The Open University

The Open University is a unique institution that was established to provide a new style of education that is open to people, places, methods and ideas. A world leader in open access, and with a commitment to open entry requirement, today the OU delivers world-class, flexible education to people across the four nations of the UK, Ireland and worldwide. Over 175,000 students are currently studying with us, including 27,000 disabled students, 1,400 incarcerated students and over 1,800 on apprenticeship courses. We play a unique role in society, making higher education open to all and promoting social justice and social mobility. We are innovative, leading the learning revolution, placing innovation at the heart of teaching and research, continuously seeking new and better ways to inspire and enable learning, and conducting world-class research and teaching.

The University is overseen by the Council which is the governing body collectively responsible for supervising its strategy, future direction and fostering an environment in which the University mission is achieved. Council is underpinned by a number of committees which provide strategic advice in relation to their specific remit. We are now looking to appoint three new non-executive members of Council, and four new non-executive Committee members.

The Open University is looking for outstanding individuals with the following skills and experience:

Three Council members who between them bring

• broad experience of tertiary education across Higher Education and/or Further Education.
• expertise in IT/data/systems and experience of leading large-scale change.
• senior experience of operating within Northern Ireland and an understanding of the operating environment and political and constitutional context.

As well as four committee members: one member of Audit Committee with relevant audit experience, and three members of Investment Committee to enhance expertise in investment management.

The Open University recognises the benefits of having a diverse governing body and would welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds. Candidates will be excited by the mission of the Open University, and its values, aims and objectives, particularly diversity and widening participation. Council and committee members are appointed for terms of four years. The Council meets at least five times per year and Committees meet 3-4 times per year. These roles represent the opportunity to be a part of the largest university in the UK with a truly global reach.

Saxton Bampfylde Ltd is acting as an employment agency advisor to the Open University on this appointment. For further information about the role, including details about how to apply, please visit www.saxbam.com/appointments using reference VAOVM. Alternatively, telephone +44 (0)20 7227 0880 (during office hours). Applications should be received by noon on Friday 25 February 2022.