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Dear Candidate,
Thank you for your interest in this key role at Oxford Brookes University. The current Chair, Leslie Morphy OBE, is due to complete her term of office in July 2020 and we are seeking a successor to join the Board as Chair (designate) from October 2019 and take over as Chair from 2020.
We are seeking an outstanding individual with significant leadership experience to build on the strong foundations already in place.
Oxford Brookes is one of the UK’s leading modern universities and enjoy an international reputation for innovation as well as strong links to business and industry.
The chair leads the Board of Governors in shaping the character and strategy for the University and drives forward our strategic vision to provide an exceptional student-centered experience.
Oxford Brookes is at an exciting phase in its development and is an ambitious community which welcomes talented leaders who share our ambition. I look forward to engaging with you as part of the recruitment process.
PROFESSOR ALISTAIR FITT VICE-CHANCELLOR
Welcome
Oxford Brookes is one of the UK’s leading modern universities and enjoys an international reputation for teaching excellence and innovation as well as strong links with business and industry.
We also have significant research strengths – 94% of Oxford Brookes research was judged to be internationally recognised and 59% judged ‘world-leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’ in the Research Excellence Framework (REF 2014).
SUCCESS AT OXFORD BROOKES
■ One of the top 50 universities in the world under 50 years old – the only UK institution to make the list (QS World University Rankings, Top 50 Under 50, 2018)
■ Among the world’s top universities in 12 individual subject areas (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2019)
■ 12 years of success with our Associate College Partnership; partnering with seven Further Education colleges across the region to offer alternative ways to gain qualifications
■ 95% of Oxford Brookes students are in employment and/or further study within six months of graduating (HESA, Destination of Leavers Survey 2018)
■ Oxford Brookes University contributes over £1m per day to the UK economy
■ We have over 130,000 alumni in over 189 countries
To achieve the next level of success, we are working to deliver our 2020 Strategy. In particular we are working towards:
■ a student experience of unparalleled reputation and renown
■ a modern, inspirational setting to study and learn
■ a world-class, focused and selective research portfolio
■ an enviable international reputation and footprint
■ building our role as a key regional influencer
■ outstanding partnerships, speaking to our connectedness
■ sector-leading infrastructure, services and IT
■ financial sustainability, generating surpluses for agreed reinvestment plans.
OUR STRATEGIC GOALSStudent experience
We will be a university that enables a student experience of the highest standard possible.
We will:
■ ensure that learning and teaching are at the leading edge and relevant to contemporary contexts
■ provide an environment where students are proactively engaged in shaping their experience through influencing learning and extra-curricular policy, processes and outcomes.
Research and knowledge exchange
We will be a university that is committed to externally recognised world-leading research which is translated and disseminated for the benefit of our communities.
We will:
■ focus on the areas of research which are, or have the potential to be, recognised as world-leading and encourage multi- and interdisciplinary research activity across the University
■ increase the exploitation and dissemination of the highest quality research and collaboration with other higher education institutions and the public, private and third sector.
External
We will be a university dedicated to improving the human condition in Oxfordshire and around the world.
We will:
■ harness the enterprising creativity, knowledge, and commitment of the University’s academics, staff and students to benefit urban and rural communities principally within Oxfordshire
■ further develop mutually beneficial partnerships to facilitate the application of the University’s education, research and knowledge exchange nationally and internationally, and to prepare the University’s graduates to be engaged global citizens.
Infrastructure and services
We will be a university characterised by its sector-leading, high quality, sustainable and cost-effective services, operating within a culture of continuous improvement.
We will:
■ manage our activities to achieve self-sustaining and robust finances and a strong position relative to the HE sector
■ develop and enhance the quality and efficiency of the University’s infrastructure and services.
You can view our 2020 strategy here.
“Oxford Brookes University will provide an exceptional, student-centred experience which is based on both internationally significant research and pedagogic best practice. We will build on a tradition of distinction in academic, professional and social engagement to enhance our reputation as a university which educates confident citizens characterised by their generosity of spirit.”
OUR STRATEGY OUR MISSION
Oxford Brookes University is committed to leading the intellectual, social and economic development of the communities it serves through teaching, research and creativity that achieve the highest standards.
There are approximately 18,000 students at Oxford Brookes University. 78% are from the UK, 6% are from the EU and 16% are from the rest of the world.
Our students and graduates are known for their employability. They benefit from the strong links we have with businesses and employers both locally and internationally, from local schools and hospitals to organisations such as Oxfam, BMW, KPMG, Ferrari and Microsoft.
TEACHING EXCELLENCE FRAMEWORK (TEF)Oxford Brookes University holds a Silver award in the Teaching Excellence Framework, recognising that the University delivers “high quality teaching, learning and outcomes for its students.”
The TEF award recognised that “students achieve excellent outcomes” as well as the “outstanding levels of satisfaction with teaching and assessment and feedback.”
STAYING AHEADWe aim to continue providing our students with a stimulating learning experience, including opportunities to develop skills both inside and outside their studies, with co-curricular projects to fuel their enthusiasm and hone their abilities.
We are working on action plans to enhance our performance in the National Student Survey and further improve our teaching excellence with a view to gaining a Gold award in the TEF.
OUR STUDENTS
OUR RESEARCH
Research at Oxford Brookes enjoys an international reputation, attracting high-quality staff and students.
Our strategy for research and knowledge exchange, sets out the University’s future ambitions in the higher education sector, including developing our recognised research portfolio across the faculties whilst nurturing our emerging strengths and fostering greater international collaboration.
We were successful in the last Research Excellence Framework (REF 2014), which showed 94% of Brookes research to be internationally recognised and 59% judged ‘world-leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’. We were in the top 10 universities for increase in research power since REF 2014.
Investing in individuals and groups of researchers at every stage of their career is central to our success.
■ Oxford Brookes has committed a Central Research Fund to support individuals and research groups including for example Collaborative Travel Awards, Bridging Funds, Research Fellowships and PhD scholarships.
■ We hold the HR Excellence in Research Award from the European Commission, which recognises our commitment to supporting research staff.
■ In 2016 we launched our Research Excellence Awards to support research-active academics with funding towards research leave, employment of a research assistant or project travel costs.
■ We introduced Vice-Chancellor Fellowships in 2017 across our faculties, offering an excellent opportunity for researchers who want to develop their careers, with funding and startup support tailored to discipline needs.
Oxford Brookes achieved a record year for research grants awarded in 2016/17, an increase of 63% compared to last year; and we have continued this upward trajectory.
Major funding comes from research councils, charitable trusts, industry and government. In recent years we have been successful in winning competitive funding from UK government departments and from the European Commission.
Our income from intellectual property (IP) was more than £3m in 2016/17, and we have been in the top ten of all UK higher education institutions for IP income for the last seven years, according to HEFCE’s Higher Education Business and Community Interaction Survey.
Through Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs), we have produced significant benefits for our partner businesses. We have a strong record of award-winning KTPs with industry, including Sony Entertainment and Inter-Continental Hotels. The latest projects are looking at solving problems of overheating in care homes and the design of buildings for flood resilience.
RESEARCH AND GLOBAL PARTNERSHIPS
GLOBAL PARTNERSHIPS
Oxford Brookes is a university with an international outlook and reach. We already have a number of successful international partnerships and we are looking to deepen and strengthen these, as well as seek out new opportunities. We believe a key to success is to forge university-level, multi-dimensional strategic partnerships across a range of disciplines and are currently in negotiations to develop this arrangement in China, Australia and Malaysia.
Oxford Brookes University employs 2,800 staff. We recognise that our staff are key to our continuing success. We are committed to creating a vibrant and inclusive working environment which supports colleagues to flourish and enjoy what they do. We want colleagues to feel valued, empowered, challenged, stimulated, involved, appreciated and trusted.
We provide comprehensive and progressive employment conditions, including flexible working, opportunities for staff development, and career progression, and a commitment to enhancing the staff experience, underpinned by our Guiding Principles.
Our HR Strategy sets out how we will continue to provide a stimulating and rewarding work experience for all our staff, at all stages of their careers at Oxford Brookes.
Our new staff experience strategy and action plan aim to ensure that the University provides the best possible working environment for colleagues, improving staff wellbeing, creating a sense of community in the workplace, and encouraging discussion and open communication amongst colleagues at all levels of the institution.
Recent initiatives include our Brookes People Awards which recognise outstanding colleagues who exemplify our Guiding Principles, the annual Feel Good Festival, and Brookes Active.
Consultation and participation are important attributes of staff relations with colleagues contributing to key decisions and senior staff appointments. We have comprehensive internal communications, including regular campus briefings about university direction and policy led by the Vice-Chancellor, staff newsletters, a staff Twitter stream and internal digital screens.
Oxford Brookes is committed to ensuring the very best staff and student experience where all our community can flourish in a culture of respect and support, where we celebrate difference and thrive on each other’s success.
OUR STAFF AND CULTURE
OUR VALUESIn the development and nurturing of intellectual and enterprising creativity, we make our highest contribution to society. Social responsibility demands that all aspects of our activity should be sustainable. Equality, inclusivity and the celebration of diversity must be the foundation for all we do. We will never be content with anything other than a wholehearted commitment to the quality of the student experience. We will continue to enhance the value – and the perception of value – of our social as well as educational mission.
OUR GUIDING PRINCIPLESThese are defined as:
Generosity of spirit We believe people flourish in a culture of respect and support, where we celebrate difference and thrive on each other’s success. Our students manifest a generosity of spirit as they progress in the world.
Confidence We have confidence in our staff and students, and we know that we prepare our graduates well for a fulfilling and valuable life. Through their success, we continue to earn our outstanding reputation.
Connectedness Our academic excellence is underpinned by a history of learning by doing. Our connections and our Oxford roots are fundamental to our students’ experiences and our successful future.
Enterprising creativity We’re adaptable and flexible, and consider a fresh approach in everything we do – because we know our sustainability depends on a pioneering spirit.
Brookes People Awards 2016
Oxford is a beautiful city with a rich cultural history. The city is famous for education and architecture, museums and green spaces.
It has a population of 161,300 and is currently the 12th fastest growing city with one-third of the population aged 18-29.
There are 4,750 businesses in Oxford providing 120,000 jobs. Key sectors of industry are health, education, research, technology, tourism, car manufacturing and publishing.
Oxfordshire is amongst the top five technology innovation ecosystems in the world and home to over 1,500 high tech companies employing around 43,000 people.
Oxford Brookes is proud of its home in Oxford and proud to make a significant economic, social and cultural contribution to the city; from contributing £1m per day to the UK economy, through our links with the high-skill regional economy to the expertise of our nurses and teachers in local hospitals and schools.
We partner up to raise aspirations in schools, widen access to those under-represented in higher education and to provide high-level consultancy to small and medium sized enterprises.
Tourism is a thriving economy in the city, generating more than £780m annually. In 2016 Oxford was the seventh most visited city in the UK for overnight visits.
Oxford is only an hour from London by train and many placements and field trips make the most of this easy access. The University is well served by a regular coach service to central London and to Heathrow and Gatwick airports.
More information about the city of Oxford and the surrounding area is available at www.experienceoxfordshire.org
OUR OXFORD
Oxford Brookes University operates on three campuses in Oxford: Headington, Harcourt Hill and Wheatley, with a smaller campus in Swindon, focused on nursing education and operating department practice.
Headington Campus comprises three sites. The Headington Hill site is set in mature parkland and home to Headington Hill Hall, a 19th century former manor house. A 15-minute walk away, the Marston Road site is a hub for healthcare teaching on the campus.
The flagship £132m John Henry Brookes Building opened on the Gipsy Lane site in 2014. Winning a number of awards, it has transformed the experience of students and the wider University community. It houses the main central services at Headington, including the library, social study space, student support services, catering facilities and Brookes Union.
The most recent phase of investment saw the Business School relocated to refurbished premises at the end of 2017. Brand new teaching spaces and industry-standard science laboratories also opened in 2017, alongside landscaping of external spaces, and the new Sir Kenneth Wheare Hall.
Harcourt Hill Campus is home to a range of humanities and sports teaching. The original Westminster College, founded in 1851, has had a home at Harcourt Hill since the 1950s and merged with Oxford Brookes University in 2000. The Westminster Hall student residence also sits on the campus, alongside sports facilities, including a swimming pool.
Wheatley Campus became part of the then Oxford Polytechnic in 1975. Over recent years, the campus has seen investment in engineering spaces and in 2017 saw further investment in key student and staff areas, including the creation of a new gym.
Swindon Campus opened the newly refurbished Joel Joffe building in August 2016, almost two decades after the University first had a presence in the town. The Joel Joffe building provides clinical skills labs in a modern teaching location.
Our future plans
At Oxford Brookes we are continually investing in our campuses. Over the next ten years we are spending £220m to create further inspiring spaces for our staff and students.
The plan sets out a significant programme of refurbishment along with some new build, and will see some of our academic and professional services activity moving to a different campus.
Over the next few years all Wheatley-based courses will move to Headington Campus.
OUR CAMPUSES
OUR FINANCES
Oxford Brookes University has a good track record of meeting or exceeding budget targets and achieving strong financial performance against sector KPIs.
Our annual financial statements can be found on our website at www.brookes.ac.uk/about-brookes/structure-and-governance/policies-and-financial-statements/
The University’s financial plans focus on strong operating cash and robust surpluses, in order to achieve an excellent student experience and provide and attract investment in research and commercial activity.
OUR LEADERSHIP, GOVERNANCE AND FINANCESThe Vice-Chancellor reports to the Board of Governors and is supported by the Vice-Chancellor’s Group (VCG) which comprises:
■ Pro Vice-Chancellor (Student and Staff Experience)
■ Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research and Global Partnerships)
■ Pro Vice-Chancellor/Deans of the faculties (four)
■ Registrar and Chief Operating Officer
■ Director of Finance and Legal Services
■ Director of Human Resources
The University’s Chancellor is Olympic gold medallist Dame Katherine Grainger PhD.
OXFORD BROOKES BUSINESS SCHOOL
Business School
Oxford School of Hospitality Management
FACULTY OF HEALTH AND LIFE SCIENCES
FACULTY OF HUMANITIES AND SOCIAL SCIENCES
School of Education
Department of English and Modern Languages
School of History, Philosophy and Culture
School of Law
Institute of Public Care
Department of Social Sciences
FACULTY OF TECHNOLOGY, DESIGN AND ENVIRONMENT
School of Architecture
School of Arts
School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics
School of the Built Environment
OUR STRUCTURE - OUR FACULTIES
Oxford School of Nursing and Midwifery
Department of Sport, Health Sciences and Social Work
Department of Psychology, Health and Professional Development
Department of Biological and Medical Sciences
DIRECTORATE OF ACADEMIC AND STUDENT AFFAIRS
Academic Office
Academic Policy and Quality Office
DIRECTORATE OF MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS
Communications Team
External Relations
Oxford Brookes International
UK Recruitment and Partnerships
DIRECTORATE OF ESTATES AND CAMPUS SERVICES
Estates Services
Facilities Services
Projects Team
Space Planning Team
Brookes Sport
Central Admin and Finance
DIRECTORATE OF FINANCE AND LEGAL SERVICES
Financial Services
Legal Services
Procurement
Research and Business Development
Risk and Resilience
OUR STRUCTURE - OUR DIRECTORATES
Directorate Administration
DIRECTORATE OF HUMAN RESOURCES
HR Management
Oxford Centre for Staff and Learning Development
Occupational Health
Oxford Brookes Nursery
DIRECTORATE OF LEARNING RESOURCES
Library
IT SERVICES
Customer Services
Information Services
IT Strategy, Information Management and Partnerships
Programme Management Office
Infastructure Services
Admissions Office
Careers
Student Central
Upgrade
Wellbeing
DIRECTORATE OF STRATEGIC CHANGE AND BUSINESS PLANNING
University Safety Office
Strategic and Business Planning Office
Strategic Change and Programme Governance Office
HR Information Systems Team
Commercial Services (Oxford Brookes Venues, Catering and Residential)
Office of the Chief Information Officer
Learning Technology
Media
Title of post: Chair of Governors (designate)
Experience required for post: A proven track record in executive and non-executive leadership backed by substantial senior management experience in leading a large, complex organisation.
Purpose and duties: The Chair is responsible for the leadership of the University’s Board of Governors in fulfilling its role in shaping the character and strategy of the University, ensuring that it gives clear, effective strategic direction to the University and its Executive, so that the University continues to flourish and succeed in a fast moving, competitive environment. This requires agility, change orientation and continuous development.
The Chair will lead the Board of Governors in working with the Vice-Chancellors Group (VCG) to review and update the strategy and hold the VCG to account for delivery. This will in particular pursue the University’s ambition to deliver an exceptional student-centred experience which produces confident citizens characterised by their generosity of spirit.
The Chair will lead the Board of Governors to promote a strong sense of shared vision, ambition and collective purpose. The Chair should ensure that the Board of Governors exercises collective responsibility, encouraging all members to work together effectively, contributing their skills and expertise as appropriate, and seeking to build consensus among them. The Chair should constructively challenge the Board of Governors, promoting high quality discussion, analysis and direction-setting.
The Chair will lead the Board of Governors in ensuring effective governance and scrutiny of University activity.
Within the collective responsibility of the Board of Governors for holding the Vice-Chancellor and VCG to account, the Chair has specific responsibility for setting objectives and reviewing performance of the Vice-Chancellor. The Chair is expected to establish a constructive and supportive but challenging working relationship with the Vice-Chancellor, recognizing the proper separation between governance and executive management, and avoiding involvement in the day-to-day executive management of the University.
Supported and advised by the Registrar (Clerk to the Board of Governors) and the Vice-Chancellor, the Chair is responsible for ensuring that the business of the Board of Governors is carried out efficiently, effectively, and in a manner appropriate for the proper conduct of public business.
The Chair is responsible for ensuring that Board of Governors 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 Board of Governors has approved.
The Chair will be expected to promote and represent the University and the Board of Governors externally. The extent of this role will depend on the individual’s preferences and personal networks experience.
The Chair will attend meetings and other events organized by the Committee of University Chairs (CUC), to ensure that the operations of Board of Governors are informed by the latest developments in national best practice and that the perspective of the University and its Board of Governors are communicated at a national level.
NOTE The expectations of a University Board of Governors are set out in the ‘Higher Education Code of Governance’ (2014) produced by the Committee of University Chairs (CUC), the public interest governance principles as articulated by the Office for Students (OfS) in the ‘Regulatory framework for higher education in England’, and in such other forms of guidance produced by the CUC, OfS and other relevant bodies. The specific requirements relating to the operation of the University Board of Governors are set out in our Memorandum and Articles of Association.
Terms of Appointment The office of Chair is not remunerated, but the Chair may claim travelling and similar expenses incurred in the course of University business. The Chair’s term of office is four years, and is renewable once (i.e. a total term of up to 8 years).
Time Commitment There are three elements to the time commitment of this role:
a) The core commitment is to be available to chair meetings of Board of Governors, chair or attend certain committees of Board of Governors, and undertake the formal business of the Board of Governors. Members of the Board are expected to contribute approximately 10-14 days per year depending on allocated sub-committees and other University events such as graduation ceremonies. There is also a time commitment in preparation for meetings.
b) University business is likely to require telephone conversations, reading in preparation for meetings, and being available for consultation and advice without needing to be present in the University.
c) Being present within the University and our wider community, engaging with the life of the University and contributing to our local profile. This is a more discretionary element, depending, in part, on the individual’s interests and availability, and the complementary roles of the Chancellor, Pro-Chancellors, Vice Chair of Board of Governors and Vice-Chancellor.
JOB DESCRIPTION
PERSON SPECIFICATIONSpecification
Education/Training First degree or equivalent and evidence of continuing professional development
Relevant experience Successful leadership of large complex organisations in the public, private or voluntary sectors
Successful leadership of the design and delivery of ambitious strategies for developing the business and supporting financial strategies, and developing the organisation’s capacity and capability to deliver
Track record of successful delivery
Experience of change leadership particularly in challenging environments
Experience as a non-executive member of a Board
Experience of chairing meetings effectively
Up to date experience of good corporate governance.
Relevant skills Ability to lead and inspire others to create and pursue a shared vision and ambition
Ability to think and act strategically and analyse situations effectively and understand the dynamics of large complex organisations
Ability to get the best out of others, work effectively with other members of the Board of Governors, with the Vice-Chancellor, Registrar, Chief Operating Officer and other members of the VCG
Diplomatic but firm with the ability to both listen to and influence others
Effective people and communication skills
Personal integrity and high ethical standards
Forward-looking, enthusiastic and energetic.
Commitments Demonstrate a strong commitment to Higher Education and the values, aims and guiding principles of Oxford Brookes University. A personal commitment to optimising the transformative power of a university.
Members of the Board are expected to contribute approximately 10-14 days per year depending on allocated sub-committees and other University events such as graduation ceremonies. There is also a time commitment in preparation for meetings.
A proven commitment to equality, diversity openness and transparency.
Other
Oxford Brookes University has engaged Anderson Quigley for the executive search process for this position.
To download the recruitment brochure online, please visit https://andersonquigley.com/candidates/ using reference AQ537.
Should you wish to discuss the role in strict confidence, please contact Ed Pritchard or Helene Usherwood on +44 (0)203 457 0948.
The closing date for applications is 12 noon Monday 17 June 2019.
Applications should consist of:
■ a full CV including your educational and professional qualifications, full employment history, latest remuneration, details of relevant achievements and contact details
■ a covering letter stating how you meet the criteria in the Person Specification and outlining your motivation for applying for this role
■ details of two referees, though please note that we will not approach your referees without your prior consent and only should you be shortlisted.
You are invited to complete an Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form; this is available from our advising consultants at Anderson Quigley.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation or age. Applications are particularly welcome from candidates from black or other minority ethnic backgrounds as we wish to increase the diversity of the Board.
HOW TO APPLY
