Join the University of the Built Environment and use your expertise to help guide a forward-thinking institution shaping the future of the built environment.
The University of the Built Environment is a specialist institution dedicated to shaping the future of sustainable spaces, places and buildings through accessible, practice-based education.
With our students at the heart of everything we do, we have over 106 years of experience in providing the sector with the highest quality learning opportunities. At any one time, we have more than 4,000 students from over 100 countries benefiting from our qualifications delivered by lecturers who are specialists in their field.
We are now seeking to engage new Independent Trustees to join the Board of the University of the Built Environment, with expertise in higher education and the built environment.
We are also seeking to engage a new Chair of the Board of Trustees for the University of the Built Environment. You can find details of the Chair role here.
Who we are
The University of the Built Environment’s core purpose is to provide truly accessible, relevant and cost-effective education, which enhances careers, increases professionalism and contributes to a sustainable built environment.
We offer flexible, professionally focused degrees, apprenticeships and training, designed to fit around work and life. The majority of our programmes are delivered online through our digital campus, while studio-based learning for our Part 2 MArch degree is provided by the London School of Architecture, part of the University.
Our vision is to be the centre of excellence for built environment education, maximising our impact and influence across education and industry. In practical terms, this means we are striving to deliver greater impact through student outcomes, widening participation, student satisfaction and reach, whilst also increasing influence by offering a greater depth and breadth of education, engaging more with education and industry partners and actively collaborating.
We have been on an ambitious and successful growth journey in recent years, achieving indefinite degree awarding powers in 2022. Formerly known as the University College of Estate Management, our transition to the University of the Built Environment reflects our evolution into a modern, specialist and industry-connected institution serving the full breadth of the built environment sector.
Our 2025–2030 strategy sets out the next phase of this journey – strengthening our position as a sector leader through high-quality teaching, impactful industry collaboration and a strong commitment to sustainability. Underpinned by innovation and strong governance, the University of the Built Environment is shaping the future of the built environment through education, research and global engagement.
We champion equality, diversity and inclusion in our workforce. We celebrate diversity and the strengths it brings to our staff body, our student community and our Board of Trustees, recognising that people are key to our success.
About the role
The Board of Trustees is responsible for the overall governance, monitoring and strategic direction of the University of the Built Environment. The Board meets four times per year and provides non-executive oversight of all University activities, contributing to the development of strategy and future vision. It works alongside the Executive Team to ensure that the University achieves the objects defined in the Royal Charter and governing documents and meets all regulatory requirements. The Board is made up of Independent Trustees, staff and student members and is led by the Chair of the Board of Trustees.
As a Trustee of the University of the Built Environment, you will play a vital role in shaping the future of a specialist institution at the forefront of built environment education.
Working collaboratively with fellow Trustees, the Executive Team and the incoming Chair, you will help guide the University with insight, integrity and a shared sense of purpose, supporting both opportunity and challenge as the institution continues to evolve.
In addition to your role on the Board, you will contribute to the work of two sub-committees, supporting a deeper focus and effective governance across key areas.
These are:
- Finance Committee
- Audit Committee
- Nominations and Governance Committee
- Remuneration Committee
- Academic Assurance Committee
The role offers a meaningful opportunity to contribute your expertise while maintaining a manageable time commitment. Trustees typically dedicate around 12-14 days per year, with flexibility to reflect the rhythm of the academic cycle and key periods of activity. This includes four in-person Board meetings each year (held in Reading or London), participation in two sub-committees meeting approximately six times annually (remotely), and occasional additional engagement such as University events.
Appointments are for an initial term of three years, with the potential for a further three-year extension.
Looking ahead, with Vice-Chancellor Professor Ashley Wheaton due to conclude his role in March 2027, the Board will play an important role in supporting the Chair, Executive Team and wider University through a smooth and effective leadership transition, ensuring continuity, stability and continued momentum during this significant period.
Who we are looking for
We are seeking to appoint new Trustees who bring senior-level experience from higher education or the built environment sector, and who can apply their expertise to the work of the Board with confidence and impact.
We are especially keen to engage interest from those who bring the following experience/expertise:
- All areas of the built environment, including our growing provision in planning and architecture.
- Higher education: academic profile in the built environment, apprenticeships, or regulations and compliance.
We are looking for individuals who are passionate about the University of the Built Environment and motivated to play an active and constructive role in its governance; coming to meetings well-prepared and ready to contribute thoughtful challenge, strategic insight and meaningful support to decision-making.
Trustees will demonstrate strong communication and a collaborative approach, alongside commercial acumen and the ability to interpret complex information and data to support effective decision-making. This will help ensure strong governance, financial sustainability, student success and full institutional compliance.
Beyond Board and committee commitments, Trustees will act as ambassadors for the University, representing it positively and proactively and helping to strengthen its profile and influence.
Above all, new Trustees will bring a genuine commitment to higher education and the built environment, underpinned by strong governance experience and a shared dedication to excellence. They will embody the University’s core values of Passion, Integrity, Excellence and Support throughout their tenure.
Time commitment
Time commitment: 12-14 days per year
To view the role description and person specification, please go to the ‘How to Apply’ tab above, fill in your details and download the candidate pack.
For further information or to arrange a confidential discussion, please contact our advising consultants at Peridot Partners:
Dr Sophie Carney | sophie@peridotpartners.co.uk | 07399 528307
Olivia Robson | olivia@peridotpartners.co.uk | 07903 924770
About the University of the Built Environment
Built for Education and Built for Business.
As a university built on close collaboration between education and industry, we connect academic excellence with real-world practice. We support learners at every stage of their careers, many of whom are working professionals, by offering flexible, high-quality education delivered by academics with deep industry experience, alongside qualifications that are both professionally recognised and highly valued.
We work in close partnership with employers and professional bodies, acting as a trusted and responsive collaborator. Our courses are designed to align with regulatory standards and evolving sector needs, ensuring they remain relevant, practical and future-focused. In doing so, we play an important role in helping to address skills gaps across the built environment sector.
Core values
Our core values reflect our focus, purpose and impact in all that we do, guiding how we support our students, staff and wider stakeholders.
How we bring this to life
Passion, Integrity, Excellence and Support.
Passion – we care:
- We want each and every one of our students to succeed.
- We do the right thing by our students and customers. That means we do whatever we can to ensure that no student falls behind in their studies, and that no customer is unhappy with the service they receive
Integrity – fairness first:
- We model integrity in everything we do.
- We never compromise on honesty or trustworthiness.
- We adhere closely to laws and compliance standards.
- We do what we say we will do and fulfil our promises to staff.
Excellence – we aim high:
- High standards drive everything we do.
- We deliver excellence, strive for continuous improvement and respond dynamically to change.
- Each one of us is personally responsible and accountable for the quality of whatever we do.
- We listen to our students and understand their expectations.
- We strive to exceed expectations in quality and delivery.
Support – we support and respect each other:
- At the University, each member of staff does everything they can to help other staff and students to achieve their goals.
- We respect others and their opinions, we are open to ideas and we trust each other.
- We promote a supportive working environment across the institution that extends to our students.
We value and reward each individual’s skills, working towards common goals with shared objectives and through collaborative practice
Learn more about the University of the Built Environment
Accessibility information
We champion equality, diversity and inclusion in our workforce. We celebrate diversity and the strengths it brings to our staff body, our student community and our Board of Trustees, recognising that people are key to our success. Our aim is to attract, develop and retain a diverse workforce; therefore, we welcome and encourage applications from all backgrounds.
Inclusion.
If you have any special requirements in order to take part in our recruitment and selection process, including reasonable adjustments, please speak confidentially to a Peridot consultant.
We offer the following amenities:
- Step free access to the building, all key meeting rooms and bathrooms, and an accessible workstation
- Accessibility dogs are welcome
- Interviews can be held in meeting rooms that support hearing loops
Further Information:
The University is part of the 30% Club and we also have an internal EDI Committee.
Read our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion policy here.
Read our Recruitment Policy here.
Read our Diversity, Equality and Inclusion statement here.
Find details on our Gender, Ethnicity and Disability Pay Gap Report here.
To arrange a confidential discussion, please contact our advising consultants at Peridot Partners:
Dr Sophie Carney | sophie@peridotpartners.co.uk | 07399 528307
Olivia Robson | olivia@peridotpartners.co.uk | 07903 924770
Thank you for your interest in this role. Please download the Role Description and Person Specification.
To formally apply, please submit a CV and supporting statement (ideally maximum 2 sides of A4 each) that clearly outlines your suitability for the role against the criteria provided in the person specification, including your interest and motivation in applying for this position.
Please include your home address, contact email and mobile.
Please ensure that your application is emailed to response@peridotpartners.co.uk, inserting “Application: University of the Built Environment — Trustees” into the subject field. You will receive an acknowledgement of receipt within 2-3 days. If you do not receive an acknowledgement, please contact our admin team.
For further information about the role or to arrange a confidential discussion, please contact our advising consultants at Peridot Partners:
Dr Sophie Carney | sophie@peridotpartners.co.uk | 07399 528307
Olivia Robson | olivia@peridotpartners.co.uk | 07903 924770
As a sector-leading executive search consultancy, we know the importance of creating recruitment processes that are fair, inclusive and free from bias. We are committed to promoting equality and diversity and developing a process that values differences.
If you require any job information in an alternative format (e.g. large print), please contact the lead consultant. Please also let us know if you would like to submit your application in an alternative format.
Applicants with disabilities are welcome to contact us in confidence at any stage of the recruitment process to discuss any reasonable adjustments or support that may be required to ensure fair and equal participation.
Recruitment selection processes are based on evidence of competence stated in the person specification and in relation to our values.
Timetable
Closing date: 9 a.m. Monday 5th July 2026
Candidates informed of outcome: Wednesday 10th July 2026
First stage Interviews: Thursday 16th and Tuesday 21st July 2026
Second stage Interviews: Wednesday 5th August 2026
Equal Opportunities Monitoring
Peridot and University of the Built Environment are committed to promoting equality and diversity. To help us raise awareness and support a culture that is diverse and recognises and develops the potential of all, we need to appreciate the profile of candidates who apply for positions. We will send you an equality monitoring survey at the point of receiving your application and at the time of placement. This ensures that our processes remain inclusive and equitable throughout, and provides us with important data to help us showcase our impact.
The information will be treated confidentially and anonymously and will help us to support our commitment to fair recruitment practice. All information provided will be held in the strictest confidence and will not be shared with anyone, in line with the Data Protection Act 2018 launched on 25 May 2018.
The information provided does not form part of the decision-making process and will not affect your application. Learn more about why we collect this data here.
Data Processing, Protection and Privacy Policy
By completing the form to view, or if you have access to this page from an email invitation, Peridot Partners will have processed your personal information. For more information about Peridot Partners’ data processing activities and your rights, please read our Privacy Policy.
