Independent Members, Governing Council University of Derby
Posted 10 hours 15 minutes ago by Peridot Partners
Permanent
Part Time
Academic Jobs
Derbyshire, United Kingdom
Job Description
Home / Roles / Independent Members, Governing Council University of Derby
Independent Members, Governing Council University of Derby The University of Derby is seeking two independent governors to join its Governing Council. This is an exciting opportunity to use your experience in either commercial development or higher education leadership to help shape the future of a dynamic and ambitious institution.
Who we are TheUniversity of Derby is located in the heart of England and offers industry-relevant, expert teaching from foundation and undergraduate degrees to postgraduate study and research. Our combined higher and further education offering is spread over campuses in Derby, Buxton, and Chesterfield, and we have invested more than £200 million in some of the best university facilities in the UK over the past ten years.
We achieve outstanding results for our teaching and research, and with around 17,000 people choosing to study with us every year, we depend on the dedication of a team of academic, professional, and support services staff.
The University boasts world-leading research that demonstrates real-world impact and has recently received the prestigious TEF Gold for learning and teaching and student experience, which places the University of Derby in the top 20% of universities in England.
The University of Derby is working towards its Strategic Framework and is seeking two candidates to join the Governing Council who possess leadership experience, a passion for contributing to the development of educational opportunities, and have the necessary insight needed to steer the University through to its future goals. The people appointed to these roles must have a commitment to contributing to the success and future potential of our students.
About the role The Governing Council and its Committees:
The University's Governing Council is both the governing body of the University and the board of directors of the company. Membership comprises of a majority of independent governors (Lay Members) alongside representatives from the University's staff and student body. The Governing Council undertakes its duties through the work of its sub-committees , which are:
There are five Governing Council meetings and two strategy days per year, which are held in person, usually in September, November, February, April, and July.
Attendance at five of those meetings (at least one of which would be a strategy day) as a minimum is usual.
Governing Council Meetings are usually four hours long and include a seminar session. Before meetings, preparation time will be required to read through committee papers, organise thoughts, and ensure contribution to the debate.
Governing Council Members are required to complete mandatory training modules and induction and are invited to attend networking events and University graduation ceremonies.
In return for your commitment, you will benefit from being part of a successful and ambitious University seeking to maximise opportunities for its graduates. You will also have the opportunity to build professional networks, collaborate with other governors and further build your non-executive profile and impact.
Who we are looking for As we continue to progress through our 2030 strategic framework and deliver on our ambitions, we are seeking to appoint two new Independent Members of our Governing Council. Those appointed will contribute their time, insight, and expertise to provide support, challenge, and scrutiny-acting as critical friends and ambassadors for our organisation.
You must have the ability to contribute to strategic thinking and be familiar with compliance challenges, preferably within a regulatory environment. Whilst you may not have previously served on a committee or board, you must be adept at working in a non-executive capacity, taking the pulse without being hands-on.
Commercial Development
The University of Derby is seeking to appoint a Member of Governing Council who will also gain membership of the Skills Committee. The ideal candidate will bring expertise in skills development, enterprise, innovation, and industry engagement, and will play a key role in supporting the University's strategic aims in these areas. The person appointed will contribute to shaping the University's approach to partnerships that enhance both institutional development and student outcomes. By helping to align the University's skills agenda with the needs of industry and society, they will support the development of agile, future-ready graduates equipped to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
Higher Education Expertise
The University of Derby is also seeking to appoint a Member of Governing Council who will also join our Audit and Risk Committee - ideally, someone with a background in or closely related to higher education. The successful candidate will bring experience and insight of industry backed curriculum innovation, quality assurance, policy, regulation, or strategic leadership. This appointment is an opportunity to help shape the University's future direction, contributing to its mission of delivering high-quality, inclusive, and industry linked education.
For further information about the role or to arrange a confidential discussion, please contact our advising consultants at Peridot Partners:
If you would like to know more about this role please contact Olivia Robson
The University of Derby is a modern, innovative education provider that achieved its university status in 1992. Teaching at the Derby site actually dates back to 1851, when it was a Diocesan Institution for training teachers, so we have over 160 years of expertise in education. We have since become a University of first choice for students who want a supportive, aspirational environment where they can equip themselves for their chosen career. Our significant investment in world-class facilities is building on our reputation for student-focused real-world learning in an increasingly competitive sector. Located in the heart of England, we build on our region's heritage of innovation to provide industry-relevant, expert teaching at all levels.
We are pleased to announce that, from 1 August, the University of Derby's further education and skills provision will be known as University of Derby - Buxton. This marks a significant new chapter in our institution's long-standing commitment to delivering life-changing education across the region.
We're also excited to announce the opening of the Cavendish Building - a new, state-of-the-art home for the Derby International Business School, set to welcome students this September. Located in the heart of Derby city centre, the Cavendish Building is an impressive seven-storey development designed to support modern, practical business education. It features cutting-edge facilities including a Google-style creativity lab, a finance lab equipped with Bloomberg and London Stock Exchange Group terminals for aspiring investment bankers, a dedicated logistics lab, an additional creativity space for innovation and problem-solving, and an XR suite to provide immersive, extended reality learning experiences. This landmark building reflects our commitment to delivering future-facing, real-world learning in an inspiring and innovative environment.
During the last ten years, we have invested over £200 million in facilities designed to give students the best possible learning environment. We have more investment planned and continue to develop teaching to be innovative, stimulating, and engaging.
Additional recent investments also include:
. click apply for full job details
Independent Members, Governing Council University of Derby The University of Derby is seeking two independent governors to join its Governing Council. This is an exciting opportunity to use your experience in either commercial development or higher education leadership to help shape the future of a dynamic and ambitious institution.
Who we are TheUniversity of Derby is located in the heart of England and offers industry-relevant, expert teaching from foundation and undergraduate degrees to postgraduate study and research. Our combined higher and further education offering is spread over campuses in Derby, Buxton, and Chesterfield, and we have invested more than £200 million in some of the best university facilities in the UK over the past ten years.
We achieve outstanding results for our teaching and research, and with around 17,000 people choosing to study with us every year, we depend on the dedication of a team of academic, professional, and support services staff.
The University boasts world-leading research that demonstrates real-world impact and has recently received the prestigious TEF Gold for learning and teaching and student experience, which places the University of Derby in the top 20% of universities in England.
The University of Derby is working towards its Strategic Framework and is seeking two candidates to join the Governing Council who possess leadership experience, a passion for contributing to the development of educational opportunities, and have the necessary insight needed to steer the University through to its future goals. The people appointed to these roles must have a commitment to contributing to the success and future potential of our students.
About the role The Governing Council and its Committees:
The University's Governing Council is both the governing body of the University and the board of directors of the company. Membership comprises of a majority of independent governors (Lay Members) alongside representatives from the University's staff and student body. The Governing Council undertakes its duties through the work of its sub-committees , which are:
- Audit and Risk (ARC)
- Performance, People and Resources (PPRC)
- Enterprise, Skills & Industry Engagement Committee (Skills)
- Nominations
- Remuneration
- Determine the educational character and academic direction and integrity of the University
- Approve the mission and strategic aims of the University
- Ensure the establishment and monitoring of systems of control and accountability
- Ensure that the University fulfils its legal obligations
- Ensure that there are procedures for handling internal grievances, conflicts of interest, fraud and corruption; and to ensure that staff can raise matters of concern
- Ensure that processes are in place to monitor and evaluate the performance and effectiveness of the University
- Monitor and evaluate the performance and effectiveness of the Governing Council itself
- Conduct its business in accordance with best practice
- Ensure that students benefit from a valuable learning experience
There are five Governing Council meetings and two strategy days per year, which are held in person, usually in September, November, February, April, and July.
Attendance at five of those meetings (at least one of which would be a strategy day) as a minimum is usual.
Governing Council Meetings are usually four hours long and include a seminar session. Before meetings, preparation time will be required to read through committee papers, organise thoughts, and ensure contribution to the debate.
Governing Council Members are required to complete mandatory training modules and induction and are invited to attend networking events and University graduation ceremonies.
In return for your commitment, you will benefit from being part of a successful and ambitious University seeking to maximise opportunities for its graduates. You will also have the opportunity to build professional networks, collaborate with other governors and further build your non-executive profile and impact.
Who we are looking for As we continue to progress through our 2030 strategic framework and deliver on our ambitions, we are seeking to appoint two new Independent Members of our Governing Council. Those appointed will contribute their time, insight, and expertise to provide support, challenge, and scrutiny-acting as critical friends and ambassadors for our organisation.
You must have the ability to contribute to strategic thinking and be familiar with compliance challenges, preferably within a regulatory environment. Whilst you may not have previously served on a committee or board, you must be adept at working in a non-executive capacity, taking the pulse without being hands-on.
Commercial Development
The University of Derby is seeking to appoint a Member of Governing Council who will also gain membership of the Skills Committee. The ideal candidate will bring expertise in skills development, enterprise, innovation, and industry engagement, and will play a key role in supporting the University's strategic aims in these areas. The person appointed will contribute to shaping the University's approach to partnerships that enhance both institutional development and student outcomes. By helping to align the University's skills agenda with the needs of industry and society, they will support the development of agile, future-ready graduates equipped to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
Higher Education Expertise
The University of Derby is also seeking to appoint a Member of Governing Council who will also join our Audit and Risk Committee - ideally, someone with a background in or closely related to higher education. The successful candidate will bring experience and insight of industry backed curriculum innovation, quality assurance, policy, regulation, or strategic leadership. This appointment is an opportunity to help shape the University's future direction, contributing to its mission of delivering high-quality, inclusive, and industry linked education.
For further information about the role or to arrange a confidential discussion, please contact our advising consultants at Peridot Partners:
If you would like to know more about this role please contact Olivia Robson
The University of Derby is a modern, innovative education provider that achieved its university status in 1992. Teaching at the Derby site actually dates back to 1851, when it was a Diocesan Institution for training teachers, so we have over 160 years of expertise in education. We have since become a University of first choice for students who want a supportive, aspirational environment where they can equip themselves for their chosen career. Our significant investment in world-class facilities is building on our reputation for student-focused real-world learning in an increasingly competitive sector. Located in the heart of England, we build on our region's heritage of innovation to provide industry-relevant, expert teaching at all levels.
We are pleased to announce that, from 1 August, the University of Derby's further education and skills provision will be known as University of Derby - Buxton. This marks a significant new chapter in our institution's long-standing commitment to delivering life-changing education across the region.
We're also excited to announce the opening of the Cavendish Building - a new, state-of-the-art home for the Derby International Business School, set to welcome students this September. Located in the heart of Derby city centre, the Cavendish Building is an impressive seven-storey development designed to support modern, practical business education. It features cutting-edge facilities including a Google-style creativity lab, a finance lab equipped with Bloomberg and London Stock Exchange Group terminals for aspiring investment bankers, a dedicated logistics lab, an additional creativity space for innovation and problem-solving, and an XR suite to provide immersive, extended reality learning experiences. This landmark building reflects our commitment to delivering future-facing, real-world learning in an inspiring and innovative environment.
During the last ten years, we have invested over £200 million in facilities designed to give students the best possible learning environment. We have more investment planned and continue to develop teaching to be innovative, stimulating, and engaging.
Additional recent investments also include:
- £12 million STEM Centre, including facilities for mechanical testing, robotics, and an anechoic chamber
- State-of-the-art £10.8 million Sports Centre
- Immersive Interactive Simulation Suite, the only one of its kind in a University outside London
- Forensic Training Facility with a dedicated crime scene house
- Fashion Industry Facility at Chandos Pole Street
- Industry-standard Bloomberg Financial Markets Lab
- Biomedical Science Super Lab due to open in Autumn 2025
. click apply for full job details