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Independent Governors (Chair of Audit & Risk, Digital and HE Policy) University of Wolverhampton
Join the non-executive Board of Governors of the University of Wolverhampton and help shape the future of an inclusive, values-driven university through strategic leadership, independent challenge, and a shared commitment to the transformative power of higher education.
* Salary: Unremunerated
Who we are
Independent Governors are non-executive members of the University’s Board of Governors. They bring independent judgement, strategic insight, and professional expertise to support the University’s long-term success, financial sustainability, and compliance with an increasingly complex regulatory environment.
The Board operates through a constructive partnership between Governors and the Executive, underpinned by mutual respect, clarity of roles, and a shared commitment to the University’s mission. Governors are responsible for strategic oversight, assurance, and governance, while the Executive team retains accountability for operational leadership and delivery.
Independent Governors are expected to work collaboratively, valuing strong relationships, open dialogue, and collective responsibility. The role requires a genuine commitment of time and attention, including engagement in discussions and workshops that support informed decision-making and long-term stability.
About the role
Setting direction and providing strategic oversight
* Contribute to the definition, approval, and review of the University’s mission, values, and strategic priorities.
* Support the Board in maintaining a clear long-term strategic direction that is responsive to a volatile external environment.
* Provide assurance on institutional performance and future strategic positioning.
Ensuring financial sustainability and effective governance
Governors play a key role in:
* Monitoring financial performance, long-term sustainability, and the effective management of risk.
* Overseeing governance frameworks and ensuring regulatory compliance, including with the Office for Students Conditions of Registration.
* Ensuring adherence to the University’s Instrument and Articles of Government, Board Regulations, and the Committee of University Chairs Code of Governance.
Providing constructive challenge and assurance
In fulfilling their non-executive role, Independent Governors:
* Offer informed questioning and constructive challenge, supporting robust decision-making.
* Recognise and respect the professional expertise and leadership of the Executive team, providing oversight without encroaching on operational management.
* Receive and evaluate assurance on delivery, outcomes, and the effectiveness of strategic execution.
Working in partnership with Board leadership and the Executive
* Effective governance depends on strong relationships and clear communication. Independent Governors are expected to:
* Adopt a collaborative, relationship-based approach that supports Board cohesion and effectiveness.
* Maintain a ‘no surprises’ approach, keeping the Chair appropriately informed and supported.
* Be prepared to adapt thinking and support changes in strategic direction where required.
* Commitment, engagement, and ambassadorship.
The role requires:
* A meaningful commitment of time, including attendance at Board and committee meetings, strategy sessions, and workshops.
* Ongoing development of knowledge of higher education governance, policy, and regulation.
* A willingness to act as an ambassador for the University, representing and promoting it at key events and formal occasions, including graduations
Governors are expected to act in line with the Nolan Principles of Public Life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty, and leadership.
Appointments are typically for a three-year term, renewable up to nine years, with a 12-month probationary period. The time commitment averages a minimum of 5 hours per month, plus preparation, briefings, and 2 annual strategic away days.
Who we are looking for
We welcome and encourage interest from experienced, values-driven individuals who can bring independent, strategic thinking and senior professional expertise to the University of Wolverhampton’s Board of Governors.
Chair of the Audit & Risk Committee
We are looking for an experienced and commercially minded leader with either direct experience of leading audit and risk services for large and complex public institutions as clients, or as an experienced non-executive with prior service on an audit & risk committee. The successful candidate will have an excellent understanding of the business cycle of an audit & risk committee, including its critical oversight role in financial management, risk, and regulatory compliance, and the importance of audit in ensuring the long-term sustainability and governance of a higher education institution.
We are seeking an individual with extensive experience leading major programmes of IT and digital change, linked to infrastructure planning, capital development, and investment to support organisational growth. This role requires the ability to bring strategic insight into how technology and digital initiatives can transform operations, enhance student and staff (customer) experience, and deliver long-term institutional impact.
Independent Governor – Higher Education Policy & Regulation
We are seeking a candidate with significant experience in higher education policy, regulation, or governance, gained either through work in government, advising government, or supporting the sector through professional and membership organisations.
Candidates could also come from think tanks or policy organisations with expertise in shaping higher education strategy, regulation, and compliance. This role requires an understanding of the wider higher education landscape and the ability to contribute insight into regulatory, policy, and sector developments that affect the University’s strategic objectives.
All Independent Governors
Successful candidates for all roles will demonstrate:
* Independent judgement, integrity, and the ability to act impartially
* Strong analytical, interpersonal, and collaborative skills
* The ability to provide constructive challenge while supporting collective decision-making
* A commitment to preparation, attendance at meetings, and ongoing development
* Alignment with fairness, inclusion, public service, and the University’s values
* A passion for the transformative impact of higher education and the University of Wolverhampton
We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds. Diversity of experience and thought strengthens the Board and reflects the inclusive values of our university.
To view the role description and person specification, please go to the ‘How to Apply’ tab above, fill in your details and download the job pack. For further information or to arrange a confidential discussion, please contact our advising consultants at Peridot Partners:
If you would like to know more about this role please contact Drew Richardson-Walsh
I am deeply honoured and privileged to be the Chair of the Board of Governors at the University of Wolverhampton.
The university in its original form dates back nearly 200 years, when it was established as a Tradesmen’s and Mechanics’ Institute in 1827. The foundations laid then continue to influence the university’s mission, character, courses, research, knowledge exchange, and role as an anchor institution. The University is proudly rooted in its local and regional community, offering opportunities to all, irrespective of background. The latest Graduate Outcomes Survey reports that 88% of graduates are in work or education 15 months after graduation, with 76% working in the West Midlands, demonstrating the University’s impact on social mobility, local economy, and communities.
The University has ambitious plans for its future set out in Strategy 2035, with the Board of Governors central to ensuring strategic oversight, accountability, and long-term success. The Board works closely with the Executive to ensure delivery against the Strategy’s objectives.
We are seeking three new Independent Governors, including a Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee, who can bring additional perspectives, professional expertise, integrity, and commitment to our values. Prior experience in higher education governance is not required. What matters is your ability to contribute constructively, challenge thinking, support decision-making in a complex and dynamic environment, and demonstrate a real passion for the city of Wolverhampton and the University in particular.
This is an opportunity to influence the University’s strategic direction, work alongside a diverse and committed team of governors and senior leaders, and make a tangible difference to students, staff, and the wider community. Diversity of experience and thought strengthens our Board and reflects the inclusive values of our University.
If you share our commitment to the transformative power of higher education, we would be delighted to hear from you.
Yours sincerely,
Angela Spence
Chair of the Board of Governors
About the University of Wolverhampton
The University of Wolverhampton is a dynamic higher education institution rooted in the heart of the Black Country. We are home to more than 29,000 students studying in the UK and overseas, supported by over 2,000 dedicated staff, and we take pride in the positive social, economic, and cultural impact we make across the region.
Our student body is primarily drawn from the West Midlands, Shropshire, and Staffordshire, with a balanced mix of younger and mature learners. We are expanding our national and international reach through significant investment in our campuses and facilities, supporting our growth ambitions while attracting more 18-year-old learners.
We offer a broad academic portfolio that has undergone extensive review to ensure it is financially sustainable, responsive to employer needs, and aligned with a rapidly evolving regulatory environment. Research is central to our mission; in REF 2021, over half of our research was judged to be internationally excellent or world leading. In the Knowledge Exchange Framework, we are ranked in the top 10% nationally for both public and community engagement and local growth and regeneration.
Internationally, the University maintains long-standing partnerships across Europe, China, Sri Lanka, and beyond. The number of international students is increasing, particularly from South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa, diversifying our global reach.
Our campuses have benefited from significant investment, offering outstanding facilities for students and staff, complemented by the University of Wolverhampton Science Park, which supports innovative businesses and regional economic growth.
Above all, our students are at the heart of everything we do. We strive to remove barriers to success, enabling students to achieve their potential and become future leaders and role models. Our culture is welcoming, supportive, and community-focused — values that define who we are.
We understand that different members of the community have different access needs and have made some modifications to the way we do business to accommodate people from diverse communities and abilities. We offer the following amenities:
* Step-free access to the building, all key meeting rooms and bathrooms, and an accessible workstation
* Accessibility dogs are welcome
* Interviews can be held in meeting rooms that support hearing loops
* Papers and materials can be presented in different formats
* A sign language interpreter can be accessed for the interview
* Working patterns and locations can be adjusted
We have a Disability Equality Action Plan that was co-created with the Disabled staff network and input from the Student Accessibility, Disability and Inclusion Team.
* Ensures the line manager and the member of staff have a record of the adjustments that have been agreed.
* Reduce the need to re-assess adjustments every time a member of staff changes jobs, are relocated or are assigned a new manager.
* Provide the line manager and the member of staff with the basis for future conversations about adjustments.
To arrange a confidential discussion, please contact our advising consultants at Peridot Partners:
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To formally apply, please submit a CV and supporting statement (ideally maximum 2 sides of A4 each) that clearly outlines your suitability for the role against the criteria provided in the person specification, including your interest and motivationin applying for this position.
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For further information about the role or to arrange a confidential discussion, please contact our advising consultants at Peridot Partners:
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Timetable
Closing date: 9 a.m. Monday 23rd February 2026
Candidates informed of outcome: By 5 p.m. Monday 2nd March 2026
Interviews (in person):Wednesday 11th March 2026
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