Board Recruitment
Recruitment of Independent Members to the Board of Management
UHI Perth is one of Scotland’s leading Colleges of Further and Higher Education, and a partner in the University of the Highlands and Islands.
UHI Perth is currently recruiting for new Independent Board Members to join the governing body charged with overseeing the operation of the College. We would particularly welcome applications from individuals with recent senior-level background in finance, accountancy, corporate governance or change management.
A position on our Board requires commitment to the work of the College and the community, an interest in the post-16 education sector, and effective communication and analytical skills.
Membership is voluntary and unpaid, but brings huge rewards to members - input can make a real difference to the education and prospects of our learners and to the wellbeing and success of the communities where they live.
Attendance at meetings of the Board and Committees is required, usually early evening, and reasonable travel costs for Board business are reimbursed.
The College is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, or pregnancy and maternity.
The closing date for applications will be 12pm on Thursday 31st October 2024, and interviews with short-listed candidates are likely to be scheduled for early November 2024.
If you would like further details about becoming a Board member at UHI Perth, or to arrange an informal conversation with the Chair of the Board, please contact:
Ian McCartney
Clerk to the Board of Management at ian.mccartney2.perth@uhi.ac.uk
To apply, please complete and submit the Board of Management Application Form provided, together with an up-to-date CV, to ian.mccartney2.perth@uhi.ac.uk
You can find out more information about:
- Our current Board membership
- How our Board works
- Historic Committee meetings
- Our financial information
This post undertakes regulated work with children and a Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme check is required. A check will be made against the list of those barred from working with children. Other appropriate checks may be also be undertaken for this type of role.
Key documents
The duties of the Board member are:
The duties of the Board member are:
- To ensure that the College complies with its governing document and relevant legislation
- To ensure that the College pursues its objects as defined in its governing document
- To ensure that the College applies its resources exclusively in pursuance of its objects
- To contribute actively to the Board’s role in giving the College strategic direction, setting overall policy, defining goals and setting targets and evaluation of performance against agreed targets
- To safeguard the good name and values of the College
- To ensure the effective and efficient administration of the College
- To ensure the financial stability of the College
- To protect and manage the property of the College
- To appoint the Principal and monitor his/her performance
- In addition to the above, each member should use any specific skills, knowledge or experience they have to help the Board to reach sound decisions. This may involve:
- scrutinising Board papers
- leading discussions
- focusing on key issues
- providing advice and guidance on new initiatives
- investigating new issues
- reviewing in detail issues in which the member has special expertise
Members of the Board of Management are expected to show:
Members of the Board of Management are expected to show:
- A commitment to the College
- A willingness to devote the necessary time and effort to fully understand the strategy, risks and overall obligations of the College and prepare for and attend Board Meetings
- Strategic vision
- Good, independent judgement
- An ability to think creatively
- A willingness to speak their mind
- An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of Board Membership
- An ability to work effectively as a member of a team
- Must be able to comply with the Nine Principles of Public Life (selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty, leadership, public service and respect)
- Must be able to identify where conflicts of interest arise
- Must recognise the overarching responsibility to put the College’s aims before those of any body which has nominated them
Board of Management - Person Specification
Board of Management - Person Specification
General Skills and Personal Qualities:
Description: Works collaboratively & constructively with others
Requirement
- appreciates the knowledge/skills of colleagues
- supports colleagues whenever possible
- shares knowledge at every opportunity
- shows respect for colleagues and stakeholders
- strives to achieve consensus
- able to accept a consensus decision even if it goes against a personal view
Assessment Method: Application and/or interview
Description: Challenges the views of others in a constructive and supportive way
Requirement
- confident in questioning proposals and debating issues
- puts forward views in an objective way
- not dogmatic about own perspective
- helps others to consider their position in a non-confrontational way
Assessment Method: Application and/or interview
Description: Sees the ‘bigger picture’
Requirement
- able to look ahead and consider issues/topics within different timeframes
- identifies relevant implications from what is being discussed such as challenges, risks etc.
- sees beyond own personal experience or specialism and considers other information and perspectives
- does not take a short term, parochial view
Assessment Method: Application and/or interview
Description: Information analysis and decision-making
Requirement
- uses information which is available to reach conclusions
- can clearly explain how conclusions have been reached
- identifies implications associated with issue under consideration - priorities, risks, opportunities etc.
- recognises when information is limited and where more information might be needed
- balances a number of different considerations
Assessment Method: Application and/or interview
Description: Effective communication
Requirement
- focused and succinct in communications with others and demonstrates good listening skills
- confident in expressing views and opinions in a group setting
- persuasive, able to influence others to own perspective
- able to adapt communication style appropriately for different situations
Assessment Method: Application and/or interview
Description: Enthusiastic and passionate about education
Requirement
- knowledge/understanding of further and higher education and the University’s mission
- able to explain how further/higher education can benefit the wider community
- can enthuse others about education
Assessment Method: Interview
2. Priority skills/experience
(Note - not all candidates will be required to demonstrate the priority skills, as outlined below)
Description: Financial management, accounting, corporate governance.
Criteria
- Experience of working in finance, audit or corporate governance
- Able to offer advice to members of Board of Management, Audit Committee or Finance and General Purposes Committees Committee as required
- Possession of a relevant qualification
Assessment Method: Application and/or interview