Sussex University seeks independent governors

Sussex University is looking to recruit new governors, with at least one post becoming vacant at the start of August.

The university has advertised for “independent members” to join the university’s council and wants candidates with “significant board level and governance experience, a strong intellect and a willingness to constructively challenge”.

The council is the governing body of the university, which has its campus at Falmer. Its job is to set the general strategic direction of the university and hold its management to account.

Council members also oversee the university’s finances, property and investments.

The independent members work alongside academic and student members and one of their key roles is appointing the vice-chancellor, the most senior executive post, when the job becomes vacant.

Applicants have until 9am on Friday 25 April to apply for the unpaid positions.

The position is for a fixed term of three years with a maximum of nine years allowed in the role.

The university said: “The time commitment associated with the office of an independent member of council varies according to circumstances but is expected to be of the order of 15 to 20 days per year.

“The council meets four times a year in Sussex. Occasional special meetings are also held.”

Recently the university set out ambitious plans to expand over five years, with student numbers expected to rise from 13,000 to 18,000.

The strategy includes a £220 million programme of work at the Sussex campus on the edge of Brighton.