Since 1495, the University of Aberdeen has been open to all and dedicated to the pursuit of truth in the service of others. We still have that purpose.
A top 20 UK University, Aberdeen is one of the UK’s oldest and most distinguished universities. Ranked 4th in the UK for overall student satisfaction (NSS 2022), in the top 160 of the Times Higher Education World University rankings 2022 and winner of a Queen’s Anniversary Prize for Higher and Further Education in 2017 and 2021, we are rightly proud of our achievements. Our exciting, award-winning strategy: Aberdeen 2040 encapsulates our commitment to building further on our history and international reputation for education and research excellence.
The Candidate
Due to time served, we are seeking exceptional individuals who can help us shape that next phase in the University’s history by serving as independent members of our governing body (the Court). Applications are invited from individuals with a record of successful leadership within a public, private or third sector organisation who are passionate about supporting an internationally competitive research-based and diverse university. Experience of governance in a non-executive director/charity trustee role would be desirable. Interest would be particularly welcome at this time from those with skills in any of the following areas: estates, construction or major capital and/or digital projects; IT/digital & cybersecurity; people and human resources; and environmental sustainability. Candidates should be able to identify with the University and/or the most immediate local and national communities of Scotland that we serve, recognising Scotland’s richly diverse population, as well as the University’s global outlook.
Recognising the importance of our alumni community, applications from candidates who are graduates of the University are also welcome. In addition, we recognise that the Court must be able to undertake its business with due regard to the perspectives and experiences of the University’s staff and students who bring their diverse and intersectional lived experience of religion, race, age, sexual orientation, gender identity and disability to work or study with them each day. Applications are therefore encouraged from candidates who can identify with these lived experiences or the challenges and barriers faced by marginalised communities.
The expected time commitment is a minimum of 15 - 17 days per year including attendance at five meetings of the Court per year and a willingness to serve on at least one standing committee of Court. The position is unremunerated but reasonable expenses are paid. The positions are tenable for a period of three years in the first instance.
The Court plays a crucial role in the development of the University’s vision and strategic direction and this opportunity arises at an exciting time as we seek to build upon recent successes and take forward the Aberdeen 2040 strategy.
Further Information and How to Apply
Further information about the role is available here.
Candidates should apply with a CV and covering letter outlining their suitability for the role. As part of the application process, applicants are also asked to complete a diversity monitoring form (which will not form part of the recruitment evaluation) available to download here.
Please submit all applications to Lisa Sutherland-George, Senior HR Partner – Resourcing Lisa.Sutherland-George@abdn.ac.uk and quote reference number UOCCM01 on all correspondence
The closing date for receipt of applications is 9am 22 May 2023.
Should you wish to make an informal enquiry please contact: Tracey Slaven, University Secretary & Chief Operating Officer,+ 44 (0) 1224 272094 or tracey.slaven@abdn.ac.uk
Please do not send applications and CVs to Tracey Slaven.