Welcome from Nick Sale, Chair of the Board of Governors
Thank you for your interest in the role of Deputy Chair of the Board of Governors of Coventry University Group.
We believe education transforms lives and strengthens communities. As a global education group built on equity and innovation, we deliver real-world impact through teaching, learning, research and enterprise. By continuously innovating how we educate and operate, we build long-term resilience while staying true to our core mission: Creating Better Futures.
Our Governors play a vital role in steering our strategy and safeguarding this overarching mission. Acting as a critical, trusted friend to our executive leadership team, they provide constructive challenge and strategic oversight to support financial sustainability, strategic ambition, excellent student outcomes and inclusive practice.
To contribute to the effective leadership of the Board of Governors, we are seeking a Deputy Chair who will support the effectiveness of the Board, provide leadership across the governing body and help ensure it operates as a high-performing, collectively accountable team.
Throughout my time on the governing body, I have found the University progressive, innovative and fast-moving. Contributing to its continued success is both rewarding and stimulating. If you are motivated to contribute your leadership skills to a progressive global education group, I encourage you to apply. Our Head of Governance and Company Secretary, Amanda Hartwright, and I welcome informal conversations before you submit your expression of interest.
Warm regards,
Nick Sale
Chair of the Board of Governors and Pro-Chancellor
Shape the future of global education
Coventry University Group is an innovative and globally engaged charitable education group. As we drive forward our 2030 Group Strategy, we are seeking a Deputy Chair to work in close partnership with the Chair of Governors to help ensure the Board operates as a high-performing, strategically focused and collectively accountable body, providing effective oversight and assurance in the interests of students, staff and stakeholders.
The Role
In addition to the responsibilities of a Governor, the Deputy Chair works closely with the Chair of Governors to support the effectiveness of the Board and wider governance framework. The role provides leadership across the governing body, promotes collective responsibility and constructive challenge, and helps ensure strong and productive relationships between Governors and the Executive.
This role offers the opportunity to act as a critical friend to the Executive, providing oversight of the delivery of an outstanding student experience, sustainable regional and international growth, and alignment with sector best practice. The Deputy Chair serves as a trusted adviser and sounding board to the Chair, provides continuity of Board leadership, and deputises when required, while helping to maintain a clear distinction between governance and operational management.
As Deputy Chair, you will help shape the future direction of Coventry University Group, championing our mission of Creating Better Futures through strategic leadership, effective governance and informed challenge.
Working alongside a diverse group of Governors, you will:
- Shape strategic direction: contribute to the Board’s oversight of the 2030 Group Strategy, as strategic vision is translated into sustainable UK and global growth, monitoring progress and performance
- Champion resilience and innovation: oversee strategic risk and financial sustainability, balancing ambitious innovation with long-term stability
- Prioritise student outcomes: ensure the institution delivers high-quality educational outcomes and student experiences across all UK and global campuses
- Elevate academic excellence: challenge and seek assurance on the delivery of excellence in learning, teaching and research
- Act as an ambassador: extend the Group’s reach, reputation and civic influence through your professional networks
- Shape culture and values: promote an inclusive organisational culture grounded in equality, diversity and ethical behaviour
Who we are looking for
We are particularly interested in hearing from individuals who have held board-level, non-executive roles, as well as those who can demonstrate equivalent leadership, governance or entrepreneurial experience gained through professional, voluntary, community or other settings, and who can bring the following:
- The capacity to work in close partnership with the Chair and provide independent advice and constructive challenge
- A commitment to collective leadership and to promoting an open, inclusive and high-performing Board culture
- The ability to scrutinise complex data, exercise independent judgement, make informed decisions and challenge constructively
- A collaborative approach to decision-making and building trust
- A balanced approach to risk, openness to innovation and entrepreneurial outlook
Effective communication and influencing skills
- An understanding of good governance practice and high standards of integrity
- A commitment to equality, diversity, inclusion and the standards of public life
- An interest in higher education and one or more of our campus locations (Coventry, London, Scarborough and global offices)
Governor perspectives
"I joined as a Governor five years ago to gain experience in the education sector and share my 30 years of public sector experience. Working alongside leaders, academics, staff and student Governors has been a fascinating learning curve with exceptional support. I thoroughly recommend the role."
Karen Martin, Remuneration Committee Chair
"The more I discovered about Coventry University Group during the recruitment process, the more compelled I was to join. I have developed my own skills, broadened my perspective on higher education and collaborated with outstanding colleagues across the organisation."
Helen Nixseaman, Audit and Risk Committee Chair
"Contributing to a complex, dynamic education group as it navigates a changing economic landscape is demanding and deeply rewarding. Seeing the enthusiasm of students on campus and at graduation reminds me that supporting their future is exceptionally meaningful work."
Peter Reynolds, Strategy, Finance and Resources Committee Chair
"I believe few things are more important than helping the next generation develop their talents. I was drawn to Coventry University by its willingness to innovate and challenge traditional ways of doing things, while keeping students’ needs at the heart of its decisions. Being a Governor has been incredibly rewarding: I’ve learned a great deal and developed skills that I can apply in my wider career."
Atti Emecz, Research and Enterprise Committee Member
What this role offers you
- High-level strategic influence: shape the direction of a major global education group
- Exceptional professional network: collaborate with a diverse board of cross-sector leaders, academics and industry pioneers
- Professional development: expand your non-executive portfolio within a complex, highly regulated global institution
Board and committee structure
The governing body comprises the main Board of Governors and specialist Sub-committees:
- Audit and Risk
- Education
- Governance and Nominations
- People
- Remuneration
- Research and Enterprise
- Strategy, Finance and Resources
The Deputy Chair sits on the Board of Governors and will serve on key Board committees. Committee membership will be determined according to the individual’s experience and the needs of the Board, but may include the Strategy, Finance and Resources Committee and the Governance and Nominations Committee.
Role details
- Time commitment: approximately 30 days per year, with potential increases depending on Sub-Committee involvement
- Remuneration: £15,000 per year, with reasonable travel and subsistence expenses reimbursed
- Term of office: initial three-year term, renewable once for up to six years total
- Location: meetings are primarily held in Coventry. In-person attendance is preferred, with hybrid options available where necessary
