Lay Member Council jobs

Independent Lay Members of Council
University of Bradford

Voluntary, with expenses paid

Time commitment: 12-15 days per year

Term: Initial three year term

For people with purpose. It starts in Bradford.

The University of Bradford is driven by purpose. We turn aspirations into opportunity, ambition into careers and ideas into impact. Through career-focused teaching, student-centred support and life-changing research, we help people go further.

We’re looking for two Independent Lay Members to join Council, our governing body, and help us build on these strengths. This is an opportunity to put your experience to work for a university that sees potential in everybody and makes a difference in Bradford and beyond.

For these appointments, we are seeking significant senior-level expertise in one of two areas:

• Legal and regulatory: a senior legal background, with experience of advising on legal, regulatory, compliance and governance matters.
• Estates and facilities: experience of estates strategy, facilities management, capital development or major infrastructure projects.

As a Council member and charity trustee, you will help shape the University’s direction, oversee its performance and long-term sustainability, and provide constructive challenge and support to its senior leaders.

You will bring substantial leadership experience, sound judgement and the ability to listen, question and work collaboratively. You will also share our commitment to widening opportunity. Previous experience in higher education or on a governing board is welcome but not essential, a comprehensive induction and ongoing development will be provided.

We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates and value the different perspectives that professional and life experience bring. We particularly encourage applications from women and people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, who are currently under-represented on Council.

The anticipated commitment is 12–15 days a year, including Council and committee activity, with a combination of in-person and online meetings. The initial term is three years, with the possibility of reappointment.

Please see the attached role profile for full details.

To apply, please submit your CV and a supporting letter outlining your interest and the experience and perspective you would bring, by uploading this to the short application form accessed via the Apply Online button below.

To discuss any reasonable adjustments you may require during the recruitment process, please contact Gary McFarlane, Deputy Director of People, at g.mcfarlane@bradford.ac.uk.

There will be opportunities throughout the selection process to learn more about the role. For informal enquiries beforehand, please contact Matt Stephenson, Head of Governance, at m.stephenson5@bradford.ac.uk.

Closing date: Sunday 13 December 2026

Shortlisting outcomes are expected to be communicated in early January 2027, with interviews taking place mid to late January.