The University of Aberdeen is one of the UK’s oldest and most distinguished universities.  Named as the Scottish University of the Year in the Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2019 and awarded the Queen’s Anniversary Prize for Higher and Further Education 2017 in recognition of our world-leading research into health economics and health services over the last forty years, we are committed to building further on our history and international reputation for teaching and research excellence.

We are seeking to appoint an exceptional individual to lead the University Court – our governing body – and to play a central role in setting and maintaining excellent standards of corporate governance and ensuring effective institutional leadership.  The Court plays a crucial role in the development of the University’s vision and strategic direction and this opportunity arises at an exciting time as we seek to build upon our recent successes and develop our new Strategic Plan for implementation in 2020.

The Senior Governor must ensure that the Court is led effectively in reaching collective decisions and is able to demonstrate good governance.  The Senior Governor does not have executive powers, but s/he will support the Principal and Senior Management Team in delivering our key strategic objectives.

We are seeking an individual with a distinguished record of successful leadership at a senior and strategic level within a large and complex organisation who is keen to support an internationally competitive research-based university. The Senior Governor will have significant fiduciary and risk management responsibilities, so professional experience of strategic planning, financial and budgetary decision-making is essential.  Similarly, a demonstrable capacity to act, and be perceived as acting, independently and in the best interests of the institution as a whole are key to success in this role.   The ideal candidate will have the ability to evaluate and monitor the performance of the University in a constructively critical manner, and will be a highly skilled communicator who can represent the University internally and externally, promoting its interests with key stakeholders regionally, nationally and internationally.

The time commitment is circa 50 days per year and applicants will be required to demonstrate that they have the capacity to fulfil this commitment. The position is remunerated and appropriate expenses are paid.

In accordance with the Higher Education Governance (Scotland) Act 2016, the final stage of the appointment process following interview will be an election by students, staff and members of the University Court.

For further information on the University visit:  http://www.abdn.ac.uk

Saxton Bampfylde Ltd is acting as an employment agency advisor to the University of Aberdeen on this appointment.  For further information about the role, including details about how to apply, please visit www.saxbam.com/appointments using reference WVBV.  Alternatively telephone +44 (0)20 7227 0880 (during office hours).  Applications should be received by noon Friday 25 January 2019.