Founded in 1948, the University of Hertfordshire has developed into a thriving community of 24,500 students and 2,400 staff from a wide variety of backgrounds. The University of Hertfordshire offers a wide range of Undergraduate, Postgraduate, Professional and Short courses. Based largely in Hatfield, Hertfordshire, the University now has a turnover of more than £300m.

The University of Hertfordshire's aim is to transform lives by offering opportunity, building community and embracing flexibility, while delivering a high quality educational experience underpinned by its strong people-first values. Over 90 countries are represented on campus and over 80% of courses are professional body-accredited. More than 50% of students are female, nearly 50% are Black and Minority Ethnic and a significant number are the first in their family to go to University.

The University’s strategy is underpinned by the philosophy of Powering Potential – a deep commitment to having a positive transformational impact on every member of its community, and to sharing successes with the community around it. This means to transform lives, the University not only finds potential, it harnesses it and drives it. With a significant capital programme ahead and a review of the University’s estates more broadly, a new Deputy Vice Chancellor and a new digital strategy underway, it’s an exciting time for the University.  

The Board of Governors is the University's governing body and is responsible for determining the educational character and mission of the University and for overseeing its activities.

The Board is responsible for the effective, efficient and economical use of the University’s funds. It sets and monitors the University’s strategic direction to ensure the sustainable delivery of its core objectives, making appropriate provision for the support, advice, guidance and welfare of students.

The University is proud of the open and inclusive culture of its governing body. Governors and the executive team enjoy a good relationship, maintaining a healthy balance between support and independent scrutiny. Governors are passionate about the University’s work, and enjoy working together to guide its strategy and make a real impact on the lives of students.

Board meetings will usually take place in person in Hatfield but with a facility to join remotely if necessary.

The University of Hertfordshire is looking for a Governor with strategic leadership experience across either the private and / or public sectors and with the ability and insight to challenge effectively at board-level. The University welcomes applications from those who have a passion for education and share its community-based values. It is particularly keen to further the diversity of the Board through this appointment. Candidates should meet some or all of the following criteria:

• be a strategic thinker
• have relevant experience of operating in or around complex organisations(s)
• have an interest in and commitment to (Higher) Education and to public service
• be able to exercise responsibility with independence and discretion
• have made significant contributions within their particular field of expertise
• have held one or more positions at senior level in your workplace and / or in a voluntary organisation
• be able to bring international experience and/or diversity to the Board

While the University is keen to hear from individuals who will bring a broad range of backgrounds and perspectives, it would particularly welcome applications from those with senior experience across broad strategic management and policy in commercial environments.

For further information and to view the Governor’s profiles, please visit the website here. 

The University of Hertfordshire is proud of its reputation as being an inclusive and diverse institution where people are valued irrespective of their background. Given it strives to have a good balance on the Board, it would particularly welcome applications from Black and Minority Ethnic candidates, All appointments will be made on merit, following a fair and transparent process. However, in line with the Equality Act 2010, the organisation will employ positive action and where underrepresented candidates can demonstrate their ability to perform the role equally well, preference will be given to them.

There will be a total of six Board meetings per year as well as ad hoc calls or events to attend. This role is an unremunerated voluntary position, but reasonable domestic travel expenses will be reimbursed. The role is for a three-year term with the possibility of renewing once. The University embraces hybrid working but it is expected that candidates will be able to attend a number of Board meetings in-person and have some physical presence on campus. All successful candidates must pass a ‘fit and proper persons’ check in line with all Trustees of charities.