Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) is situated in the heart of historic Lincoln. Founded in 1862 as a CoE teacher training college, it gained university status in 2012 and continues to train primary and secondary school teachers. BGU has 2,300 students studying across five academic programmes at undergraduate and postgraduate levels and is committed to widening participation, with 64% of current students being first generation. BGU is first in the UK for Student Voice, Academic Support, Learning Opportunities, and Assessment and Feedback (NSS 2024).
Context.
Over the previous 12 months, the BGU leadership and governing body had seen a period of change and transformation. Peridot supported the appointment of a new Chair of Council, with further Governing Council Member appointments made following this. In addition, we also supported the appointment of the new Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Operations), who joined the organisation at the same time as the new interim Vice-Chancellor. To ensure the long-term sustainability of the institution in a very challenging financial and regulatory landscape, the new Executive team and Governing Council were focused on developing and implementing a new financial plan for the University. To support this process, BGU recognised the need to strengthen the financial expertise on the Council to ensure a robust level of scrutiny of the new plan.
Brief.
BGU identified the need for a financially qualified leader operating at a senior, strategic level in their sector or industry, preferably with experience operating in large, complex organisations and within a regulated environment.
Candidates would need to bring an understanding of the difference between the executive leadership role and the role of the Governing Council Member and be willing to contribute their expertise and time to supporting the Council, acting as an advocate for BGU across their own networks. Candidates would need to bring a strong commitment to the values and mission of BGU. With its focus on inclusion and access to higher education, BGU is committed to representation from all the communities it serves at board level.
Process.
As it was important that the new Governing Council Member was able to commit to being on-site for Council and Committee meetings throughout the year, we focused our search on those with the relevant skills and experience who worked and/or lived in Lincoln or within a commutable distance from the university. We mapped large organisations across the public, education, charity and private sectors to identify hundreds of potential candidates operating at executive and board levels who were financially qualified.
Outcome.
This was a challenging search due to the nature of the role, its commitment and the period of significant transformation BGU was experiencing.
Four candidates were shortlisted for interview, and two successful appointments were made.
The first appointment was an experienced Chief Finance Officer who had operated as an executive leader for a £400m turnover retail organisation in Lincolnshire. They were also an experienced university governor.
The second appointment was a fully qualified finance director and current Vice President and Managing Director of a £200m turnover manufacturing business based in Lincoln, which operates globally.
These appointments brought a diversity of experience, thought and perspective to the Council, and within 6 months of the appointment, one of the candidates was appointed as the Chair of the Finance Committee. Both Members will serve a minimum three-year term of office, with the option to continue for another three years.
There is nothing that I would have expected or wanted that was missing. Sophie was brilliant at communicating and keeping me up to date. She also helped me with my preparation of the application as well as interview. Peridot was very professional and managed to match the role they were helping to fill and match me to the vacancy. Whilst it was an approach via LinkedIn from Peridot, it was courteous and professional with enough information which piqued my interest enough for me to respond and finally lead to my accepting the role!
Appointed Governing Council Member, Bishop Grosseteste University
Dr Sophie Carney is our Managing Consultant for Higher Education Appointments in our Education Practice. With her extensive experience within the HE sector and passion for working with organisations that have a strong social mission, Sophie can support you to recruit outstanding leaders and non-executive directors who are committed to improving every student’s experience and ensuring the best outcomes for all.
