UHI, as the Regional Strategic Body, seeks to recruit an independent Chair of its Transition Board, the governing body charged with overseeing the merger of UHI North Highland, UHI Outer Hebrides, and UHI West Highland. The merger is an exciting strategic partnership which will create a more sustainable, anchor institution within UHI, ideally placed to respond to the region’s key growth sectors. The combined capacity and resource will enable:
- growth in curriculum, research and innovation;
- development of partnerships to support employers in addressing the skills shortages in the area; and
- an increased response to the social, cultural, and economic opportunities in the region.
Up until now, a Partnership Board has been in place to oversee the merger programme. The merger proposal and business case was approved by the Boards of Management at UHI North Highland, UHI Outer Hebrides and UHI West Highland in November 2022. This merger proposal and business case has now been submitted to the Scottish Government for final approval ahead of a proposed merger vesting date, scheduled for 1st August 2023.
Following the decision to merge by the Boards of Management at each of the three colleges, the Partnership Board will now be replaced with a Transition Board, which will eventually become the Board of Management for the merged college.
The successful applicant will lead the Transition Board through the implementation stage before assuming the role of Chair of the Board of Management on vesting date.
The Transition Board/Board of Management sets the overall strategic direction of the Merged College and is responsible for its corporate governance. Applications for the post of Transition Board Chair are invited from individuals who have significant experience or knowledge of:
- further, higher or senior secondary education or the college student experience; or
- industry, commerce, finance, the third sector, public service or trade unions; or
- the region (or a relevant part of it) and its relevant needs.
Effective communication and analytical skills are essential. Chairing the Board will be an excellent opportunity for the successful applicant to share knowledge and expertise while taking an active part in enabling this new organisation to meet its strategic aims, thus making a real difference to the education and prospects of our learners and the wellbeing and success of our communities. Applicants should be prepared to devote the equivalent of an average of at least one day each week to this demanding but exciting role, and should note that there may be times, particularly when forming the Transition Board, when more time will be required. This position is voluntary and unpaid although reasonable expenses will be reimbursed.
UHI is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, or pregnancy and maternity. Successful appointees will be expected to meet the standards of conduct set in the Model Code of Conduct for members of devolved public bodies. Appointment is subject to membership of the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme and the successful applicant must formally register any interests which may have a bearing on their work for the Board.
For further information on the college merger, please visit Home – Rural and Islands College Merger Project (uhi.ac.uk). To obtain an application pack, please get in touch with sheena.stewart@uhi.ac.uk to whom applications should be sent. The closing date for applications is 12 noon on Wednesday 30 November, 2022. Interviews will take place over Microsoft Teams on 13 December 2022.