholds. Tailor your application to reflect how your experience aligns with these aspects.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that highlights your leadership experience and passion for creative education. Use specific examples to demonstrate how you have successfully navigated governance challenges in the past and how you can contribute to the university's 2030 strategy.
Showcase Relevant Experience: In your CV, emphasise your governance experience and any roles that demonstrate your ability to lead with integrity and influence. Include achievements that showcase your commitment to inclusivity and social justice, as these are key values for the university.
Proofread and Edit: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread all documents for spelling and grammatical errors. Ensure that your application is clear, concise, and professionally presented, as this reflects your attention to detail and commitment to quality.
How to prepare for a job interview at Peridot Partners
✨Understand the Institution's Vision
Familiarise yourself with Arts University Plymouth's 2030 strategy, 'Creative Education for a Changing World'. Be prepared to discuss how your leadership style aligns with their vision and how you can contribute to achieving their goals.
✨Showcase Your Governance Experience
Highlight your previous governance roles and experiences. Be ready to provide examples of how you've successfully navigated challenges in higher education and how you can apply that knowledge to support the university's mission.
✨Emphasise Inclusivity and Diversity
Demonstrate your commitment to inclusivity and diversity in your leadership approach. Discuss specific initiatives or strategies you've implemented in the past that promote equality and empower underrepresented groups.
✨Engage with the Community
Express your enthusiasm for engaging with students, staff, and the local community. Share ideas on how you plan to foster relationships and create a supportive environment that encourages collaboration and innovation.
