A world-leading creative university for teaching and research in art, design, fashion, communication and performing arts, the University of the Arts London (UAL) is currently ranked second globally for Art and Design. UAL has existed in its current form since 1986, but its origins date from the 19th century, and it currently has over 21,000 students from 130 countries.

UAL is made up of six renowned colleges: Camberwell College of Arts, Central Saint Martins, Chelsea College of Arts, London College of Communication, London College of Fashion and Wimbledon College of Arts. It has also developed three innovative interdisciplinary institutes: UAL Creative Computing Institute, UAL Social Design Institute, and UAL Decolonising Arts Institute.

UAL's new and exciting 10-year strategy is based on three guiding policies. First, it wants to give students the education they need in a rapidly-changing world, and will expand its teaching into new areas such as virtual reality, augmented reality, AI and robotics. Secondly, it wants to bring a high-quality creative education to more students than ever, doubling its current numbers and significantly expanding its online offerings. Finally, UAL wants to change the world through creativity, and to ensure it grounds its social purpose in the needs and views of its communities. It's now an exciting time to join the Court of Governors and play a key role in shaping UAL’s future.

UAL’s governors have overall responsibility for the strategic direction, educational character and financial sustainability of the University. Governors apply their high-level professional skills, knowledge and experience to ensure that UAL’s strategy evolves and that it continues to offer a world-leading education in the creative arts.

Governors are expected to:

• Ensure the governing body (known as “the Court of Governors”) exercises efficient and effective use of the resources of the University for the furtherance of its charitable objectives, maintain its long-term financial viability, safeguard its assets, and ensure that proper mechanisms exist to ensure financial control and the prevention of fraud
• Ensure the governing body exercises control over the strategic direction of the University, through an effective planning process, and that the performance of the University is adequately assessed against the objectives which the governing body has approved
• Ensure that the University, as a charity, complies with its governing document, charity law and any other relevant legislation, and that it pursues its charitable objectives
• Act fairly and impartially at all times in the interests of the University as a whole, using independent judgement and maintaining confidentiality as appropriate
• Devote sufficient time to attending Court of Governors meetings, committee meetings and other university events

Governor (Audit / Risk)

UAL now seeks a Governor with audit and risk management experience to join its Board to advise on financial, audit and risk matters. They will act as a critical friend to the Board and senior leadership, and understand the distinction between executive and non-executive functions.

Candidates may have gained this experience through leadership experience at an accounting firm, or in senior positions within a finance / audit function. They will have a solid understanding  of how internal financial controls are put in place, and bring prior experience of internal audit or the selection and assessment of external auditors. Individuals will have operated in organisations of similar size and complexity. An accountancy qualification is desirable, not essential. Previous Board experience is desirable but this is not essential for the role. Exposure or a demonstrable interest in the higher education or arts sectors would also be welcome.

Governor (Digital)

UAL now seeks a Governor with digital / technology experience to join its Board to advise on the delivery of the University's digital strategy and other technology matters. They will act as a critical friend to the Board and senior leadership, and understand the distinction between executive and non-executive functions. 

UAL is embarking on an ambitious digital transformation programme. Its ambition is to be a user-focussed sector leader with regards to its digital and technology provision. This task requires the support of the whole organisation, and the successful candidate will partner with the Chief Digital Officer to act as a champion for the work at Board level and throughout UAL. 

Candidates will follow in the footsteps of Ben Terrett who is retiring from his time as a UAL Governor, following a decade of service using his experience in leading and advising digital change at GDS and Public Digital. Candidates may have gained similar experience from holding Digital Director, CIO or Technology Director roles, for example. They will have experience of devising digital strategies and of providing advice on various matters from IT infrastructure to cybersecurity, and from service design to delivery using digital product methodologies. They will provide an informed and current perspective on the rapidly-changing technological environment. Individuals will have operated in organisations of similar size and complexity. Previous Board experience is desirable but this is not essential for the role. The incoming Governor will also become Chair of the Digital Committee. Exposure or a demonstrable interest in the higher education or arts sectors would also be welcome. 

Above all, however, the successful candidates will be enthusiastic about UAL’s mission to change society through knowledge and creativity.

A list of current Governors can be found here.   

There are five Court meetings per year, usually on a Tuesday. The Audit / Risk Governor will join the Audit and Risk Sub-Committee which meets four times per year and the Digital Governor will join the Digital Sub-Committee which meets once per year.

Court meetings take place in-person, but Governors can attend sub-committee meetings virtually. These roles are not remunerated, but reasonable pre-agreed expenses will be reimbursed.

Location: Candidates need not be UK-based if they can still attend in-person meetings.

UAL welcomes applications from everyone regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, faith or disability.  All appointments will be made on merit, following a fair and transparent process. In line with the Equality Act 2010, however, the organisation may employ positive action where candidates from underrepresented groups can demonstrate their ability to perform the role equally well.