Victoria College of Arts and Design
Chair of the Board of Governors
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Chair of the Board of Governors
Company: Victoria College of Arts and Design (VCAD)
Position: Chair of the Board of Governors
Location: Virtual, with some face-to-face meetings
Start Date: Immediate
Type: Part-time, with remuneration and reimbursement of reasonable, relevant expenses
About Victoria College of Arts and Design
Victoria College of Arts and Design (VCAD) is committed to effective governance, academic quality, student success, and continuous institutional improvement.
The Chair of the Board of Governors plays a pivotal strategic leadership role in overseeing VCAD's governance. The Chair ensures the Board operates effectively, efficiently, and in full compliance with the CUC Higher Education Code of Governance, the Office for Students (OfS) regulatory framework, and other relevant statutory requirements.
The Chair will work closely with the Board of Governors and Senior Management Team (SMT), providing strategic oversight, constructive challenge, and leadership while supporting the College's long-term success and sustainability.
Role
The Chair of the Board of Governors will provide strategic leadership and effective governance oversight across VCAD. The role will ensure that the Board operates effectively, efficiently, and in compliance with relevant higher education requirements, including the CUC Higher Education Code of Governance and OfS regulatory framework. The Chair will lead the Board in fulfilling its core functions, including strategic direction, regulatory oversight, and accountability, while maintaining a strong working relationship with the Senior Management Team (SMT).
Main Duties and Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership:
- Provide strategic oversight to ensure the long-term success and sustainability of the College.
- Lead the Board in approving and reviewing the institution's mission, vision, values, and strategic goals.
- Ensure the alignment of institutional activities with the strategic plan and OfS strategic priorities.
- Promote a culture of continuous improvement, transparency, and accountability.
- Ensure the Board has timely access to data and information required for strategic decision-making.
- Support the governing body in assuring academic quality and standards in line with the UK Quality Code and OfS regulatory requirements.
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Governance and Compliance:
- Ensure the Board complies with OfS registration conditions.
- Oversee the implementation of effective governance frameworks, structures, and policies.
- Ensure compliance with all legal, financial, and educational standards.
- Ensure accountability through appropriate delegation, scrutiny, and committee oversight.
- Ensure the Board is kept informed of regulatory developments and changes in the external environment.
- Ensure the governing body discharges its duties relating to freedom of speech and academic freedom.
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI):
- Ensure the Board fulfils its responsibilities under the Equality Act 2010 and has appropriate oversight of EDI obligations.
- Lead the Board in embedding EDI within the College's strategy, governance, policies, and decision-making.
- Promote an inclusive and respectful institutional culture.
- Champion diversity of background, experience, and perspective at Board level.
Board Management and Culture:
- Chair Board meetings, promoting inclusive and productive discussion and effective decision-making.
- Ensure decisions are clearly documented, actioned, and followed up.
- Ensure the Board is composed of members with the appropriate skills, diversity, and experience.
- Oversee induction, training, and development for Board members.
- Conduct regular evaluations of the Board's performance and ensure succession planning.
- Identify and address skills gaps in the Board's composition.
- Uphold the Board's integrity, independence, and accountability.
Risk and Financial Oversight:
- Ensure the Board reviews and challenges the College's risk framework and risk register.
- Oversee the College's financial strategy, sustainability, and resilience.
- Seek assurance that robust systems of internal control are in place, including arrangements for risk management, financial control, fraud prevention, data protection, and safeguarding.
- Ensure the Board receives timely, accurate, and relevant management information to support effective scrutiny, decision-making, and assurance.
Stakeholder Engagement:
- Act as an ambassador for the College, promoting its interests and enhancing its reputation with key stakeholders.
- Build constructive relationships with the SMT, ensuring appropriate support and challenge.
- Represent the Board at official events and institutional functions or delegate this appropriately.
- Engage effectively with students, staff, alumni, partners, and the wider community.
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Support and Development:
- Serve as the primary channel of communication between the SMT and the Board of Governors.
- Provide guidance, support, and constructive challenge to the SMT.
- Promote a culture of learning and improvement within the Board and institution.
- Ensure training and development opportunities are provided for Governors to enhance their governance effectiveness.
- Lead the Board's oversight of senior leadership performance, remuneration, and succession in line with CUC and OfS guidance.
Qualifications and Skills
- Proven experience in a senior leadership or non-executive governance role, ideally within Higher Education.
- Strong understanding of governance, strategic planning, and regulatory compliance in the English Higher Education sector.
- Ability to lead and manage diverse teams with authority and empathy.
- Strong interpersonal, communication, and facilitation skills.
- Ability to interpret complex data, assess risk, and make informed decisions.
Skills and Competencies
- Strategic Leadership: Ability to guide the Board in shaping and monitoring long-term strategy.
- Governance Expertise: Strong understanding of higher education governance, regulatory compliance, and Board responsibilities.
- Financial and Risk Oversight: Capacity to scrutinise financial strategy, sustainability, and key risks.
- Board Development: Skills in supporting effective Board performance, recruitment, and succession planning.
- Communication and Influence: Ability to facilitate discussion, build consensus, and represent the College externally.
Commitment to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
Victoria College of Arts and Design is committed to promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion in all aspects of governance and leadership. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, in accordance with the Equality Act 2010, and actively encourage diverse membership of the Board to reflect the communities we serve.
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