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- Tasks: Lead the Council and support senior management in achieving ambitious strategies.
- Company: Join the University of Bath, a globally recognized institution with a strong financial position.
- Benefits: Enjoy a pro-bono role with flexible time commitment and the chance to influence future success.
- Why this job: Be part of a collaborative culture that values diversity and celebrates different perspectives.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience and board-level governance skills are essential; higher education experience is a plus.
- Other info: Applications close on March 3, 2025; we encourage diverse candidates to apply.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
The University of Bath has an excellent reputation.
It enjoys a sound financial position and has sustainably grown its student numbers in recent years. Under its new Vice-Chancellor, Professor Phil Taylor, the University is set to embark on a further exciting period of progress, building the underpinning infrastructure and foundations for future success and achieving global excellence. The current Chair of Council (Pam Chesters) will be stepping down from this position after six years of service in October 2025. She has overseen the continued success of the University over this period, including seeing it named The Times and Sunday Times University of the Year 2023. The University is now looking for a Chair of Council to build on this success and, working with the senior executive, to enable the University to achieve its ambitions on the global stage.
The Chair is responsible for leadership of the Council
The Chair serves as the governing body of the institution. They will challenge and support senior management to deliver an ambitious strategy and, equally importantly, will be involved in the life and wider culture of the University. They will continue the development of a Council that is both collaborative and robust in tone. They will act as an excellent sounding board and source of wise counsel for the Vice-Chancellor and other senior leaders of the University.
What the next Chair will bring
The next Chair of Council will bring a strong track record of success in their field. Candidates will be proven leaders of people and resources and will be experienced in the demands of board-level governance. They must bring well-honed commercial instincts, coupled with a public service ethos and an understanding of a highly regulated sector. They must enjoy engaging collaboratively with a broad range of stakeholders and have strong ambassadorial qualities. Some prior experience of Higher Education would be advantageous but is not necessary.
The Chair of Council serves for a period of three years (renewable once) from the date of their appointment. The time commitment associated with the pro-bono role varies according to circumstances but is expected to average 4 to 5 full-time equivalent days per month.
EDI Statement
We consider ourselves to be a university where difference is celebrated, respected, and encouraged. We have an excellent international reputation with staff from over 60 different nations and have made a positive commitment towards gender equality and intersectionality, receiving a Silver Athena SWAN award. We truly believe that diversity of experience, perspectives, and backgrounds will lead to a better environment for our employees and students, so we encourage applications from all genders, backgrounds, and communities—particularly from under-represented groups—and value the positive impact this will have on the University. We are very proud to be an autism-friendly university and are an accredited Disability Confident Leader; committed to building disability confidence and supporting disabled staff.
For more information about the role, including how to apply, please visit Minerva via the button below.
The closing date for all applications, which should be in the form of a CV and cover letter, and addressed to , is Monday, 3rd March 2025.
Chair of Council employer: University of Bath
Contact Detail:
University of Bath Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chair of Council
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarize yourself with the University of Bath's recent achievements and strategic goals. Understanding their vision under the new Vice-Chancellor will help you align your leadership style and experiences with their ambitions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current and former members of the Council or other governing bodies in higher education. Building these connections can provide valuable insights into the role and expectations, as well as potential support for your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Highlight your experience in board-level governance and your ability to engage with diverse stakeholders. The role requires strong ambassadorial qualities, so be prepared to discuss how you've successfully navigated similar environments.
✨Tip Number 4
Demonstrate your commitment to diversity and inclusion in your discussions. The University values a diverse environment, so showcasing your understanding and advocacy for EDI principles will resonate well with their mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Chair of Council
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Take the time to thoroughly understand the responsibilities and expectations of the Chair of Council position. Familiarize yourself with the University of Bath's mission, values, and recent achievements to tailor your application effectively.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should highlight your leadership experience, governance skills, and ability to engage with diverse stakeholders. Make sure to connect your background to the specific needs of the University and express your vision for its future.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV, emphasize your track record of success in leadership roles, particularly those involving board-level governance. Include any relevant experience in higher education or similar sectors, even if it's not extensive.
Showcase Your Values: Demonstrate your commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in both your cover letter and CV. Share examples of how you have promoted these values in your previous roles, aligning with the University’s EDI statement.
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Bath
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
As a candidate for the Chair of Council, it's crucial to highlight your strong track record in leadership roles. Be prepared to discuss specific examples where you've successfully led teams or organizations, particularly in challenging situations.
✨Demonstrate Your Understanding of Governance
Familiarize yourself with board-level governance and the unique challenges faced by educational institutions. During the interview, articulate your understanding of these dynamics and how you can contribute to effective governance at the University.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
The role requires collaboration with a diverse range of stakeholders. Prepare to discuss your experience in engaging with various groups and how you plan to foster these relationships to support the University's ambitions.
✨Emphasize Your Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
Given the University's commitment to diversity, be ready to share your views on the importance of inclusivity in higher education. Discuss any relevant experiences that demonstrate your dedication to creating an equitable environment for all.
