Lay Member of Council

About the role

Join the Council of the University of Leicester - Help Shape a second Century of Change

For 100 years, the University of Leicester has been changing the world-and changing lives-through world leading research and research inspired education. As we look to the future, we are seeking an exceptional individual with significant expertise in digital innovation and artificial intelligence to join our Council as a Lay Member, supporting the strategic leadership and governance of a diverse, ambitious and globally connected university.

You will join a vibrant community of "Citizens of Change"-staff, students, alumni and partners united by a commitment to inspiring, impactful and inclusive work. At Council level, you will play a vital role in shaping our strategic direction, bringing insight into technology enabled transformation, and ensuring robust oversight of performance, financial sustainability, risk and academic quality.

This is an unremunerated role, offering a distinctive opportunity to help steward an institution committed to innovation, inclusion and positive societal impact, while acting as an ambassador for the University within the wider community.

If you are motivated to apply your expertise at Board level and to help shape the future direction of a leading university, we would welcome your application.

About you

We are particularly interested in individuals who can offer an informed, forward looking perspective on digital and AI developments, and their implications for organisational strategy, innovation and responsible governance. As a Lay Member, you will contribute constructively as a "critical friend"-providing independent judgement, thoughtful challenge and strategic insight-while working collectively to uphold the highest standards of governance and public life.

Additional information

To find out more, please contact: governance@leicester.ac.uk or to submit your interest, please use the apply link.

Term of office: Three years. Appointments may be renewed for further terms of three years, but the maximum length of service is normally nine consecutive years.

Time commitment: Estimated to total the equivalent of 10-15 full days per year, spread over a greater number of separate visits to the University, including (by individual agreement) involvement in the work of relevant Council and Senate committees.

Remuneration: Appointments to Council are in the nature of public service appointments and no remuneration is made.

Expenses: Lay members of Council are eligible to claim reimbursement of travelling expenses for attendance at meetings of Council and any University committee or other body to which they are appointed, with the exception of Court.

In addition to the above, travelling expenses will also be reimbursed in respect of any necessary duties arising from membership of Council or other University bodies. This would include, for example, fact-finding visits to another institution, participation in induction and development events, and attendance at briefing meetings with university officers.

The University of Leicester has been changing the world, and changing people's lives, for 100 years. When you join us, you'll become part of a community of Citizens of Change , which includes not only our staff and our current students but also thousands of Leicester graduates around the world.

As a diverse and forward-thinking employer, we embed the principles of equity, diversity and inclusion into everything we do. That includes not just our core missions of teaching and research, but also our support for staff, students and our local community through our values of Inspiring, Impactful and Inclusive.

We're committed to the wellbeing of all our staff and to the sustainability of our environment, on our campus and beyond. We offer a competitive salary package, excellent pension scheme and a generous annual leave allowance, along with opportunities to develop your career in a supportive and collaborative environment.

Vacancy terms

Three years. Appointments may be renewed for further terms of three years, but the maximum length of service is normally nine consecutive years. Estimated to total the equivalent of 10-15 full days per year, spread over a greater number of separate visits to the University, including (by individual agreement) involvement in the work of relevant Council and Senate committees.