Appointment of Provost and Deputy Vice-Chancellor
Shape our future
nottingham.ac.uk 1 Contents
3 Foreword from the President and Vice-Chancellor
4 About the University of Nottingham
7 University strategy
10 Education and student experience
12 Careers
13 World-leading research
16 Driving growth
18 Our role in the community
20 Campuses in three countries
23 Life in Nottingham
24 The Provost and Deputy Vice-Chancellor: role and responsibilities
25 Main duties and responsibilities
27 Person specification
28 How to apply
2 Foreword from the President and Vice-Chancellor At a time of unprecedented change in higher education, and in the wider world, the University of Nottingham is a thriving institution offering an outstanding student experience, world-changing research and a global reputation for excellence.
We are seeking an exceptional individual to help lead our We have an engaged and collaborative academic body global University through its next stage of development. The recognised for excellent research breadth, with a platform Provost and Deputy Vice-Chancellor will support strategic to invest in and lead areas of globally recognised research. planning and lead on operational planning and academic Nottingham is also home to high-achieving students, engaged resources, providing strategic leadership within the University in the communities in which we are based, with a fully and in delivering the institutional strategy. rounded learning experience and outstanding employment opportunities. We put our students at the heart of what we The role will be challenging but you will be working with do, unlocking their potential and preparing them to shape the talented and highly motivated people, and we are confident world for the better. we have the infrastructure, people and capacity to embrace change and realise our ambition. Our foundations are reflected in our UK campuses, each outstanding in its own right, which provide an exceptional Our strategy provides a clear direction but is designed learning and research environment. Campuses in Ningbo to evolve to respond to the significant geopolitical, China and Semenyih Malaysia, developed to respond to technological, social and economic factors radically an increasingly global higher education context, give us a reshaping higher education. Ambition is at the core of truly global footprint and add a unique aspect to the role of our strategy: we recognise the pace of change and are Provost and Deputy Vice-Chancellor. committed to ensuring Nottingham both embraces and exploits the resulting opportunities to further enhance I look forward to receiving your application. our reputation.
Professor Shearer West President and Vice-Chancellor
3 Our staff are world-class too. Nottingham academics have won two Nobel Prizes – for medicine and for About the economic sciences. We have pioneered a new model for international education and with campuses in the UK, China and Malaysia, we have created a unique University of learning environment and are acknowledged as a leader in the internationalisation of higher education. We have five faculties: Arts, Engineering, Medicine and Nottingham Health Sciences, Science, and Social Sciences. In the recent Research Excellence Framework, 28 units were judged to have 75% or more outstanding (4* and 3*) impact, and We are a pioneering institution providing an Nottingham was ranked eighth in the UK on a measure of exceptional research-led education and an research power. The University’s professional and support outstanding experience for 45,000 students from departments contribute to the effective running of the more than 150 countries. Built on the ethos that University and encourage its growth and success, nationally education can unlock potential and transform and internationally. lives, we feature in the top 20 of all three major UK university rankings, and our graduates are among the Details of faculties and schools can be found at: most sought-after in the UK. nottingham.ac.uk/faculties
and information on the University’s Professional Services can be found here:
nottingham.ac.uk/professionalservices
4 About the University of Nottingham
Founding principles Our digital world The University of Nottingham was founded on a compelling We are living in the age of digital: an era of unparalleled vision that education can transform lives, has great social technological innovation. To thrive and grow the University and economic value and should be accessible to everyone is transforming the way in which we connect, communicate, who can benefit from it. This vision continues to anchor the engage and collaborate via our digital strategy as we strive to educational ethos of our University and drives our strategy. create the digital university of the future. But further enhancement and innovation are vital to ensure So far, we’ve installed Lecture Capture in 326 teaching our success continues – increasing competition for students rooms globally, making our UK installation the largest in means we must review and refresh the design, delivery and Europe. We’ve established five Smart Bars in our libraries assessment of programmes on a continuous basis. Teaching offering a one-stop shop for staff and students – face-to-face and learning remains core to the University’s activities, IT support and advice on a wide range of issues including recognised with the award of Gold status in the inaugural laptop repairs, virus removal, email, software and wi-fi. We’re Teaching Excellence Framework. continually modernising our infrastructure to increase our network resilience and reduce the number of incidents that affect our services, and we are transforming the way staff, Driving innovation students and researchers can communicate and collaborate. There are significant digital developments underway As the power, reach and capability of digital technologies including the Teaching Transformation Programme (TTP) continues to grow, we have significant ambitions in this which is concerned with developing our teaching to area as a digital approach is fully embedded in all of the integrate technology-based learning activities. Moodle, our University’s global activities and we build our capability to Virtual Learning Environment, has nearly 1.5m individual be a digital exemplar in higher education. learning resources. All are powerful drivers for innovation, providing dynamic, engaging and technology-rich learning environments. Building a culture for success Similarly, in research, the need to recruit, retain, develop and Our reputation and heritage are critical drivers for the resource leading researchers in an array of rapidly evolving University’s continued success. We deliver our reputation disciplines has never been greater. That’s why we are making through our people – and how we manage, support and a significant investment in our vision for research which develop our people is essential to our future success and includes six Beacons of Excellence to bring together talented reputation as a world leader. researchers who are committed to finding solutions to today’s Building a culture for success defines the expectations and global challenges. the behaviours we expect of our people and how they align Nottingham is a highly entrepreneurial institution as our to our strategy. business engagement and knowledge exchange activities attest. Knowledge exchange is firmly established as a key feature of the research lifecycle, and this builds on a strong tradition going back to the roots of the institution. We are consolidating the University’s position as a UK leader in knowledge exchange and setting bold targets for performance in this area internationally.
5 About the University of Nottingham
Fundraising to achieve the incredible Our structure Having exceeded an initial target of £150m – and then a The University of Nottingham is a corporation formed by subsequent target of £200m – the University’s biggest- Royal Charter and holds charitable status. The University is ever fundraising initiative went on to raise £242m by its governed by two main bodies, Council and Senate, and day- conclusion in summer 2017. Led by the President and to-day management of the University is the responsibility of Vice-Chancellor, Impact: The Nottingham Campaign the University Executive Board. was the most successful in the University’s history, and Further details on the governance and management of the underlined the growing importance of advancement University can be found on our website: and alumni engagement. The University’s family of 270,000 alumni are a key part of our global presence nottingham.ac.uk/managementandgovernance – a network of successful, talented individuals who continue to play a part in Nottingham’s success. Much of the new funding is being invested in key student initiatives and pioneering research into areas such as dementia, breast cancer and childhood brain tumours.
Amplifying our reputation To thrive and succeed in a changing higher education landscape, we must share our vision and highlight our success with the world so that we remain a first choice for students and staff. This imperative drove a review of reputation and positioning which culminated in the launch of a refreshed global brand and dynamic reputation campaign – Discover our World. This focuses on our world-leading research to strengthen external communications activity, taking a proactive approach to articulate what is special and unique about the institution. Together with our first ever Global Student Recruitment Campaign, we have significantly strengthened our profile among core audiences.
6 University strategy
The national and global environment in which the University “At the moment of the opening by His operates is changing at an unprecedented rate – with increasing student expectations, the globalisation of higher Majesty the King, when the stones of the education, the Brexit challenge, disruptive new technologies coming University are still un-weathered and increased competition for the very best talent. To thrive by time, it is difficult to appreciate the and succeed in the face of such change, we must regularly review our goals and actions to secure the University’s full significance of this educational continued long-term success, but with reference to our values development. Thousands of students as and heritage. Our University strategy enables us to do that. yet unborn will pass along the corridors We are a pioneering university. A place that inspires and learn in the lecture rooms, and wrest world-leading teaching, research and scholarship, a place the secrets from nature in the laboratories. committed to transforming lives and shaping the future. At a time of unprecedented change in higher education, and Their work will link still more closely in the wider world, the University must be fully prepared industry with science, add to the honour of to embrace technological developments and societal our city and help to increase the wellbeing change, respond to the new regulatory landscape following the Higher Education and Research Bill and the Teaching of our nation. In each succeeding age [the Excellence Framework, substantially grow our online University] will spread the light of learning learning offer and add value for all our students and other and knowledge and will bind science and stakeholders across the range of our activities. industry in the unity that is so essential for On 2 June 1928, as King George V and Queen Mary were set the prosperity of the nation and the welfare to open the Trent Building and pronounce University Park as our new home, Sir Jesse Boot wrote: of our fellow citizens.” This vision still has currency. It speaks of ambition, engagement, partnership, civic responsibility and longevity and the values on which it is built remain at the heart of the University. However, while these core values remain, almost 90 years of globalisation and technological developments make the world a very different place and our vision for the future of the University needs to reflect this.
7 University strategy
The University is in a very strong position globally having Our University strategy is delivering our medium-term grown its student body, invested in priority areas of research ambitions while laying the foundations for success post-2020. and delivered international campus developments over the We are keeping these ambitions and goals under constant last two decades. Nevertheless, even as we consolidate review and ensuring that we remain responsive to future current success, we need to further enhance our position challenges and competition, are dynamic and ambitious in as a world-leading university and direct resources in order to: our responses, and seek always to act in the best long-term interests of the University. ■ strengthen and enrich our core activities of education and research;
■ focus on enhancing quality;
■ address the changing expectations of our students;
■ target investment in beacon research areas;
■ differentiate ourselves from our competitors in the delivery of outstanding student experience and internationalisation.
8 University strategy
Vision Our focus for action To deliver the very best teaching to our students and to Achieving the vision requires us to reflect on areas of transform lives around the globe through world-changing current strength and challenge and identify opportunities research. The University of Nottingham is an inspiring place for further development. Our focus through to 2020 and of learning and scholarship that transforms lives through: beyond will include:
■ offering an outstanding, broad-based, international ■ a focus on quality in all we do education to talented students ■ meeting the changing expectations of our students ■ developing skilled, reflective global citizens and leaders ■ changing the way we work with our students ■ undertaking fundamental and transformative discovery ■ enhancing research quality and impact ■ being engaged internationally to enhance industry, ■ growing external partnerships to support teaching health and wellbeing, policy formation, culture and and learning, research, student employability purposeful citizenship ■ embedding internationalisation ■ being committed to excellence, enterprise and social responsibility ■ ensuring financial sustainability.
■ sustaining and improving the places and communities in which we are located.
Core principles and values To deliver our vision we will:
■ put students at the heart of the University
■ value all staff and support them to excel
■ focus on quality and excellence
■ value diversity and promote equality
■ think globally, deliver locally, and engage personally
■ take an international view across all our activities
■ sustain our commitment to being comprehensive, research intensive and socially responsible
■ enrich our heritage and build on the legacy of Sir Jesse Boot, to honour our public obligations to current and future generations of students, alumni and staff, and the communities in which we are embedded
9 Education and student experience
Vision TEF Gold Education unlocks potential and transforms lives. That’s why “The provider achieves consistently outstanding outcomes for we are committed to teaching of the very highest quality its students from all backgrounds, in particular with regards and a student experience that stays with our graduates to retention and progression to highly skilled employment for a lifetime. By putting our students at the heart of the and further study.” University, we unlock their potential and prepare them to Our Gold award in the first Teaching Excellence Framework shape the future. (2017) underlined the benefits for our students of studying at Ensuring that our students receive an outstanding research- a large teaching-focused and research-intensive university. engaged educational experience has always been and At an institutional level, the award is a resounding will continue to be the focus of our efforts. They must be endorsement of one of the University’s core strategies: prepared and equipped to shape that world for the better: providing excellence in education and the student that is at the core of our commitment to teaching excellence. experience. Systematic delivery in this area has been A Nottingham education and experience is shaped by: achieved through the University’s Transforming Teaching Programme, commended by the UK Quality Assurance ■ a wide range of courses with superb potential for Agency which stated that it “…has a central role and combining different subjects to foster interdisciplinary is particularly effective in enhancing the student learning and understanding; learning experience.” ■ a unique international dimension, with a large The quality of education offered at Nottingham was also international student and staff community; reflected in an extremely positive QAA Higher Education ■ our outstanding parkland campuses in the UK, Review report published in 2016 in which the QAA review Malaysia and China. team identified a range of good practice at the University across the student experience, teaching and learning, employability and student engagement.
10 Education and student experience
Transforming teaching and learning Student recruitment The University’s Teaching Transformation Programme (TTP) The size and quality of the University’s research activity places an emphasis on developing our teaching to integrate provides a teaching and learning environment for students technology-based learning activities that allow for more that draws on the latest discoveries and scholarship across effective interaction with students in contact time. Such our full range of subjects, while providing access to state- activities also make inter-campus teaching more connected. of-the-art facilities to ensure teaching is research-led and TTP provides a direct means for students to give feedback research-engaged. Our research philosophy underpins our on and improve provision via the Students as Change Agents interactions with students, producing graduates who are (SACA) initiative. This engages students in the design and capable of independent thinking and have a critical approach delivery of school-based projects that are evidence-informed to their work and the world around them. and planned for lasting impact. In an increasingly competitive environment it is vital to further Moodle, our Virtual Learning Environment, currently build and enhance the University’s reputation and profile has nearly 1.5m individual learning resources. We offer a to support the achievement of student recruitment targets number of MOOCS through FutureLearn and, in addition, (both quality of intake and quantity). The University remains Nottingham Open Online Courses (NOOCs) act as a a highly popular institution but the challenging external catalyst for teaching innovation in schools in the areas of environment and changing student behaviours require all online and blended learning, feedback, assessment and universities to focus on student recruitment to protect their academic development. NOOCs contribute directly to market position. The University has ambitious plans to grow TTP and are powerful drivers for innovation, providing international student numbers and strengthen the quality of learning environments that are dynamic, engaging, the overall intake – particularly from the UK. internationally-oriented and technology-rich. All campuses offer state-of-the-art library facilities, language courses and the best in IT, as well as support services through newly revamped Student Service Centres, the International Office, and the Student Advice Centre in the Students’ Union. Students at Nottingham also benefit from the international character of the University and the opportunities to undertake part of their studies abroad, broadening their knowledge and experience. A multi-million pound investment in student services across the UK, China and Malaysia campuses marks the beginning of a journey towards continuous improvement and student excellence, by transforming the way that the University delivers certain services. The introduction of new software and student service centres has brought a marked improvement in the facilities available at the University today. However, we will continue to ensure that we build upon the new model and continue to improve services and systems in line with the needs of our students.
11 Careers
Our graduates are now entering a world of astonishing In the UK, 9308 students have engaged with the Nottingham economic, social and technological change. Advantage Award since its inception in 2008-09. We now have more than 400 modules, including a number of They emerge as global citizens – highly sought-after due to Students’ Union led activities; the NAA team works closely their blend of knowledge and skills, and a strong sense of with the SU Employability Development Manager to support entrepreneurship, community and social responsibility. these modules. As part of the University’s commitment to As part of our University strategy we further improve our developing its students as socially responsible citizens, we students’ experience, with an emphasis on partnership offer significant opportunities to contribute to widening working and personalising learning, to make sure we attract participation activities, many of them with local schools talented students and that our graduates continue to be and colleges. highly employable. The University has been the first or Employers play an important role in the NAA. Organisations second most targeted university by Britain’s leading graduate such as Boots, Experian and Save the Children lead their employers in four of the last five years (2013-17), according to own modules, while others, like Teach First and the English the High Fliers report ‘The Graduate Market’, and a world top Federation of Disability Sport have helped with mock 40 choice for employers in the QS World University Rankings. interviews. More than 90% of last year’s Award graduates The University is consistently targeted by top employers and thought that it had helped them to prepare for employment was named University of the Year for Graduate Employment with awardees highlighting improved communication, in The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2017. teamwork, commercial awareness and interpersonal skills. A particular objective of the Careers and Employability For more details visit Service is to ensure students acquire knowledge, skills and attributes that are valued by employers and that enhance nottingham.ac.uk/teachingquality their personal and professional lives. Crucial to this is the Nottingham Advantage Award (NAA), which offers undergraduates a range of vocationally-related modules separate to their degree programme to encourage them to make the most of their time at University and gain recognition for the personal and professional learning derived from co- curricular and extra-curricular activities. Over 300 undergraduate courses covering arts, business, engineering, law, medicine, science and social sciences
Over 300 postgraduate taught courses
12 World-leading research
Vision and investment This unprecedented level of funding will support 100 early career fellowships throughout the University over the next We believe research can shape the future. We bring five years, as well as multidisciplinary Beacons of Excellence together talented, passionate and dedicated people which will deliver transformative research in six broad areas: striving to deliver world-leading research to solve today’s global challenges - research that transforms lives and ■ Future Food: exploring new ways to feed the world shapes societies around the world. Our pioneering spirit ■ Rights Lab: helping to end global slavery delivers sustainable solutions to the biggest challenges of the 21st century, and to support this goal we are making ■ Precision Imaging: transforming healthcare a significant investment in a new Research Vision. with pioneering imaging
Our Vision is to deliver research excellence across academic ■ Propulsion Futures: at the heart disciplines, at all the University’s campuses. We are building of a revolution in greener transport on our successes and further raising the quality of research ■ Green Chemicals: securing the low across all our research priorities, supporting research carbon bio-economy of the future leaders and ensuring that as a research-led University we continue to produce research of the very highest quality. ■ Smart Industrial Systems: towards smart At the heart of the new Research Vision is a major investment production of smart products programme, with particular areas of focus including: Our world-leading facilities and equipment, libraries and ■ six Beacons of Excellence professional services are dedicated to supporting our researchers and translating their discoveries into applications ■ world-class researchers and teams with real impact for people across the world. We are ■ industrial collaborations also working hard to ensure they have the best research environment, with significant investment in facilities and ■ international collaborations infrastructure, such as the GSK Carbon-Neutral Laboratory ■ transdisciplinary research for Green Chemistry, which had its official opening in 2017.
■ a world-class research environment
■ the University of Nottingham World Institute
13 World-leading research
Impact Knowledge exchange Our research has a profound impact on societies and We have a long reputation for transformative fundamental economies across the globe. We contribute to wealth and translational research, taking findings and discoveries creation, cultural enrichment, better public policy and from the desk or laboratory and creating practical uses improvements in professional practice. In the recent Research and products that improve people’s lives. The Nobel Prize- Excellence Framework, Nottingham was ranked eighth in winning work of Sir Peter Mansfield on imaging, developing the UK on a measure of ‘research power’ which takes into and using MRI is an excellent example of both. We have also account both the quality of research and the number of enjoyed record levels of continued success in gaining grant research-active staff who were included in the REF return. funding, alongside a superb track record in doctoral training. This was a powerful confirmation both of Nottingham With the increasing emphasis on delivering impact, as a global research-intensive university, and of the knowledge exchange has never been more important quality, breadth and impact of our research. It was to the University’s future sustainability. We are aiming not just affirmation of quality, but quality at scale. It to consolidate the University’s position as a UK leader in reflected sustained and continuing investment in our knowledge exchange, with an aim to double income from research base, and most of all a reflection of the talent, industry over the next five years, and setting bold new targets dedication and sheer hard work of Nottingham staff. for knowledge exchange performance internationally.
■ Nottingham submitted 32 returns in 29 units of Knowledge exchange is firmly established as a key assessment, underlining its status as a comprehensive feature of the research lifecycle, and this builds on a university. In 16 of those units, the University strong tradition going back to the roots of the institution. features in the UK top 10 by research power This includes early work with Boots on drug discovery at the start of last century; ground-breaking applications ■ More than 97% of research at the University is of Magnetic Resonance Imaging in healthcare; recognised internationally, with wide-ranging technological discoveries that have been applied in the impacts on society, the economy, health and welfare, manufacturing and aerospace sectors; and research culture, public policy and the environment which has influenced government policy-making. Research and Innovation Services provides vital support for research staff. It leads the University’s drive to achieve research excellence with impact, including doctoral More than training activities through the Graduate School, and supports knowledge exchange, business partnerships and the commercialisation of intellectual property across the University. The University is involved with 35 Doctoral Training Programmes and leads 25 of these. The programmes deliver high-level academic and skills training for our postgraduate students. These are the University’s flagships of doctoral training, innovative research and engagement with business and industry. The University continues to build research capacity and 80 / capability at both campuses in Asia, and our academics of Nottingham research is ranked in work across three different but complementary national the highest categories ‘world-leading’ contexts. Examples include the Crops for the Future initiative or ‘internationally excellent’ in Malaysia, which facilitates the adoption of under-utilised crops, and in the establishment in China of the International Academy for Marine Economy and Technology.
14 World-leading research
Collaborations and partnerships The Universities of Nottingham and Birmingham have a long history of collaboration. Over many years they have The University of Nottingham was founded on the developed a special partnership, enabling a distinctive philanthropy of Sir Jesse Boot and his inspiring vision that approach to research, international activity and teaching and science and industry should combine for social and economic learning to enhance the success of both institutions. This benefit. Now, the University’s research spans many industry framework of co-operation saw the launch in 2016 of The sectors across the globe, including medicine, computing, Centre of Membrane Proteins and Receptors (COMPARE) – a manufacturing, energy and sustainable housing. Building unique £10m project that brings together researchers from international and industrial collaborations with an increased both institutions to develop novel methods for visualising focus on commercialising our research, and working with single membrane proteins and to use these industry partners to gain access to increasingly competitive to identify new approaches for prevention and treatment funding, are vital elements of achieving our vision. of cancer and cardiovascular disease. We are known for being entrepreneurial and innovative, The University is a member of the global Universitas 21 and for working in partnership with a range of bodies to network, the Association of Commonwealth Universities do research and commercialise discoveries. and the UK’s Russell Group of research-intensive universities. The University works together with a very wide range of Find out more about our world changing research here local, regional, national and international partners on joint research and knowledge exchange activities. These include collaboration with the NHS through the Institute of Mental Health and Biomedical Research Units at the local level, nottingham.ac.uk/research partnering with other Midlands universities through the Midlands Physics Alliance and Midlands Energy Consortium, and the development of major partnerships at national-level in Brazil (in Drug Discovery) and leading institutions in China such as with the China Agricultural University. Between 2014 and 2016 the University co –authored 10,091 publications and has collaborated with 3,386 institutions. The majority being from the Asia pacific, Europe and North America.
15 Driving growth
The University generates an economic impact of Midlands Innovation aims to drive cutting-edge research, more than a billion pounds a year. It drives economic innovation and skills development that will grow the high- growth regionally and nationally, bringing the world tech, high-skilled economy of the Midlands and the UK. Work to Nottingham and Nottingham to the world. We is in progress to build global hubs of research and innovation produce extraordinary talent and drive growth excellence, from engineering and transportation to medical through a globally connected network of unrivalled science and the humanities. academic, research and industrial collaborations. Energy Research Accelerator The University’s research innovation services team is the The Energy Research Accelerator (ERA) was the first project primary gateway for businesses seeking to improve their to be delivered by Midlands Innovation. ERA will tackle competitive advantage, and leads on the delivery some of the biggest energy challenges facing the UK and of knowledge exchange and impact. investigate how to make the best use of the resources Staff focus on key account management with our industrial available, by being more efficient and innovative while partners, SME-specific initiatives, interactions with local producing affordable, safe energy. and central government, commercialisation of intellectual This £60m investment is helping to establish the region’s property, business development in Asia and management hi-tech, high-skilled economy. The University of Nottingham of the University’s Innovation Park. and partner universities, Aston University, the University of Birmingham, Leicester University, Loughborough University The Midlands Engine and the University of Warwick, are working alongside the A major fund designed to drive cutting-edge research, British Geological Survey, local industry and others to ensure innovation and skills, the Midlands Engine for Growth was ERA becomes a global centre of excellence for energy launched in 2015 with significant backing from the Chancellor research and innovation. of the Exchequer. Through the Midlands Engine, the Work is underway on the £5.4m Research Acceleration and Government aims to raise the long-term growth rate of the Demonstration (RAD) building on the University’s Jubilee region, create hundreds of thousands of new jobs and add Campus, which will provide state-of-the-art facilities for £34 billion to its economy by 2030. The University is a key research and testing as part of the ERA initiative. player in these developments. Midlands Innovation, a partnership comprising the University of Nottingham and five other leading universities across the region, is also helping to drive this vision. Working collaboratively with regional, national and international partners, it is playing a pioneering role in growing the Midlands further as a high-skilled, hi-tech, globally-focused economy and improving the quality of life for communities throughout the region.
16 Driving growth
Reputation and brand To thrive and succeed in a changing environment, the University must be able to present a compelling vision to the world so that it remains a first choice for students and staff. The institution needs a strong profile so that it stands out in a crowded market – to ensure students choose Nottingham – and to effectively communicate its strengths. With this goal in mind, the University’s brand has been reviewed and refreshed to strengthen our profile, and we have implemented a new approach to marketing with the introduction of a Global Student Recruitment Campaign. In terms of public engagement, ‘Nottingham in Parliament Day’ saw more than 100 partners from across the city, county and wider region ‘take over’ the Houses of Parliament. The event brought together 45 events in Westminster to showcase and celebrate the institutions, businesses and people that make Nottingham great. An improvement in Nottingham’s league table position has seen it in the top 20 of all three major UK rankings: The Guardian, Complete University Guide and the Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide – which also named Nottingham best in the UK for graduate employment. Student recruitment targets up to 2020 have been set with schools, departments and faculties following a review of our ‘size and shape’. To support the achievement of these targets, domestic and international recruitment teams have been aligned to deliver both efficiency and synergy. Looking ahead, further work will improve how the most talented students are targeted, attracted and recruited, to ensure we achieve student numbers and quality applicants. Other developments include producing coordinated recruitment plans, boosting outreach and liaison activity, and enhancing the admissions policy.
17 Our role in the community
We are part of a great city – and we turn our global School engagement connections to the benefit of the communities, businesses and people of Nottingham. We invest in Nottingham University Samworth Academy (NUSA) was one our cultural community and in the education and of the first academies in the UK to have direct sponsorship aspirations of Nottingham’s young people, through and academic links with a University and is also backed our economic impact, our Nottingham Potential by businessman and philanthropist Sir David Samworth. Scheme and our sponsorship of three Nottingham Since it opened in September 2009, it has gained national Academies. This exchange of skills and knowledge, and international recognition for its partnership with the and the sharing of facilities and physical resources, University and its innovative teaching and learning methods. benefits the community and University alike. NUSA has subsequently been joined by Firbeck Academy and both are in a formal partnership with the Torch Academy A public resource Gateway Trust. Academic and administrative departments across the In addition, the University partners with Nottingham University carry out a wide range of work with schools, University Academy of Science and Technology (NUAST), colleges, community organisations and the public. a specialist academy in Science, Engineering, IT and Computing located very close to the University campus. We are committed to playing our part and encouraging NUAST offers Post-16 students a complex and diverse range visitors to our campuses through community engagement. of curriculum options in these specialist areas. Throughout Our gardens, sports facilities, cafés and museum, together their studies students have the opportunity to work with well- with the galleries and performance spaces at Nottingham known employers and the University. Lakeside Arts, are all open to the public. The University plays a significant role in the artistic and cultural life of the City of Nottingham in collaboration with a wide range of local partners. Our role in the award of UNESCO City of Literature status for Nottingham is just one example of this kind of partnership.
18 Our role in the community
Nottingham Potential: Widening participation, Nottingham Potential is successful in these aims and, given enrichment and support the scale of uptake of our services, the programme makes a major contribution locally including through our three Nottingham Potential plays an important role in supporting Nottingham Potential Centres, based in the community, attainment, complementing the work of teachers and schools which provide vital after-school Academic Support sessions in specific areas of learning. We consult with other local (for students aged 7-18) and Focus Programme theme-based universities and third-sector organisations to ensure our study days for partner schools. services are complementary and collectively contribute to our shared aim of helping young people across the region Nottingham Potential has expanded its outreach output reach their potential. from 22,000 places on activities filled in 2010-11 to over 83,000 in 2016-17. The central Widening Participation Team Nottingham Potential aims to: works actively with over 160 schools, from primary schools through to FE colleges. The University is proud of the scale ■ engage young people in education and develop a curiosity and breadth of our engagement and of the contribution to for learning; aspirations, educational engagement and progression ■ raise young people’s awareness of higher education; it represents.
■ provide information, mentoring and practical ‘taster’ experiences to help learners make informed decisions about their educational progression.
19 Campuses in three countries
We have a pioneering spirit, expressed in the vision Built on the site of the former Raleigh factory, of our founder Sir Jesse Boot, which has seen us the 65-acre Jubilee Campus is an exemplar of lead the way in establishing campuses in China and brownfield regeneration and has impeccable green Malaysia — part of a globally connected network credentials, with five Green Flag Awards. of education, research and industrial engagement. Opened by the Queen in 1999, it is adjacent to University State-of-the-art laboratories and teaching and Park Campus. Its series of lakes are home to a variety of research facilities nestle within the beautifully wildlife, and provide storm water attenuation and cooling landscaped gardens, providing staff and students for the buildings. Facilities include Nottingham University with a wonderful environment in which to work, Business School, the Schools of Education, Computer study and live. Science and Contemporary Chinese Studies as well as University Park Campus, Jubilee Campus, Sutton Bonington the University of Nottingham Innovation Park (UNIP). Campus and King’s Meadow Campus are all in the UK; UNIP includes the Nottingham Geospatial Building, the the University also has campuses in Ningbo, China, and Energy Technologies Building, the Institute of Mental in Semenyih in Malaysia. Health and Aerospace Technology Centre. Recent additions UK campuses include the Ingenuity Building and the GlaxoSmithKline Carbon Neutral Laboratory for Sustainable Chemistry, With established woodland, landscaped gardens both of which opened in summer 2016. A new Advanced and period buildings set around a large boating lake, Manufacturing Building is under construction. Nottingham’s flagship 300-acre University Park Campus is one of the largest in the UK. It is widely regarded as The 110-acre Sutton Bonington Campus is 10 miles south one of the country’s most attractive campuses, with a of University Park Campus in countryside on the border of record 14 Green Flag Awards – the benchmark national Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire. Its rural location makes standard for parks and green spaces in England and an ideal home for the School of Biosciences and the School Wales. Nottingham became the first university in the of Veterinary Medicine and Science, which opened in 2006. country to achieve Green Flag Awards for two sites The School of Biosciences is internationally renowned when Jubilee Campus won its first award in 2013. for research across its five divisions: Animal Sciences, University Park Campus is the focus of life for many of our Food Sciences, Plant and Crop Sciences, Nutritional students. As well as excellent teaching facilities, the campus Sciences, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. has halls of residence, a conference and exhibition centre and 200-bedroom hotel, shops, banks, bars, galleries, a theatre and restaurants. A new state-of-the-art sports centre, the David Ross Sports Village, had its official opening in 2017.
20 Campuses in three countries
China campus Key research areas include the marine economy and technology, sustainable energy technology, global finance, The University’s strong links with China resulted in an Sino-Foreign universities, international finance, fluids and invitation to become the first foreign university to establish thermal engineering and creative and digital cultures. an independent campus, under legislation passed in China in 2003. UNNC is in Ningbo, an historic city on China’s UNNC management comprises Professor Yang Fujia, eastern coast close to Shanghai, and has been developed former Chancellor of The University of Nottingham and in partnership with the dynamic and innovative Wanli President of UNNC, and the Vice-Chancellor. Professor Education Group. Chris Rudd, Provost and Pro-Vice-Chancellor oversees growth and development. The campus in Ningbo provides accommodation, sports facilities and a shopping street, and is close to the central More details on all our campuses can be found here: business district. The campus has more than 6,600 students, undergraduate and postgraduate, with around nottingham.ac.uk/about/campuses 650 international students from 60 countries.
21 Campuses in three countries
Malaysia campus Research areas include the major Crops for the Future programme, Asia Pacific Studies, Sustainability, Islamic The University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus opened Finance and Communication and Cultures. in September 2000. It was the first branch campus of a British University established outside the UK – earning the UNMC is led by Chairman YM Tengku Tan Sri Dato’ Seri distinction of the Queen’s Award for Enterprise 2001 and the Ahmad Rithauddeen Bin Tengku Ismail, and the Vice- Queen’s Award for Industry (International Trade) 2006. Chancellor. Professor Graham Kendall, Provost and CEO, has overall responsibility for all academic and operational aspects The purpose-built campus opened in 2005 and provides on- of the Malaysia Campus. campus accommodation, good sports facilities, and a multi- level library, as well as state-of-the-art teaching and learning More details on all our campuses can be found here: facilities. The campus has more than 4,800 undergraduate and postgraduate students from 65 different countries. nottingham.ac.uk/about/campuses
22 ‘It’s really no wonder that Nottingham is widely regarded as one of Britain’s most vibrant and cosmopolitan cities. The compact city centre, just a short bus or bike ride from the University, combines heritage and history with contemporary culture...’ Guardian.co.uk
Life in Nottingham
In the heart of England, Nottingham is a vibrant and versatile There is plenty to see and do in Nottingham, including city, rich with heritage and culture, embracing creativity shopping in one of the UK’s best cities for retail, soaking and originality. Nottingham has a long history shrouded up some of the best arts and culture around, making in drama, mystery and myth. The city has a legendary the most of the outstanding sporting facilities – for heritage, from the world-famous outlaw Robin Hood to players and spectators – and enjoying easy access to literary giants Lord Byron and DH Lawrence. In 2015, beautiful open spaces. The city has won eight Purple Flag Nottingham was awarded UNESCO City of Literature status. Awards for safe and exciting nightlife (2000-2017). Home to around 750,000 people and the East Midlands’ There is a wide range of competitively priced property premier commercial, retail, financial and business centre, available in the city and in surrounding towns and Nottingham plays a distinctive role in the UK’s national villages as well as a good choice of schools and excellent and regional economic growth. The city is rapidly recreational facilities. Aside from the University’s award- developing and benefiting from major infrastructure winning campuses, Nottingham boasts an array of open and regeneration projects, in which the University green spaces and further afield there are country parks is playing a vital part. It is also part of the UK’s Core such as Clumber Park, the Lincolnshire Wolds and the Cities Group, those cities that have been identified by Peak District National Park on Nottingham’s doorstep. the Government as powerhouses of the economy. Centrally located, Nottingham is in easy reach of most of the country by road, rail and air. Nottingham’s compact city centre, pedestrianised streets and excellent bus, tram and cycle network make it easy to get around.
23 Nottingham has benefited from The Provost and visionary and excellent leadership, driven by our shared values and Deputy Vice- collective ambition.
Reporting to the President and Vice-Chancellor, and working Chancellor: closely with members of the University Executive Board, the Provost and Deputy Vice-Chancellor will lead on strategic and operational planning and academic resources. The role role and will require a collaborative approach with academic and Professional Services, as well as with the leadership of the responsibilities University’s overseas campuses in China and Malaysia.
24 Main duties and responsibilities
The Provost and ■ work with the PVC (Student Experience), PVC (Research and Innovation) and Faculty PVCs to ensure that through Deputy Vice-Chancellor will: the delivery of world changing research, excellent teaching and an outstanding student experience we ■ work with the President and Vice-Chancellor in providing improve our competitive position, nationally and strategic leadership within the University and delivering globally the University’s strategy ■ work with the heads of professional services ■ lead on institutional risk management in the University to ensure issues that cross the academic and professional services boundaries are ■ lead on strategic and operational planning and advice addressed effectively to the President and Vice-Chancellor on strategic investment and disinvestment and the distribution of ■ oversee activity that will grow the University’s income to academic resources ensure continued investment for growth, with particular focus on the size and shape of the student population ■ line manage the five Faculty Pro-Vice-Chancellors and portfolio development (Arts, Social Sciences, Medicine and Health Sciences, Engineering and Science) ■ ensure that diversity and inclusion is integral to the culture of the University ■ work with the Provosts of University of Nottingham Ningbo China and University of Nottingham Malaysia ■ work with Faculty Pro-Vice-Chancellors to ensure Campus, as well as the PVC Global Engagement to ensure a highly engaged academic staff group,encouraging a joined-up approach to Nottingham’s Global Strategy creative initiatives
25 Main duties and responsibilities
■ oversee the remuneration of professorial staff The post of Provost and Deputy
■ work with the Chief Financial Officer and lead on all Vice-Chancellor (DVC) is the Deputy aspects of the strategic planning cycle, co-ordinating to the President and Vice-Chancellor the development and implementation of academic planning issues (VC) such that when the President and Vice-Chancellor is absent, the ■ act on behalf of the President and Vice-Chancellor across a range of delegated internal and external matters DVC acts on her behalf.
■ chair a number of key committees eg Academic Sample of University Committees of which the DVC Strategy and Resources Committee and Promotions is a member: Committee ■ University Executive Board Group ■ ensure the future sustainability of the University by leading on programmes of change as directed by the ■ Council President and Vice-Chancellor ■ Senate ■ support the President and Vice-Chancellor in shaping the University’s response to the changing policy agenda ■ Finance Committee and implications of broader changes that affect the sector, such as Brexit and regulatory reform ■ Audit and Risk Committee (in attendance)
■ undertake any other duties, commensurate with this ■ People Strategy Committee role, which may be delegated by the President and Vice-Chancellor
26 Person specification The successful candidate will have a track record of achievement and delivery in a complex organisation and will be expected to demonstrate the following skills, capabilities and experience:
Qualifications Skills
■ Professorial or equivalent standing, with a research ■ Inspirational leadership and management skills, reputation and profile commensurate with a senior including a commitment to high performance academic leadership role and continuous improvement
■ Evidence of continuous professional development ■ Proven influencing skills and the ability to represent the University’s interests in policy debates at local, regional and national level Experience/knowledge ■ Has led change effectively with evidence of engaging ■ Breadth and depth of Higher Education experience productively with a range of stakeholders including necessary to deputise for the President and Vice- excellent written and oral communication skills, including Chancellor in a wide variety of areas crafting complex messages
■ With a global outlook and focused on the future ■ Excellent motivational and team-building skills of higher education in an international context
■ A thorough knowledge of the key planning issues Attributes impacting the Higher Education sector (including international context) ■ A strategic and analytical approach to financial management ■ A proven track record in the Higher Education sector of positioning an institution/division/operation for ■ A positive energy capable of uniting diverse stakeholders future success to deliver common goals
■ Demonstrate knowledge of and/or empathy with the ■ Will embody and espouse Nottingham’s core principles pressures of disciplines other than their own and values
■ Ability to contribute to institutional policy development across all the major issues facing a top ranked research- intensive university
■ Accomplished record in strategic and business planning
■ Experience of leading on or facilitating/equality, diversity and inclusion initiatives
■ Can evidence examples of advising on or making decisions about both investment and disinvestment 27 How to apply
Perrett Laver, the appointed advisors of the University of Applicants are asked to provide daytime and Nottingham, are conducting an executive search exercise evening contact details. Perrett Laver will conduct alongside the public advertisement of the post. Perrett preliminary interviews with longlisted candidates. Laver will support the interview panel in the discharge of Shortlisted candidates will be invited to visit the University its duties, both to assist in the assessment of candidates for a day of information-gathering and discussions against the requirements of the role and to identify with a number of key groups and individuals. Formal the widest possible field of qualified candidates. interviews are expected to take place in April 2018. Applications should consist of a full curriculum vitae detailing career and achievements, as well as a covering letter addressing the role description and person specification.
Applications should be uploaded via the website at
candidates.perrettlaver.com/vacancies quoting reference number 3344. The closing date for applications is 12 noon on 19 February 2018.
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