SRUC - Chair

The Role of the Chair of the SRUC Board

The Chair is responsible for the leadership of the Board and, together with the Board and the Principal, helps provide high-level strategic direction to SRUC to ensure delivery of its key objectives.

The Chair should promote the wellbeing and efficient operation of the Board, ensuring that all Board members work together effectively and have confidence in the procedures laid down for conduct of business. They will ensure that Board members apply the highest standards of corporate governance and observe the accepted principles of public life.

The Chair will ensure that the Board discusses those issues which it needs to discuss and discharges its responsibilities in a business-like way. They must be assured that Board sub-committees, which play a central role in the proper conduct of the Board’s business, report back appropriately.

Board members collectively provide high-level strategic oversight and ensure that adequate control and monitoring arrangements exist to support the Executive Leadership Team (ELT) in exercising proper stewardship and working towards agreed strategic objectives.

Board members are asked to bring their expertise and experience to bear on this work. All members question intelligently, debate constructively, challenge rigorously and decide dispassionately, having listened sensitively to the views of others, inside and outside meetings of the governing body.

The Board is entrusted with funds, both public and private, and has a particular duty to observe the highest standards of corporate governance. This includes ensuring and demonstrating integrity and objectivity in the transaction of business, and wherever possible following a policy of openness and transparency in the dissemination of its decisions.

The Chair is expected to develop a deep and thorough understanding of SRUC, its teaching, research, innovation and commercial mission, and internal structure and culture. In addition, the Chair is expected to build understanding of SRUC’s relationships with relevant external agencies, partners, and the Scottish and UK higher education and tertiary education systems.

Key Responsibilities 

Candidates are sought who can assist in taking SRUC through the next stage of its development.

• Lead the board and ensure effective conduct of business in line with SRUC’s Articles of Association, the Higher Education Governance (Scotland) Act 2016, and the Scottish Code of Good HE Governance (2023).
• Uphold the highest standards of corporate governance and public life, maintaining trust and confidence among Board members, staff, students, and stakeholders.
• Work closely with the Principal and Chief Executive as a “critical friend,” providing appropriate challenge and support while respecting the boundary between governance and management.
• Maintain effective relationships with key stakeholders, including the Scottish Funding Council, Scottish Government, and sector bodies.
• Support continuity of sub-committee work, liaising with Committee chairs as required.
• Represent SRUC externally where necessary to sustain relationships and confidence.
• Ensure any urgent governance matters are addressed in a timely and transparent manner.
• Contributing to the governance of SRUC through membership of the Remuneration & Appointments Committee.
• Regular liaison with the chair of any SRUC subsidiary

Person Specification 

The Chair will be expected to bring independent judgement to bear on issues of strategy, policy and performance and to offer high level advice on the development and management of programme and policy initiatives. These are challenging opportunities for highly motivated individuals to put their experience and expertise to use in support of rural businesses and communities, education and research.

Successful candidates will have the personal credibility and rounded experience to make a significant contribution to Board discussions. Through a persuasive and engaging personality, candidates will demonstrate the ability to be creative, incisive, objective, challenging, thought provoking and constructive.

SRUC is committed to ensuring that the Board represents the community, stakeholders, staff and students and welcomes expressions of interest from all suitably experienced individuals who have the experience and expertise needed to help direct and shape the organisation into the future. Expressions of interest are welcomed from applicants currently underrepresented on the Board who would further enhance its diversity.  This includes women, young people, ethnic minorities, and those with disabilities.

Further details can be found in the candidate brief at the bottom of this page