A successful, modern institution with more than 19,000 students, Bournemouth University is currently ranked as one of the top 70 young universities in the world, according to The Times Higher Education Young University Rankings 2022. Set in a wonderful location, the University is situated between one of the UK’s newest national parks, and the second-largest natural harbour in the world, with the World Heritage Jurassic Coast located nearby. Employing around 1,800 staff, it contributes over £1m per day to the economy of the South West region, and has invested £250m on its buildings, IT and facilities over the past decade.

Bournemouth University works closely with employers, practitioners and professional organisations. This supports graduate employability as well as informing its research. All of Bournemouth University’s undergraduate degrees, and many of its postgraduate degrees, offer students the opportunity to undertake a work placement as part of their studies. In addition, students are a key part of the research which it conducts. Through the impact of its research and education, and the contribution of its staff, students and graduates, Bournemouth University is able to deliver one of its key objectives — to enrich society.

The University is implementing its BU2025 strategy which has at its heart the bringing together of research, education and professional practice to create something which is greater than the sum of its parts. Bournemouth’s vision is to be recognised worldwide as a leading university for inspiring learning, advancing knowledge and enriching society through the fusion of education, research and practice. Examples of its impact can be viewed here.

Bournemouth University is seeking a Board Member who will bring senior experience in finance and play a key role in overseeing its ambitious strategic plan: BU2025.

Finance

Bournemouth University would like to appoint a Board Member with a senior background in finance to provide strategic guidance and oversight, particularly around long-term financial planning of the University. They will provide scrutiny and robust challenge where necessary, will be unafraid to ask the difficult questions where necessary, and will be able to provide a broad strategic view on the variety of matters which come before the Board.

The successful applicant will have recent relevant knowledge of finance, risk and audit in an enterprise or institution of equivalent or greater size and complexity to the University. They will ideally be a qualified accountant and will either bring board-level experience or will have worked with boards to influence decisions at the most senior level. Candidates could be, for example, a Finance Director or CFO. Experience of pensions, particularly with defined benefit pension schemes, would be advantageous. Experience in the private sector or public sector experience in a heavily-regulated environment would also be welcomed.

Higher Education

Bournemouth University is seeking a Board Member who will bring senior strategic experience of advising or supporting the higher and / or further education sectors and play a key role in overseeing its ambitious strategic plan: BU2025. They will provide scrutiny and robust challenge where necessary, will be unafraid to ask the difficult questions where necessary, and will be able to provide a broad strategic view on the variety of matters which come before the Board.

The successful applicant will have relevant knowledge of the higher and / or further education environment from providing advice, consultancy or as a sector specialist but not coming from academia or a further education college or university directly, to avoid any potential conflicts of interest. The successful candidate could, for example have worked in relevant sector bodies, professional membership bodies or regulators. They could also have worked previously in a senior student experience role or for an organisation dealing with apprenticeships.

For both roles, the University welcomes applications from those who have a passion for education and share Bournemouth University's values. The University is open to candidates looking to take on their first board role.

A list of current Board Members is available here.

There are five in-person Board meetings per year, which are held on campus on Friday mornings. Additionally, each Board member is normally appointed to at least one Committee. Some committee meetings are held online, but other larger committees will continue to meet in person. Committees usually meet two to four times per year. The role is unremunerated but reasonable expenses, including travel and childcare costs, will be reimbursed. The appointment is for a three-year term, which may be extended.

Candidates will be UK-based and able to attend in-person Board meetings.