External Council Members

Could you be one of our new external Council Members? Would you like to be one of the University’s strategic decision-makers, contributing to our continued success?

Share your expertise and strategic insight. Offer a fresh perspective. Grow your influence in this pivotal and rewarding role.

Joining Council

These are exciting times for the University. We’re looking to strengthen and diversify our board membership with new external Council Members who share our ambitions and values, and reflect our inclusive community. As governors of the University, the experience, skills and enthusiasm of Council Members are crucial to shaping the direction and development of the University.

We are seeking outstanding individuals with the intellectual capacity, commercial acumen and strategic leadership insight to support us in shaping our transformational agenda.

We would particularly welcome applications from individuals that would increase the diversity of our governing body.  Applications from candidates with financial management expertise or experience in the governance of large, complex organisations would enhance the skills available amongst Council Members. Applications from candidates with expertise outside these areas are also welcome.

We have two roles available from August 2024 as two of our current members come to the end of their tenures. We are also accepting applications from candidates who would like to be considered for places on our governing body with a starting date of August 2025, when some additional opportunities will become available.  If you have experience at a senior level relating to education, or experience of being a trustee, or you work or have worked in a complex corporate, national, global, charity or public sector organisation, and would like to be considered for one of our governor roles, do get in touch.

In this rewarding and rare opportunity, you will make a significant contribution to the future direction of the University. We are home to the curious, the brave and the bold. If you share our passion and have the requisite skills and experience, we would be keen to hear from you.

Council Roles and Responsibilities

In addition to being Members of the University's Council, members also carry the responsibilities of Trustees of the University as an exempt charity. A majority of our Council's members are external to the University, and contribute a wide range of experience from their experiences in the public, private and third sectors. All Council Members, whether internal or external, have individual and collective responsibility for the University’s strategic decision-making.

As a Member of our Council, you would be expected to contribute the equivalent of approximately 16 days per year to the University. This will include on-site attendance at and engagement with four Council meetings, as well as two Council away days per year. Members appointed to Council sub-committees may be required to commit up to an additional four days a year.

Read further information about the role and its responsibilities here

How to Apply

Applications should be submitted online by Monday, 08 April 2024.

To apply, please submit a comprehensive CV along with a covering letter setting out your interest in the role and details of how you match the required criteria. Please include in a separate document, the names and addresses of three referees. Referees will not be approached until the final stages and not without prior permission from candidates.

Applications should be made online, but if you would like advice or help in making an application, or need information in a different format, please contact resourcing@essex.ac.uk

Any questions about the role of Council Member should be directed in the first instance to our Registrar and Secretary to Council, Bryn Morris, via registrar@essex.ac.uk.

Following a shortlist meeting of the Selection Committee, successful candidates will be invited to attend an interview at the University on Wednesday 08 May 2024.

All candidates are requested to complete an online Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form which will be found at the end of the application process. This will assist the University in monitoring selection decisions to assess whether equality of opportunity is being achieved. Any information collated from the Equal Opportunities Monitoring Forms will not be used as part of the selection process and will be treated as strictly confidential.

All shortlisted candidates will be required to complete a Register of Interest form and a Fit and Proper Declaration. Successful candidates will also be required to sign up to the University’s Governor Code of Conduct, copies of which will be provided to each short-listed candidate ahead of the final interview stages.