Lay Member - Digital

Description

Durham University is a globally outstanding centre of teaching and research excellence. It is a collegiate community of extraordinary people in a unique and historic setting and continues to be one of the highest ranked universities in the country. Durham is truly a university like no other.  [It is ranked in. the top 5] of the major UK University rankings (2nd in employability) and was recently named University of the Year 2026 by The Times and Sunday Time].  It is in the top 100 in the QS World University Rankings 2026.

Vice-Chancellor, Karen O’Brien, was appointed in 2022 and she quickly refreshed the strategy and focus of the University to respond to the rapidly evolving Higher Education sector.  A new Chair of Council was appointed in 2025.  The University is now seeking to invite two experienced individuals to join the University Council, one of which will be appointed to Chair the University’s Finance Committee. This is a great opportunity to join Durham University Council and there is significant scope for the right individual to add real value as a lay member/non-executive director.

The University Council is the governing body of the University and its Trustee Board. It has ultimate responsibility for the affairs and decision making of the University. Council also provides strategic insight and challenge to the Vice Chancellor and the Executive Team to ensure Durham University remains well governed and financially stable.

The ideal candidates will be seasoned executives or non-executives with extensive experience in complex and/or regulated organisations, and with a proven track record of supporting change and transformation during periods of disruption. Candidates will also have an empathy for our mission as a global research university, dedicated to enriching lives and changing the world through the advancement of learning.  One of the two candidates should have strategic finance expertise. 

Time commitment is in line with other non-executive appointments.  Council meets six times per year, in person, in Durham. In addition, there are a number of committees, which meet, in person and online.  Council members serve an initial term of four years with the potential for an additional three-year term.

For a confidential conversation about the roles, please contact: Maliha Ahmed Maliha.Ahmed@GatenbySanderson.com

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