DEPUTY VICE-CHANCELLOR (ACADEMIC)
Applicant Brief June 2017
Contents
A welcome from the Vice-Chancellor Designate………………………..……....…3 About Birmingham City University………………………………….…………...... 4 Our values ..……………………………………………………………………………6 Academic portfolio ……………………………………...……….………………...…. 7 BCU executive team structure ..…………………………………………..………… 8 Teaching and student experience ……………………………………………………9 Engagement, research, innovation & students ……………….………....………..10 Job description………………………………………………..………………..…...... 11 Person specification….………………………………………………………….…....13 Terms and conditions……………..……………………………...……...…….…...…14 How to apply & key dates ….………………………………………………..……….15 Living and working in Birmingham……...……………………………………..….…16
Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic)
Welcome from the Vice Chancellor Designate
Thank you for your interest in this role. My expectations: The role: I will be joining the university in August as the new The Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic is the senior Vice-Chancellor. I am strongly committed to academic leader in the university responsible for excellence in learning, teaching and the student our subject portfolio and for the experience of our experience. I was delighted therefore to be offered students. You will drive an ambitious agenda for the opportunity to come to BCU as it is clear to me academic quality, learning and teaching, and you that there is a shared commitment in the will further develop a student experience which organisation to delivering an outstanding academic celebrates the diverse backgrounds of our students, experience for all students. Some external while challenging each student to excel. You will indicators do not yet capture that excellence, and a ensure that the excellent academic offer within the key priority is to ensure that our excellent academic university attains commensurate recognition in work achieves full recognition. I am confident that external metrics, ensuring that the university the pieces are in place for the university to achieves Gold in the TEF exercise. Above all you capitalise on its new estate and to make rapid will ensure that our university is an environment progress. where students from the most diverse backgrounds thrive. Your qualities: You will be one of two Deputy Vice-Chancellors, the I am looking for someone who can demonstrate other role has the lead for Research, Innovation that they take forward the academic agenda at and Enterprise. As my Deputy Vice-Chancellor you pace, who can capitalise on existing strengths, and will be part of a broader University Executive group who can address any areas where work is needed. which includes the four PVC Executive Deans of As DVC you will have that lead responsibility for faculties. In addition to your role in shaping our articulating our academic priorities and ambitions, academic heart, you will also be working with our so you will have excellent communication skills. Marketing and Recruitment teams to maximise You will lead by example and so will be a leader student recruitment, and you are likely to be asked with strong academic credibility in your discipline. to pick up other strategic leadership tasks as part of You will be a key part of the university’s Executive your broad portfolio of responsibilities. team, and someone who understands how to work as a team-player. And you will be ambitious for the The institution: institution’s success and your own success be- Birmingham City University has a deserved cause that success will reflect the great achieve- reputation as a vibrant, ambitious and successful ments of our students. institution. The investment of over £260M into the Estate has created outstanding environments for The role will be challenging. The sector is changing students, in the heart of our city. Ours is a rapidly. Birmingham City is ideally placed to university with a broad portfolio that nevertheless respond to those challenges. Your will help us to includes unique specialist areas of endeavour, achieve that potential. including the world-class Birmingham Conservatoire. This distinctive portfolio offers If you feel you are ready, and able, to deliver to this significant opportunities for us to enrich the agenda, I hope you will take the time to apply. university experience for all our students.
Professor Philip Plowden, Vice Chancellor Designate
Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic)
About Birmingham City University
With around 24,000 students from 80 countries, Birmingham City University is a large, diverse and increasingly popular place to study. We put students at the heart of everything we do, giving them the best opportunities for future success.
The University has an enviable reputation for providing quality, student-focused education in a professional and friendly environment.
Teaching Excellence Framework.
Birmingham City University has been awarded silver status for its quality of teaching in the Government’s Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF). The TEF – the first scheme of its kind – recognises excellent teaching and learning across the UK’s world-class higher education sector. Silver grades have been awarded by the Government to universities offering courses with “high levels of stretch that ensures all students are significantly challenged, and acquire knowledge, skills and understanding that are highly valued by employers.” Birmingham City University was particularly praised for support for students, world-class facilities and the professionalism of its teaching staff.
Our superb courses, state-of-the-art facilities, first-rate staff, and focus on practical skills and professional relevance is producing some of the country’s most employable graduates.
We now have two main campuses – City Centre and City South – plus our satellite sites including the Grade I listed Venetian Gothic Birmingham School of Art building and our School of Jewellery in the city’s historic Jewellery Quarter. We’re investing £260 million in our estate, including major expansions and refurbishments of our campuses at Eastside and City South providing students with an enviable range of facilities.
Our staff and student community is defined by our core values, which outline who we are as a University and how we will work with each other. Our core values are;
Excellence, People focused, Partnership working and Fairness and integrity
Our mission
"To transform the prospects of individuals, employers and society through excellence in practice-based education, research and knowledge exchange." Our vision
"To be the leading university for creative and professional practice inspired by innovation and enquiry."
Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic)
About Birmingham City University
We define our role and place in higher education through characteristics which underpin what we do and how we do it: Practice We focus on practice so all students have Practice Intelligence (the capability to learn from experience and apply it to all future practice). All courses include practice, practical experience and learning through practice; we command credibility and respect from the professions and our curriculum anticipates their changing needs. The curriculum has recently been transformed; and professional services have also been re-organised to ensure the best possible performance. Our research and knowledge development are applied to practice. Creativity and enterprise We promote the value and application of creativity and enterprise skills in all areas of our staff and students’ work. Creativity and enterprise skills and capabilities will be distinguishing features of all Birmingham City University graduates. Student Engagement We seek high levels of student engagement so our students have a sense of ‘ownership’ in their University. Our focus is student success and we believe they have a major role to play in shaping what the University does to ensure this. Financial performance
The University has a strong financial position and has achieved its corporate objectives to:
Achieve income growth while managing costs to generate surplus for investment in our academic activities, people, facilities and services Increasing our financial resilience by diversifying income sources across teaching, research and services to business and the community Anticipating and robustly managing future strategic and operational risks Ensuring good return on investment on special projects and new developments Continually reviewing our systems, processes and structures to maximise value, reduce unnecessary costs and incentivise behaviour
Continuous Improvement
We seek to continually improve our performance focused on student success. We have recently completed an ambitious programme ‘Transforming the Curriculum’ to ensure that excellent teaching and learning is at the heart of all that we do. We also ensure that the University operates as efficiently and effectively as possible – all Professional Services Departments have recently been reviewed and refreshed through a Priority Based Budgeting exercise to ensure value for money and great service provision aligned to priority outcomes.
Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic)
Our values Birmingham City University’s staff and student community is characterised by our values. They define the qualities most important to us and provide guidance for all that we do in order to enrich our teaching and learning environment.
They are underpinned by our Core Values Framework which sets out the principles of behaviour we encourage all members of the University community to not only know and appreciate but also live by on a daily basis.
Excellence People Focused Partnership Working Fairness and integrity
We take pride in We value everyone, We work with students We take a fair and ensuring the highest recognising that what we and the wider balanced approach to quality standards of do is for the benefit of all University community our activities and are academic those connected with the to create strong and mindful of the impact achievement and University successful of our actions. professional service relationships.
delivery.
What our students say
"The opportunity to discover and explore new interests Studying at Birmingham City University has allowed me provided by the course, combined with the diverse to obtain a broad range of skills ranging from backgrounds of both students and staff, means that I Photoshop to welding, as well as giving me the would recommend the University to anyone considering opportunity to learn a variety of software and their Part 2 options." technologies. I’m now capable of taking a project from the initial stages of conceptualisation (sketching) right Andy Wolfe – (RIBA Part 2 Exemption) – BA (Hons) the way through to planned pre-production (working proto-types and technical drawings) “I liked the department’s attitude towards self-directed learning and their hands-on educational techniques. The Benjamin Banks— BA Product and Furniture De- department also promoted a strong identity of students sign learning from one another which in turn created great camaraderie and a positive, supportive environment."
Elizabeth Clayton – Architecture (RIBA Part 1 Ex- emption) – BA (Hons)
Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic)
Academic Portfolio Birmingham City University is made up of four faculties, each covering a range of subjects and specialisms
Faculty of Arts, Design and Media Faculty of Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment Birmingham School of Art Birmingham School of Architecture and Design School of Computing and Digital School of Fashion and Textiles Technology School of Jewellery School of Visual Communication School of Engineering and the Built Birmingham School of Media Environment School of English Birmingham School of Acting Birmingham Conservatoire A forward-thinking Faculty New Technology Institute (NTI)
Further growth: As a Faculty, we continue to broaden and Synergy and strength strengthen our academic disciplines of We embody the University's strong creative and computing, engineering and the built cultural offering and bring together our creative environment. subjects.
Faculty of Business, Law and Social Faculty of Health, Education and Life Sciences Sciences
School of Nursing and Midwifery Birmingham City Business School School of Health Sciences School of Law School of Education and Social Work School of Social Sciences
Training tomorrow's professionals Partnered with providers: Birmingham and beyond The Faculty has a strong focus on the training of health and education professionals and we're Our Faculty builds strong relationships with growing our life sciences portfolio. business and legal professions, the criminal
justice system and the third sector.
Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic)
Birmingham City University Executive Team
Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic)
Teaching, research and the student experience
The University’s approach to learning and report writing, revision and exam techniques, stress teaching places students at the heart of and time management, English language and everything it does. numeracy. Students are offered the chance to gain hands-on Central to the University’s efforts in this area is the experience through year-long or shorter Student Academic Partners (SAP) scheme. This placements, giving them a real advantage in the partnership between the Centre for the Enhancement job market. of Learning and Teaching (CELT) and the Students’ Union enables students and staff to work together to Research develop new learning and teaching processes, Research at Birmingham City University underpins our enhancing the delivery of courses and giving students learning and teaching, is demand led and the valuable experience of helping to shape their own increasingly interdisciplinary. Our researchers are learning. committed to discovering new knowledge and delivering real benefit to culture, industry, society and the environment Student Employability .
Much of our success in helping our students into The latest review of the University’s research ork is down to the excellent relationships the performance revealed that we had doubled the number University has with leading employers, many of whom sit on Faculty Advisory Boards and help of staff producing internationally recognised research inform programmes of learning. Through the and significantly increased the impact our work is development of practical skills and professional having on society and the economy, since the last relevance, key employability skills, behaviours and assessment in 2008. attitudes are embedded in the curriculum. The 2014 Research Excellence Framework (REF) Students make use of virtual learning environments results revealed that 90 per cent of the University’s such as the Virtual Case Creator for our health submission had been judged to have delivered students, the School of Law’s Virtual Solicitors’ Office ‘outstanding’ or ‘very considerable’ impact and the School of Education’s virtual school, Green externally. Moor Primary School. The University’s Moodle online learning environment provides access to useful The six-yearly assessment of research performance resources and flexible approaches to learning. also saw the University achieve an increase in the amount of four-star or three-star research on which The Centre for Academic Success provides all public funding is partly based, from 40 per cent in 2008 students with access to a range of academic support to 60 per cent in 2014. services to help develop their study , including
Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic)
Engagement, innovation and the student experience
Our relationships with employers reflect our specialisms and expertise. They range from SMEs, The University currently has some 2,600 particularly in the digital and creative sectors, international and EU students, with our largest through to globally significant brand-led markets including China, India, Nigeria and businesses including Richemont, Cisco, Microsoft, Malaysia. We have a strong international Jaguar Land Rover, Cadbury, AGA presence particularly in the faculties of Rangemaster and Morgan Motor Company. Business, Law and Social Sciences; Arts, Design and Media; and Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment. The University is leading the way in delivering The University has established liaison offices in professionally-developed, tailored programmes China. It has progression and articulation help stimulate organisational change and agreements with a range of universities and operational transformation, working with A.F. institutions including those in Ireland, Canada, the Blakemore and Son Ltd to develop a Postgraduate USA, China, Malaysia and India. Certificate in Leadership and Management Development, and with Mitchells and Butlers to develop a Postgraduate Diploma and Certificate in In 2013, we opened Birmingham City University Management Studies, leading to a Master’s degree in International College, in partnership with Multi-Unit Leadership, developed specifically for Ltd, on the University’s Bournville M&B’s area managers. campus. Delivering bespoke pathways leading to undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, it was designed to broaden BCU Advantage is our new business growth service, access to the University which connects businesses and individuals to University experts, research, projects and strategic partners, as well as each other, to help them to achieve their strategic and funding objectives.
Birmingham also offers plenty of opportunities to make connections and meet employers. The city is currently home to 32,750 companies, including almost 700 international firms.
Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic)
Job description Title: Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) Faculty/School/Department:Vice-Chancellor’s Office Responsible to: Vice-Chancellor
Job purpose Provide the strategic lead to academic audit, inspection and professional body accreditation Responsible to the Vice-Chancellor for the academic leadership of the University, including academic Maintain oversight of the University’s academic planning, learning and teaching; quality standards and portfolio , including working with the PVC Deans enhancement. To work collectively within the Vice and Dean of Students to identify new Chancellor’s senior leadership team to promote a opportunities, curriculum innovations and delivery culture of excellence, enterprise and achievement. The models – enhancing our academic reputation Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic) will line manage internally, externally, nationally and the heads of relevant academic support departments internationally.
Develop activities that strengthen and increase Main activities and responsibilities the University’s income stream to ensure Develop and deliver the University’s academic investment for growth. strategy, ensuring that academic targets within Take the lead in ensuring that academic the Strategic Plan are met. collaborations and partnerships meet the To work as part of the University Executive expectations for academic quality and the Group to develop clear targets, milestones and student experience. performance indicators and to monitor progress Work with the Deputy Vice-Chancellor on the delivery of the university’s strategic aims (Research, Innovation and Enterprise) to support so as to maximise the University’s performance employability through a curriculum which in the Teaching Excellence Framework. integrates enterprise, skills, creativity and entrepreneurship. Developing an ambitious and distinctive set of expectations for the student experience and Improve the University’s performance through the ensuring that this is delivered across the effective leadership and management of direct University. reports, exemplifying BCU’s core values in so doing. Secure financial sustainability through effective management of delegated budgets, ensuring Contribute to the development of the University’s targets are met. strategic direction.
Develop robust policies and procedures for Represent the University at external national and academic quality, standards and learning international events as appropriate, and at enhancement, ensuring that these are then internal ceremonial events. delivered so that the university can demonstrate Chair University committees and other boards, that it is achieving the expectations within the groups and meetings such as appointment Revised Operating Model. panels, disciplinary, appeals and grievance Ensure effective student number planning is hearings, programme and project boards, achieved in partnership with the Chief Finance strategic reviews and similar. Officer, PVC Deans and external partners. Deputise for the Vice-Chancellor if required. Lead planning to deliver sustained improvement in the University NSS scores.
Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic)
Job Description contd.
Additional key requirements:
Lead, motivate and manage the performance of senior professional and academic staff ensuring clear performance expectations and continuous professional development of staff within areas of responsibility.
Manage devolved budgets and determine the allocation of resources within a significant area of the University.
Take on additional line management responsibilities as required
Communication
Proactively promote a positive image of the University to all internal and external audiences to enhance BCU’s image, reputation and influence.
Be routinely involved in complex and important external negotiations.
Consult skilfully with internal and external stakeholders especially with regard to new projects, partnerships and programmes of change.
Teamwork and collaborative working
Own decisions made within VCO and University Executive Group.
Be able to make difficult decisions, communicate them effectively to partners within and outside the University and see implementation through.
Develop and direct major external partnerships and collaborations to further the interests of BCU, its brand and image to achieve strategic goals.
Foster a culture of inter-disciplinary team working and a collegiate approach.
Initiative, problem solving and decision making
Make a direct and important contribution to the strategic direction of the University.
As a member of the University Executive, ensure that strategic plans and objectives deliver the University’s overall mission whilst allowing a flexible response to changing internal and external factors.
Instigate and lead the development of new and creative approaches to achieve strategic goals and excellence in all the University’s activities.
Initiate new and original solutions.
Work environment
Ensure that the University’s Health and Safety Policy, safe systems of work and appropriate risk management processes are operational within own areas of responsibility.
This job description indicates the expectations of staff at this level. Job descriptions are not exhaustive and you may be required to undertake duties of a similar level and responsibility.
Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic)
Person specification
Proven ability to work effectively in a senior Expectations of all staff Professional standards leadership role within a university, with demonstrable achievements at that level. All staff employed by Birmingham City University are Substantial experience in leading on academic expected to exhibit high professional standards which quality and student experience at a senior level promote and demonstrate the University’s core values of within higher education. Excellence, People Focused, Partnership Working, The intellectual standing and record of success to Fairness and Integrity. operate credibly at this level and command the respect of both academics and professional Equal Opportunities services staff. Significant evidence of successful financial and All staff are expected to understand and enact the budgetary control. University’s commitment to ensuring equality and Exceptional interpersonal, team-working, diversity in all activities. This commitment is enshrined in communication and networking skills. the Equality Statement and core values. Evidence of effective working across academic disciplines. Dignity at work Highly effective planner, able to lead policy development , turn strategy into reality, manage Every member of staff has a responsibility to ensure uncertainty and drive sustained improvements in colleagues are treated with dignity and respect. performance. The University is committed to creating a work Successful implementation of innovative and environment for all staff that is free from harassment, entrepreneurial approaches to business and of intimidation and any other forms of bullying at work, leading and implementing major change where everyone is treated with dignity, respect and programmes. professional courtesy. A good understanding of the issues facing higher education and the opportunities this creates. Health and safety Evidence of successful team and partnership working both internal and external to the The arrangements for meeting the University’s health University. and safety objectives are contained in the Birmingham An understanding and commitment to the City University Health and Safety Policy. This includes academic environment. the responsibilities of key staff and procedures covering Diplomacy and political astuteness with the ability the main activities of the University. All staff are to navigate complex organisational structures expected to take reasonable care of themselves and and operate effectively within both the formal and those that may be affected by their actions. informal networks of the University. Dress code Personal presence, confidence and resilience in
order to take personal accountability for managing The University does not operate a formal dress code for challenging situations and relationships and its employees, other than for those who are provided brokering outcomes. with uniform and/or protective clothing. However, A high level of emotional intelligence and skill in employees must ensure that their dress is professional, managing relationships. reasonably smart and appropriate for the situation in Ability to think strategically and analytically. which they are working. All staff should ensure that they Able to demonstrate a commitment to present a professional image and one that reflects research-led teaching and learning. sensitivity to customer perceptions. This may reflect their Professorial status, or eligibility to be awarded ethnicity and lifestyle, but should not be provocative or Professorial status upon appointment cause offence to those with whom they have contact.
Special requirements Citizenship
Able to undertake duties at different premises including All staff are expected to adhere to good citizenship, any university campus as required. National and being generous with help and supporting to others, international travel will be necessary to effectively collaborating with colleagues and working for the benefit support the University’s interests at home and of the University as a whole. In particular working to internationally, attend conferences and events and provide a positive student experience and achieving effectively represent the BCU in key networks. excellence in all the University’s activities. Expected to work such hours as needed to meet the requirements of the role.
Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic)
Terms and conditions of employment
The Deputy Vice-Chancellor will be entitled to the following terms and conditions:
32 days annual leave plus UK agreed bank holidays Participation in the Executive Bonus Scheme Private Medical Insurance Pension Scheme Membership ‘Paid for’ benefits such as childcare vouchers, season travel ticket loans, cycle to work scheme Relocation in line with HMRC guidelines
Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic)
How to apply and key dates
Candidates are asked to provide two supporting documents:
A full and current CV, detailing most recent appointments, salary and level of responsibility.
A brief Application Statement, outlining and entitled, ‘The relevance of my individual achievements to the position of Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic) Please ensure you have included all relevant contact details including work and home telephone numbers, email address and full postal address. You must have completed the Personal Data Form as well. Finally, please provide the details of three referees (one of whom should be your current employer) including name, nature of relationship, position and telephone contact details. If you do not wish any referees to be contacted without prior permission, please clearly indicate this.
Applications should be sent to: Key Dates for your dairy: Alan Walter Closing date for applications is Sunday 23rd July Dixon Walter Ltd Preliminary interviews with Dixon Walter Ltd 50 Melville Street Weeks commencing 24th and 31st July Edinburgh Psychometric assessment will take place between EH3 7HF 8th and 18th August and will require a half day time commitment from candidates. Or via email to: Final interviews with the University [email protected] Tuesday 22nd August Further information: www.dixonwalter.co.uk/vacancies/bcu Key Contacts: Alan Walter, Partner, Dixon Walter Ltd Tel. 0191 500 5500 Mobile 07876 766 972 For an informal conversation about the opportunity please contact :
Alan Walter, Partner, Dixon Walter [email protected] 0191 500 5500
Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic)
Living and working in Birmingham
Birmingham has the largest student population the Barclaycard Arena. outside London and the 65,000 students attending the city’s five universities help make it the ‘youngest city in Europe’. Under-25s account for nearly 40 per cent of its population.
Rated among the top 15 best cities in Europe to locate a All. There are three leading business, the city’s economy has diversified into the professional football clubs in Aston Villa, West service sector, retailing and tourism. The city hosts over Bromwich Albion and Birmingham City, and 500 law firms, Europe’s second largest insurance international cricket takes place at Edgbaston Stadium, market, the Cadbury chocolate brand and operations for home of Warwickshire Country Cricket Club. One of the HSBC and Deutsche Bank. country’s best indoor ski facilities, the Snowdome at Tamworth, is only half an hour away from Birmingham.
include the Hippodrome (home of the internationally acclaimed Birmingham Royal Ballet), the New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham Repertory Theatre and Midland Arts Centre, while The Royal Shakespeare Company at Stratford-upon-Avon is only 45 minutes away.
a home at Symphony Hall, part of the International Convention Centre complex and home to the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra. Major rock bands and artists play regularly in Birmingham at the NEC Arena, which is about 10 miles from the city centre, and
Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic)