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- Tasks: Join the University of London Board to shape higher education strategy and governance.
- Company: Be part of a leading institution with a global impact on education.
- Benefits: Opportunity to influence education policy and network with industry leaders.
- Other info: Engage with diverse events and contribute to a vibrant educational community.
- Why this job: Make a difference in higher education while gaining valuable governance experience.
- Qualifications: Experience in financial, operational strategy, or legal governance is essential.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Independent Trustee vacancy on the University of London Board of Trustees. Thank you for your interest in the University of London. The University of London is both the convenor of a federation of London-based universities and the UK’s largest provider of international distance and online learning. Our 17 federation members rank among the world’s leading universities. Collaboration is at the heart of our ethos, and by working together, we expand access to outstanding higher education and resources, and extend their benefits to learners and researchers across the UK and around the world.
Our impact is truly unique. We offer flexible digital and blended programmes in partnership with our federation members to almost 40,000 students in 190 countries, and we have more than 100 Recognised Teaching Centres in over 40 countries. Through our federation members, our wider community consists of 240,000 students and 50,000 staff.
In addition to education delivery, the University of London works with federation members in a number of key areas, including:
- managing the University-owned estate in central London in support of the teaching, learning and student accommodation needs of federation members and our local community.
- acting as custodian of Senate House Library, one of the UK’s largest academic libraries for arts, humanities and social sciences. We seek to ensure the Library is a best-in-class resource for federation member students and academics in the UK, as well as students and researchers based around the world.
The University of London is also home to the University of London Institute in Paris, and the School of Advanced Study, the national centre for the humanities, promoting and facilitating humanities research.
We are now seeking an Independent Trustee to join our Board, to take part in planning for and ensuring that we deliver our new strategy. All our Trustees need to have a keen interest in, and empathy for, Higher Education. On this occasion, we are particularly interested in individuals who offer experience of shaping long-term financial and operational strategy and planning in a complex organisation, supported by financial and/or operational leadership experience, or expertise in legal and regulatory matters with strong governance experience.
Appointments to the Board are made for a term of up to three or four years, with the possibility of reappointment. The Board typically meets six times a year, plus an annual strategy day. It is the norm that our Trustees also serve on one or more of the Committees of the Board. Committees meet between two and four times a year. In addition to this, and to engage our Trustees with the activities of the University, Trustees are invited to various events throughout the year, such as Foundation Day and the Distinguished Speakers Series.
A full candidate brief can be accessed here.
How to Apply
For further details, including the job description and person specification, please visit quoting the reference number 8236. For an informal and confidential discussion about this position, please contact Cathy Long at Perrett Laver.
Applications must include a full CV and a letter of application setting out your interest in the role and details of how your knowledge, skills and experience match the essential criteria being sought. The closing date for applications is 11:59pm (BST) 1st March 2026.
If you require any reasonable adjustments to assist you in the selection process, please advise us of these so that we can make appropriate arrangements.
Should you require access to these documents in alternative formats, please contact Bharti Aggarwal. If you have comments that would support us to improve access to documentation, or our application processes more generally, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Privacy policy: Protecting your personal data is of the utmost importance to Perrett Laver and we take this responsibility very seriously. Any information obtained by our trading divisions is held and processed in accordance with the relevant data protection legislation. The data you provide us with is securely stored on our computerised database and transferred to our clients for the purposes of presenting you as a candidate and/or considering your suitability for a role you have registered interest in. Perrett Laver is a Data Controller and a Data Processor, and our legal basis for processing your personal data is ‘Legitimate Interests’. You have the right to object to us processing your data in this way. For more information about this, your rights, and our approach to Data Protection and Privacy, please visit.
Independent Trustee in London employer: universityoflondon
Contact Detail:
universityoflondon Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Independent Trustee in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the higher education sector and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have a lead or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Get involved in relevant events and discussions. Attend conferences, webinars, or local meet-ups related to higher education governance. This not only boosts your knowledge but also helps you meet key players in the field.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your expertise! If you have experience in financial or operational strategy, consider writing articles or sharing insights on platforms like LinkedIn. This positions you as a thought leader and can attract attention from decision-makers.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! Make sure to submit your application directly via the University of London’s site. It’s the best way to ensure your CV and cover letter are seen by the right people.
We think you need these skills to ace Independent Trustee in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Higher Education: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for higher education shine through. We want to see that you genuinely care about the impact of education and how it can change lives.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter: Make sure your CV and cover letter are tailored specifically for this role. Highlight your experience in financial and operational strategy, as well as any governance expertise. We love seeing how your background aligns with our needs!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. We appreciate when candidates communicate their thoughts effectively without unnecessary fluff.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at the University of London.
How to prepare for a job interview at universityoflondon
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into the University of London's mission, values, and recent initiatives. Understanding their strategic goals will help you articulate how your experience aligns with their needs, especially in shaping long-term financial and operational strategies.
✨Showcase Relevant Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past roles that demonstrate your expertise in governance, financial leadership, or legal matters. Be ready to discuss how these experiences can contribute to the Board's objectives and the overall success of the University.
✨Engage with Questions
Think of insightful questions to ask during the interview. This shows your genuine interest in the role and the institution. Consider asking about the challenges the Board currently faces or how they envision the future of higher education at the University.
✨Be Yourself
While professionalism is key, don’t forget to let your personality shine through. The Board is looking for someone who not only has the right skills but also fits well within their collaborative ethos. Authenticity can make a lasting impression!