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- Tasks: Lead the University of South Wales, inspiring 23,000 students and nearly 2,000 staff.
- Company: Join a dynamic institution with over 180 years of heritage, committed to societal impact.
- Benefits: Enjoy a collaborative culture, opportunities for innovation, and a commitment to diversity.
- Other info: We actively encourage applications from under-represented groups and offer guaranteed interviews for disabled candidates.
- Why this job: Be part of a transformative journey in higher education, shaping futures and communities.
- Qualifications: Bring significant senior leadership experience and a deep understanding of higher education.
The predicted salary is between 90000 - 126000 £ per year.
Driven by a profound commitment to widening access, real-world learning, and positive societal impact, the University of South Wales is seeking our next Vice-Chancellor who will champion our core values of Professional, Responsive, Creative, Inspiring, and Collaborative. Originating more than 180 years ago, the University of South Wales is a dynamic and inclusive institution that is proud of its heritage, deeply connected to the region, and ambitious for the future.
The following information aims to provide potential candidates with a better understanding of the requirements for this role. This is a pivotal moment in the University’s journey. The University of South Wales Group, comprising of the University of South Wales, Merthyr Tydfil College and the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, plays a vital civic, economic, and cultural role across Wales and beyond.
During a period of challenge for the Higher Education sector more broadly, we are embarking on an ambitious period of renewal - redefining our academic delivery and student offer, strengthening our research culture, and shaping a university fit for a new era of higher education. Our next Vice-Chancellor will be a bold and imaginative leader, with the capacity to inspire and support our community of 23,000 students and nearly 2,000 staff based across our three campuses in Cardiff, Newport, and Pontypridd and internationally.
Reporting to the Chair of the Board of Governors, the Vice-Chancellor will build on strong foundations working collaboratively across the University to drive innovation and articulate a compelling case for our mission, values and contribution. At the same time, you will ensure strong institutional performance maintaining financial sustainability, enhancing organisational effectiveness, and nurturing a culture of openness, respect, and shared ambition.
Bringing significant senior leadership experience and a deep understanding of higher education, you will champion our legacy and confidently take us into the next chapter whilst remaining firmly rooted in our mission to transform lives and our world for the better. This is a role that demands presence, agility, and authenticity.
The Vice-Chancellor will be a powerful advocate for the University championing its role in Welsh civic life, influencing national debate, and ensuring that USW remains visible, relevant, and values-led. You will also be a collaborative internal leader, empowering colleagues, investing in the leadership pipeline, and enabling all parts of the University community to thrive.
USW is a university with heart, purpose, and reach. It is a place where people work together to solve real problems, remove barriers to opportunity, and shape a more inclusive future. If you share that ethos and can match our ambition, we would be delighted to hear from you.
Our commitment to supporting talented people from all backgrounds has been recognised by Athena SWAN, Stonewall Diversity Champion, and Disability Confident. Here at the University of South Wales we are challenging ourselves to think and act differently. As such, we are enhancing and developing our equality, diversity and inclusion learning opportunities across the institution. Ensuring our commitment to employing a diverse workforce is reflective of our growing diverse student population. Moving us from words to actions in our commitment to creating an equitable and inclusive environment for all. Colleagues are welcomed to be their authentic selves and every person is treated with dignity and respect.
To enable our student population to see themselves within our workforce we actively encourage applicants from under-represented groups and differing socio-economic backgrounds. As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee that all disabled candidates who meet all the key criteria for the job vacancy they are applying for are offered an interview.
The closing date for applications is 23:59 (BST) on Sunday 20th July 2025.
Vice-Chancellor (, , United Kingdom) employer: Perrett Laver
Contact Detail:
Perrett Laver Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Vice-Chancellor (, , United Kingdom)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the core values of the University of South Wales. As a candidate for Vice-Chancellor, you should be able to demonstrate how your leadership style aligns with their commitment to being Professional, Responsive, Creative, Inspiring, and Collaborative.
✨Tip Number 2
Engage with current trends and challenges in higher education, particularly those affecting Wales. Being well-versed in these issues will allow you to articulate a compelling vision for the university's future and show that you can lead through change.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with key stakeholders within the higher education sector. Building relationships with influential figures can provide insights into the role and help you understand the expectations of the Vice-Chancellor position at USW.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your experience in fostering diversity and inclusion. Given USW's commitment to these values, showcasing your past initiatives and successes in creating equitable environments will strengthen your candidacy.
We think you need these skills to ace Vice-Chancellor (, , United Kingdom)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Take time to thoroughly read the job description for the Vice-Chancellor position. Understand the core values and responsibilities outlined, and think about how your experience aligns with them.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should reflect your passion for higher education and your vision for the University of South Wales. Highlight your leadership experience and how you can contribute to their mission of widening access and fostering inclusivity.
Showcase Relevant Experience: In your CV, emphasise your senior leadership roles and any relevant achievements in higher education. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to drive innovation and support diverse communities.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to tailor your application to reflect the unique aspects of the University of South Wales. Mention their commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion, and how you can further these initiatives within the institution.
How to prepare for a job interview at Perrett Laver
✨Understand the University's Values
Familiarise yourself with the core values of the University of South Wales: Professional, Responsive, Creative, Inspiring, and Collaborative. Be prepared to discuss how your leadership style aligns with these values and how you can embody them in your role as Vice-Chancellor.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
Highlight your significant senior leadership experience in higher education. Prepare examples that demonstrate your ability to inspire and support a diverse community, drive innovation, and maintain financial sustainability within an institution.
✨Articulate a Vision for the Future
Be ready to present your vision for the future of the University, especially in terms of redefining academic delivery and enhancing research culture. Discuss how you plan to navigate the challenges facing the higher education sector while ensuring the university remains relevant and values-led.
✨Emphasise Inclusivity and Diversity
Demonstrate your commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion. Share specific strategies you would implement to create an equitable environment and how you would empower under-represented groups within the university community.