Staffordshire University is the UK’s foremost digital university, with campuses in Stoke-on-Trent, Shrewsbury, Lichfield and HereEast in East London, offering a cutting-edge digital portfolio. Over 20,000 students study on its programmes across the globe and, as an anchor institution, its work changes lives locally, nationally and around the world.

The UK higher education sector is changing rapidly. An increasingly competitive market combined with changing student demographics and post-pandemic reverberations makes higher education a challenging environment. Staffordshire University believes that an innovative university, taking a business-driven approach to its fundamental contribution to the economy and society, could lead the field in this new world.

Over the past five years, Staffordshire has worked towards the goals set out in its 2016-2021 strategic plan, which were to a) be in the Top 50% in the UK League Tables b) gain Gold Standard in the Teaching Excellence Framework and c) become financially sustainable in accordance with its Strategic Financial Plan.

With a host of awards and nominations under its belt, Staffordshire University is continuing to build on the impressive progress made over the last few years and has much to look forward to in 2022 and beyond, including the launch of its brand new £40m Catalyst building, the opening of its net zero carbon forest school and nursery, and the continued expansion of Staffordshire University: London. The University also enters 2022 with a new Vice Chancellor, Professor Martin Jones, its current Deputy Vice Chancellor.

The Board of Governors is made up of independent Governors, two staff Governors, two student Governors, and the Vice Chancellor (ex officio). The Independent Governors bring valuable and diverse experience from business, community, education and industry.

As well as being advocates for the University, its staff and students, Governors have strategic oversight of the institution’s activities, which are delivered and managed by the University Executive Board. They make sure that the strategic plan is being delivered, and that the University is delivering on its mission to raise aspiration, empower people and transform lives. You can read profiles of the current Governors here, and more information about becoming a Governor here.

In return, Staffordshire's Governors receive support to develop their professional skills, gain valuable board-level strategic experience within a successful organisation with a £135m turnover, and have the chance for considerable networking opportunities. Furthermore, the University supports Governors with a comprehensive onboarding programme together with professional development opportunities which are fully funded.

Staffordshire University is now looking for a new Governor with a background in marketing, communications or brand development, as it seeks to further develop its profile both nationally and internationally. It is particularly keen to improve the gender diversity of the Board through this appointment.

Candidates will have experience of developing or overseeing marketing, branding and communications strategies and be able to advise on how Staffordshire can promote and differentiate itself within a competitive student recruitment environment, as well as on forging close connections with the communities in which it is rooted.  

Governors do not need specific experience in higher education, or of working at board level. Staffordshire is very open to hearing from individuals who might not fit the standard mould; it knows that applicants may not have taken the usual path to career success, or may only be part-way along their journey. What is key is that Governors are passionate about the transformative role of education with a commitment to fulfilling this role diligently.

Please note: Given its richly diverse student community, the University is particularly interested in hearing from applicants from groups currently under-represented on the Board, including female and ethnic minority individuals, and those with a disability.

This is not a paid role, but reasonable travel and subsistence expenses will be reimbursed. Governors attend, in-person, four Board meetings a year, plus one to two strategic events. There are usually a further three to four Sub-Committee meetings per year which are also in person. New Governors at Staffordshire serve an initial term of one year, to be converted to a full three-year term by mutual agreement. Currently, Governors are entitled to serve 3 x three-year-terms.