Chair of the Board of Governors

Job content

Our mission is to deliver exceptional higher education and research, harnessing the fusion of creativity and technology as foundations of the future economy. We use our knowledge and expertise in these disciplines to generate positive and sustainable opportunities for all.

We are currently seeking to appoint the next Chair of our Board of Governors. This is a pivotal leadership role, and an exciting opportunity to make a significant contribution to the future direction of the University.

The role of the Chair is to lead the Board of Governors and ensure that it governs the University effectively. The Board of Governors has responsibility for ensuring the effective oversight of the institution, approving its future strategic development and fostering an environment in which the institutional mission is achieved, and the potential of all students and staff is realised.

Our Chair and Independent Board Members make an active contribution to shaping, championing, monitoring and achievement of the University’s objectives, and promote the University’s interests locally, nationally and internationally.

The appointment will be made for a period of four years from 1 September 2024, the appointee will be eligible for reappointment for a further term of four years upon review. The estimated overall time commitment required for the effective conduct of the duties of the role is approximately 30-50 days per year (or average 2.5-4 days per month). Our Board meets six times per year, with sub-committees scheduled adjacent to Board meetings.

This is an unpaid position, the University will meet all reasonable expenses incurred undertaking Board business. Through your role you will have opportunity to build professional networks, and further build your non-executive profile and impact. The successful candidate will have extensive leadership experience in a complex public or private organisation, excellent interpersonal skills, and strong communication abilities. The Chair will be able to demonstrate a commitment to the Mission, Vision and Values of the University, be a role model for students and staff, and be a source of support and advice to the Vice-Chancellor & Chief Executive and senior management while recognising the proper separation between governance and management.

For full details of the position, please download the ‘Job Description’ above.

We welcome and encourage applications from people of all identities and backgrounds, particularly those under-represented and/or marginalised.

The closing date for applications is midnight on Sunday 24 September 2023, interviews will take place on Tuesday 10 October 2023.

To be considered, please upload a curriculum vitae along with a supporting statement (maximum 1,500 words) that explains how you meet the requirements for the role via the Falmouth University job portal.

Applicants are welcome to contact Robyn Wyatt, Secretary to the Board of Governors, with any informal queries regarding the role, including to arrange an informal conversation with the Chair of the Board of Governors and/or Vice-Chancellor & Chief Executive prior to formal application should you wish to further discuss the role. Please email, Robyn.Wyatt@falmouth.ac.uk. For more than 120 years, Falmouth University has been a hub of creative and technological education and change. We are Cornwall’s University; a strong local and anchor institution within its defining rural and coastal community.

Our portfolio of undergraduate, postgraduate, and other courses represents the breadth of the Creative and Cultural Industries. Our refreshed Mission, Vision and Values set out how we will continue to build on our strengths to ensure that we are true leaders in the sector.

Falmouth’s research and teaching programmes are built on the principle of open innovation and take a multi-disciplinary approach, ensuring students have the skills they need to excel in a fast-changing world. As well as the courses that are delivered on-campus in Cornwall, the University also provides ground-breaking distance and executive-level learning through our Falmouth Online portfolio, Academy of Continuing Education, and significant partnerships with industry-leading bodies. Just under 5000 students from across the globe study on Falmouth’s two campuses, with access to professional standard environments. Tour our facilities here.