UCAS

UCAS is an independent charity serving as the UK’s shared undergraduate admissions service. With a mission to ensure that ‘all who could benefit from higher education, do’, UCAS supports over one million people annually to explore higher education options, with more than half a million accepting university or college places. Since 1993, UCAS has helped nearly 15 million students gain undergraduate places, managing almost three million applications from over 750,000 people each year across 350 universities and colleges.

UCAS generates annual income of around £57 million and employs 550 staff. The organisation is shaped by its values of Beneficiary and Customer Centricity, Accountability, Trust and Expertise. UCAS new strategy – UCAS’ Next Chapter – focuses on using its reach, data and insights to support increased participation whilst delivering additional value to UK higher education providers. Central to this strategy is enhancing engagement with teachers, careers advisers, schools and colleges.

The UCAS Board of Trustees provides strategic guidance and scrutiny, ensuring the organisation’s strategy demonstrably meets its charitable objects and delivers public benefit. The Board comprises senior leaders from higher education backgrounds alongside independent Trustees, supported by four committees and an advisory Council.

The Board is seeking to appoint a Trustee from the schools sector with strong state-funded schools group leadership experience and interest in higher education progression. The successful candidate will be a current senior schools or system leader within state-funded schools, ideally with views across primary and secondary education and experience of UCAS’ applicant journey. Essential requirements include a track record of driving success and change, experience supporting underrepresented and disadvantaged students, evidence of increasing participation, deep understanding of the challenges facing the schools and higher education sectors, strong commitment to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion, and effective communication skills with experience of influencing at the highest levels.

Trustees are appointed for up to four years, renewable for a further one to four years. The role is unremunerated but expenses are reimbursed. Board meetings occur at least four times annually with a mix of virtual and in-person sessions, primarily in Cheltenham or London. Total commitment equates to 10-15 days per annum.

Saxton Bampfylde Ltd is acting as an employment agency advisor to UCAS on this appointment. For further information about the role, including details about how to apply, please visit www.saxbam.com/appointments using reference TAOOP. Alternatively email Belinda.beck@saxbam.com. Applications should be received by noon on Thursday 15 January.