About St Mary’s University, Twickenham St Mary’s University, Twickenham is a distinctive institution offering a high-quality, inclusive higher education experience. Set in the leafy borough of Richmond-upon-Thames, its single-campus location blends the calm and space of green surroundings with the dynamic opportunities of being near central London. As a Catholic University, St Mary’s is committed to the whole-person formation and to advancing education in a manner befitting its founding vision – to foster human dignity and explore cultural and societal challenges with a distinctive Christian perspective.
Founded in 1850 as a teacher-training college, St Mary’s has grown significantly and was granted full university title in 2014. Today, it serves around 6,000 undergraduate and postgraduate students across a variety of programmes. It is renowned for its teaching quality and student experience – consistently ranking in the top five in the UK for teaching and top ten for student experience (Sunday Times Good University Guide, 2024). The institution’s graduate outcomes are excellent, with around 96% of graduates in employment, vocation or further study within 15 months of finishing their degrees. Students benefit from highly personalised support – large enough to offer a rich range of programmes, small enough to ensure that individuals are known and supported. The University emphasises one-to-one tutorial care, strong wellbeing and academic services, and vibrant campus life.
Looking forward, St Mary’s is guided by Vision 2030, its refreshed corporate strategy that sets the framework for the next five years. Centred on student success, people development, sustainable growth, purposeful partnerships, and a deepened sense of place, the strategy provides a clear and ambitious roadmap for the University’s future. You can explore Vision 2030 further on the University’s website by clicking here.
Role specification
Governors of St Mary’s University share collective responsibility for setting the institution’s strategic direction, safeguarding its Catholic ethos, and ensuring its continued academic and financial strength. They provide support and challenge to the Vice-Chancellor and executive team, overseeing performance against agreed priorities and ensuring compliance with statutory and regulatory obligations.
The Board is now seeking new Governors to guide the University through its next phase of growth. New Governors will be expected to:
* Contribute to shaping the University’s long-term strategy and ensuring it is achievable and financially sustainable
* Provide oversight of academic quality and regulatory compliance
* Support and challenge the executive in managing costs, driving efficiency and achieving sustainable growth
* Offer practical advice and insight on large-scale organisational transformation and cultural development
* Uphold the University’s Catholic ethos, with a commitment to whole-person care, dignity, and values-based decision making
Person specification
St Mary’s is seeking new Governors who can bring expertise, judgement, and values-aligned leadership to the Board.
The University is particularly interested in individuals with the following areas of expertise:
* Medical education
* Senior leadership experience in a medical school or university health faculty
* Familiarity with General Medical Council (GMC) processes and standards
* Understanding of clinical placement systems and their governance
* Experience of delivering or overseeing medical education in higher education
* Higher education leadership
* Experience as a senior academic leader
* Knowledge of sector regulatory frameworks and the challenges facing teaching-led universities
* Experience guiding universities through periods of growth, repositioning or international expansion
* HR and Change Management
* Senior strategic HR leadership experience from similarly-sized / complex organisations in any sector
* Experience of leading cultural change with sensitivity and inclusivity
* Ability to balance financial discipline with values-led leadership
* Apprenticeships and further education
* Experience of delivering apprenticeships or operating in the further education sector
* Familiarity with Ofsted requirements and governance oversight in this space
Around all areas, candidates must bring a collaborative and values-driven approach. Candidates of any faith or none are welcome to apply, but they must be supportive of and able to work in alignment with the Catholic ethos of the University.
The Board welcomes applications from individuals outside competitor institutions, as well as those from non-education sectors who can bring relevant expertise.
Board composition
To find out more about the Board of Governors, please click here .
Diversity
St Mary’s University, Twickenham welcomes applications from everyone regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, belief or disability. All appointments will be made on merit, following a fair and transparent process. In line with the Equality Act 2010, however, the organisation may employ positive action where candidates from underrepresented groups can demonstrate their ability to perform the role equally well.
Terms of appointment
This is a non-remunerated role, though reasonable travel expenses will be reimbursed. Governors serve an initial term of four years, renewable subject to Board approval. The time commitment is typically equivalent to around six Board meetings per year, plus Committee membership, an annual strategy day, and occasional University events. Board meetings are usually held on campus in Twickenham, with sub-committee meetings taking place online. For full Board meetings, in-person attendance is preferred.
To apply for this position, please contact:
St Mary\'s University, Twickenham - Governors
Institution
St Mary\'s University
Twickenham
Location
London
Remuneration
Expenses will be reimbursed
Experience
Change Management Health Higher Education Higher Education Leader Human resources
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