Northumbria University

Northumbria is a research-intensive university that unlocks potential for all, changing lives regionally, nationally, and internationally. Our vision is that through our world-leading research and transformative education, we enable people from all backgrounds to succeed and support businesses and communities in the North-East, London and beyond to thrive.

Tracing its origins back to Rutherford College in late 19^th Century Newcastle, now, more than 140 years on, Northumbria is one of the largest universities in the UK, with over 35,000 students from more than 140 countries and over 3,500 staff. Based in two of the best student cities, Newcastle and London, Northumbria has an international presence, with 17 global academic partners in 10 countries including Hong Kong, Singapore, Qatar, Sri Lanka, the Caribbean and regional offices in Nigeria, China, Malaysia, and India.

Northumbria has had an impressive and sustained run of national recognition in recent years. In 2022, Northumbria was crowned Times Higher Education’s University of the Year, the most prestigious accolade in the UK higher education sector, in recognition of its transformation over more than a decade into a research-intensive university with a clear social mobility mission to unlock potential and change lives. Earlier that year, Northumbria had recorded the biggest rise in research power of any UK university for the second time in a row in the Research Excellence Framework, ranking 23rd in the UK. In 2023 the Daily Mail awarded Northumbria the titles of both Research University of the Year and Modern University of the Year in its first ever university guide, in recognition of the ‘University’s research performance and its deep-seated all-round excellence’.

This year The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025 awarded Northumbria the title of Modern University of the Year, saying Northumbria is a leading light among the UK’s modern Universities. More recently Northumbria has been ranked 47^th in both The Times and Guardian University Guides 2026 and 37^th in The Complete University Guide 2026.

We are seeking suitably experienced individuals from all sectors of the community to join us as Independent Members of our Board of Governors. We are particularly keen to hear from candidates with senior-level expertise in Finance, Audit, or IT and Cyber Security, who can bring strategic insight and professional rigour to our governance.

Our Board of Governors plays a vital role in shaping the strategic direction of the University, ensuring accountability, and supporting our leadership team to deliver on our mission. As a member of our Board, you will be passionate about the transformative power of education and research, share Northumbria’s Vision, and have the motivation, commitment, and capacity to help shape its future. Governors contribute at the highest levels of the University, using their professional experience to support, challenge, and advise the Vice-Chancellor and University Executive on key strategic matters. You will also have opportunities to engage with our students and staff and participate in some of the exciting events in our academic calendar.

We are committed to strengthening the diversity of our Board and encourage applications from individuals of ethnic minority backgrounds and other traditionally under-represented groups. We are particularly interested in candidates with demonstrable senior executive experience and a global outlook. We are seeking Individuals with expertise in one or more of the following areas:

Finance

• Senior-level experience in financial management, planning, or strategy.
• Expertise in interpreting and analysing complex financial statements and reports.
• Understanding of financial governance, risk management, and regulatory compliance.
• Experience in overseeing large budgets or financial operations, ideally within complex organisations.
• Ability to provide strategic financial oversight and challenge assumptions to ensure long-term sustainability. 

Audit

• Professional experience in internal or external audit, risk assurance, or compliance.
• Strong understanding of audit frameworks, controls, and governance processes.
• Ability to assess organisational risk and contribute to the development of robust mitigation strategies.
• Experience of being a member of audit committees or similar governance bodies.
• Knowledge of sector-specific audit challenges (e.g. education, public sector, or large-scale enterprises). 

IT & Cyber Security

• Senior leadership experience in IT strategy, digital transformation, or cyber security.
• Deep understanding of current and emerging technologies and their implications for large organisations.
• Expertise in cyber risk management, data protection, and regulatory compliance.
• Experience in implementing or overseeing enterprise-level IT infrastructure or security frameworks.
• Ability to advise on digital innovation, resilience, and strategic technology investments.

Saxton Bampfylde Ltd is acting as an employment agency advisor to Northumbria University on this appointment. For further information, including details of how to apply, please visit www.saxbam.com/appointments using code IAPJJ. Alternatively email Belinda.beck@saxbam.com. Applications should be received by noon on Friday 19 December 2025.