Chair of Council
Share this role
- Employer:
- University of Nottingham
- Location:
- Nottingham
- Salary:
- Unremunerated
- Closing date:
- 9am, Monday 16th March 2026
- Job Ref:
- GSe126667
Description
Shape the Future. Lead with Purpose. Govern for Impact.
The University of Nottingham is a globally recognised, research‑intensive university with a distinctive mission, a strong civic commitment, and an exceptional international reach. With campuses in the UK, China and Malaysia, the University is home to a dynamic, diverse and ambitious community. Our world‑class research, transformative educational experience and deep partnerships across sectors enable Nottingham to make a lasting impact on society regionally, nationally and globally.
The University is now seeking to appoint a new Chair of Council to lead its governing body at a pivotal moment. Higher education is undergoing profound change, and Nottingham is responding with determination and ambition through the Future Nottingham transformation programme, which is strengthening strategic alignment, enhancing organisational resilience and shaping the University’s long‑term direction. The Chair will play a critical role in ensuring Council provides the strategic leadership, scrutiny and stewardship required for the University to navigate this period of transformation with clarity, confidence and purpose.
This is a role for an individual of exceptional calibre. Candidates will bring significant board‑level experience in complex organisations, ideally as Chair, and a strong track record of guiding organisations through change. They will offer astute strategic judgement, a deep understanding of effective governance, and a clear appreciation of the distinction between executive and non‑executive responsibilities. An authentic commitment to the mission of higher education, and to Nottingham’s values, culture and global role, is essential.
The successful candidate will demonstrate personal authority, integrity and independence of mind, combined with the interpersonal and communication skills to engage a wide range of stakeholders across a large and international community. They will work with inclusivity, openness and collaboration, reflecting the University’s commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion. As an ambassador for Nottingham, they will champion its strengths and potential locally, nationally and globally.
The initial term of office is four years, the role is unremunerated with reasonable expenses covered, and it requires around 15–20 days on campus per year alongside wider engagement; this is a rewarding opportunity to help shape the University of Nottingham’s future at a pivotal moment.
For an informal conversation about the role please contact Maliha Ahmed Maliha.ahmed@gatenbysanderson.com
To view the job description and person specification, please scroll to the bottom of the page, tick to agree to the privacy policy, then click 'Continue to full details'.
How to Apply
- Please submit your CV along with a Supporting Statement addressing the person specification criteria, evidencing how you meet the criteria.
- Detail any employment or education gaps.
- Be ready to provide the names, positions, organisations and contact details for two referees; one should be your current or most recent employer. Referees will be contacted for those proceeding to final stages. We will always gain your permission before we contact referees.
- Let us know any difficulty you may have with the indicative timetable.
- Check that your contact details are correct before you submit.
Once you have submitted your application, you will receive an automated email confirmation. If you do not receive, please email contactus@gatenbysanderson.com