Independent Members of Academic Council (x2) at BPP

Of these two appointments, the University is specifically seeking one appointment to be an individual with expertise in Nursing and Healthcare (with experience of managing NMC regulated programmes).

The Academic Council is the University’s senior academic authority and seeks to promote the academic and professional work of the University and safeguards the integrity and standards of its awards. The role of Independent Members within this is a key factor in ensuring the Academic Council, and thus the academic governance of the University, is informed by wide, authoritative experience and expertise within higher education, and/or the relevant professional and practice subject areas delivered by the University.

Candidate Requirements

As a group, the Independent Members must be able to provide authoritative advice on the following areas: 

• Higher Education Governance and Management
• Academic Quality & Standards
• Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
• Learning and Teaching 

Each individual Independent Member must also be able to provide objective and authoritative expertise and advice on the above areas, and demonstrate the following criteria: 

• Have reached the rank of Professor or equivalent status (e.g., Dean/Pro Vice-Chancellor/Deputy Vice-Chancellor/Vice-Chancellor).
• Have a track record of sustained leadership in their field.
• Have a track record of operating at a senior level within their institution (e.g., sitting on Senate/Academic Council, chairing committees, leading working parties).
• Be in good standing with their professional body or institution and be familiar with and have regard to the principles of ethical practicer and professional conduct. 

We would particularly welcome applications from Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic background candidates and LGBTQ+ candidates. 

Role Requirements 

Independent Members must be able to commit to providing the time necessary to fulfil their duties to the Academic Council. This includes attending Academic Council meetings (3 per year) and sub-committee meetings (6 per year), the Academic Council away day (1 per year), graduation ceremonies, and chairing occasional University programme approval panels and providing individual advice to the Vice-Chancellor and the Independent Chair of Academic Council.

The role is non-remunerated, but reasonable expenses will be paid in line with University guidelines on expenses (e.g., travel/accommodation/subsistence for attendance at in-person events etc). 

Application Process 

The deadline for application is Monday 11^th July 2023, 23:59. All applications must be sent via the ‘Apply‘ button above.

Applicants are requested to send a covering letter (no more than 2 sides of A4) detailing how they are suitable for the role and fulfil the above criteria, and an up to date CV (that includes the contact details of two referees who can speak to the candidate’s suitability) via the ‘Apply‘ button above.

Following closure of applications, shortlisting will take place w/c 11^th July 2023, with shortlisted candidates invited to interview shortly thereafter. 

Informal Enquiries Ahead of Application 

Informal enquiries about the role can be directed to the Secretary of the Academic Council, Assoc. Prof. Dr Alexander Griffiths at AcademicGovernance@bpp.com who will be happy to either answer any e-mail queries or schedule an informal conversation ahead of the application deadline.