Play a key role in driving forward the University’s mission and strategy
What will you be doing?
The members of the Board of Governors work together to oversee the activities of the University, ensure its long-term future, approve its strategy, and safeguard its good name and reputation.
We are seeking a new governor with experience, skills or knowledge of one or more of the following areas:
- Community and region in Northampton, Northamptonshire and/or the surrounding areas
- Finance
- IT
You will work as part of a strong and supportive team of your fellow governors and staff. In return you will build your own professional experience, profile and impact. This may include building new skills which will boost your professional expertise.
The University of Northampton is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and to providing an inclusive environment for staff, students, governors and our stakeholders. We believe strongly that having Board members from a wide range of personal and professional backgrounds ensures the diversity of thought and rigour of debate which characterises a high-performing Board. Applications from women, those with global ethnic majority backgrounds, with declared disabilities, and LBGT+ candidates are warmly received.
In recruiting to the Board, we seek a broad and diverse range of previous professional and personal skills and experiences. Appointments take account of the personal and professional skills and experience of applicants in the context of the overall composition of the Board.
The role is voluntary with reasonable expenses reimbursed.
What are we looking for?
The essential skills are:
- Either a track record of achievement in a career, or other experience or expertise which would enable you to contribute to the Board
- Experience of creating and implementing strategy in a complex environment with multiple stakeholders
- Experience, skills or knowledge of one or more of the following:
- Community and region in Northampton, Northamptonshire and/or the surrounding areas
- Finance
- IT
- Ability to work in a collaborative manner, reaching consensus, debating constructively and accepting collective responsibility
- Ability to assimilate complex information and use this to offer constructive challenge
- Demonstrable experience of good practice in equality, diversity and inclusion and the ability to challenge around these issues
- Excellent communication skills (the ability to participate in constructive debate, express a point of view in an articulate manner and demonstrate critical listening skills)
- Ability to commit sufficient time to the role
- Prepared to represent the University in a positive way to internal and external stakeholders
- Fulfils the criteria for independence
The desirable skills are:
- Experience of governance through working on a board or committee
- Awareness of the operational issues of managing an organisation (including for example leadership, risk management, monitoring performance, business development, customer experience and customer relationship management, marketing, public relations or communications, human resources, law, project management)
What difference will you make?
As a member of the Board, you can help the University engage with, reflect and respond to the needs of our student, staff and stakeholder communities. You will be part of an organisation which has social impact as its purpose. The University is an economic engine and a force for social change for the county, the region, and the UK. Our latest Economic Impact Report showed that for every £1 spent running the University, £4 is returned to the economy – a 300% return on investment.
As the Board sets the strategy, our governors are at the forefront of the development of the University and the trustees and stewards of its long-term future.
The University relies on its governors to give oversight and to be a critical friend.
Before you apply
Please apply through Reach. Please submit a CV and a cover letter. Your cover letter should outline your suitability for the role with particular reference to the person specification which you will find in the role description.
The closing date for applications is 30 May. Interviews will take place on 13 June 2025 in person in Northampton.
If you have any questions about the role or making an application you are very welcome to contact Miriam Lakin via Reach.
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