Member of the Board of Governors, Birmingham City University

Birmingham City University (BCU) is a large, diverse and ambitious institution, with more than 31,000 students and a proud history stretching back to 1843. Deeply connected to Birmingham and the wider West Midlands, BCU combines a commitment to transformative, practice-based education with distinctive strengths spanning the creative arts, technology, health, business and professional education. It has invested more than £400 million in its estate over the past decade and is now embarking on an exciting new chapter under Vice-Chancellor Professor David Mba, as it delivers its Strategy 2030 and Beyond.

BCU is seeking to appoint a new independent member of its Board of Governors. The Board plays a critical role in setting the University’s strategic direction, scrutinising performance and holding the Executive to account. The successful candidate will also specifically contribute to the work of the University’s Audit Committee, which provides assurance to the Board across the University’s control and risk environment, including strategic risk management, internal and external audit, financial reporting, cybersecurity and value for money.

The Board meets five times each year and the overall core time commitment is expected to be approximately 15–20 days annually. The University is looking for an individual who shares BCU’s passion for its mission and purpose and brings relevant experience and skills suitable for membership of an Audit Committee. Candidates will combine sound judgement and strategic perspective with a naturally collaborative style and the confidence to ask probing and constructive questions. They should understand the range of stakeholder interests in, and the challenges and changes facing, higher education, and demonstrate a strong personal commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion. Previous non-executive experience would be desirable but is not essential.

Birmingham City University is being assisted in this appointment by Society, part of the Norman Broadbent Group. To download additional information, to ask a question, or to apply, please click on the links below.

The deadline for receipt of applications is midday on Monday 11th September 2026.

BCU is committed to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and strongly encourages applications from suitably qualified individuals from a wide range of backgrounds and lived experiences.