The University of Southampton governing body (known as the University Council) has provision for a member of the non-academic/non-teaching community among its appointed membership.
Adrian Reyes-Hughes, Associate Director of Faculty Operations is stepping down from this position on 31 July 2020, which means the Council wishes to appoint a new individual. Could you be just the person the Council is looking for?
Reflecting on his time in the role, Adrian said:
“I have very much enjoyed being a Council member – it afforded me the opportunity to be actively involved in the strategic business of the University; approving the yearly financial and business plan, reviewing progress reports on all the University’s activities from education to equality, diversity and inclusion; from research to estates plans and from the Health & Safety Annual Report to International Strategy.
“I feel fortunate to have been actively involved in the development of the University’s wider strategy and to see how it has been implemented across the organisation.”
A longer interview with Adrian Reyes-Hughes was featured in the March edition of Staff Matters.
The Role
The University Council meets six times per year and has the overall responsibility for the strategic direction and general operation of the University at the highest level. It holds the University Executive to account and provides advice and guidance to the President & Vice-Chancellor and his team.
In order to govern effectively, the Council is made up of a majority of independent lay members, Executive members, University Senate members, a member of the non-academic/non-teaching staff (this role) and a member of the Students’ Union, and is supported by a Committee structure and the University Senate.
Individual members are not appointed to represent any group, faculty or department but are tasked with working collectively in the best interests of the institution as a whole and to add their experience and expertise to the role.
The Person
Council is looking for a strategic thinker who can contribute to debates, bring fresh ideas and help to solve challenges in a collegiate manner. Someone who can see the larger picture while appreciating the detail and can offer real solutions to help an organisation which is both complex and innovative.
The Commitment
Council meets six times per year and one of the meetings is a strategic awayday held over two days each January. An agenda pack is produced and circulated two weeks prior to every meeting containing reports and information.
Prior to Council meetings (usually held in the afternoons) a visit to a faculty or department is held to enable Council members to gain a better understanding of University operation. It’s a chance to see the faculty estate, meet staff and students and hear about the ambitious plans for the future. In the evening, prior to each Council meeting, there is also a dinner where a guest speaker is usually invited.
How to apply
If you would like to apply for this role, please write to the Clerk to the University Council & Senate (details below) setting out your current role in the University, your wider experience (also include a current CV) and what you can bring to the Council. We would like to encourage applications from all sectors of our diverse University community.
You will also need to secure the support of 10 non-academic/non-teaching colleagues to support your application. Your supporters do not need to submit anything in writing, just their name and contact details is sufficient. A reference from your line manager will be sought and also a brief 1-2-1 meeting with a senior member of Council will take place with candidates prior to any appointment being made.
The closing date for applications is Monday 6 July 2020.
For any queries on the position and applications please contact:
Mr Lee Abraham
Clerk to the University Council & Senate
Room 4035, Building 37
