FURTHER DETAILS

York St John University, Lord Mayor’s Walk, YO31 7EX T: 01904 624624 www.yorksj.ac.uk VICE ’S WELCOME

I am delighted that you are interested in the role of Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic) at York St John University. This is a strategically important role for the University and one that will help shape our academic endeavours as we build on our rich heritage in the heart of York and look to an exciting future as an increasingly impactful University.

THE ROLE There are many great reasons to join York St development of a new University Strategy that John University. From our original founding as will set out our ambitions to 2026. You will join The Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic) is a teacher training college in 1841, right up until us as we prepare to launch that Strategy and a senior academic leadership role at York St the present day as a modern, forward-thinking with it the exciting next phase of our journey. John. Responsible for the University’s subject University, our institution has recognised and In our new Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic) portfolio and curriculum development, the celebrated education as a force for the possible. I am looking for someone who has the drive Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic) will foster We believe passionately in the importance of and passion to deliver our new strategic vision collegiality and ensure the delivery of excellence the contribution that we make happen, through and drive forward initiatives that will see us through the University’s inclusive approaches to the advancement of understanding and the delivering excellence in all that we do. You will learning, teaching and assessment. pursuit of social justice. We create opportunities be a strong, successful leader with an impressive for students - many of whom are the first in As a key member of the Vice Chancellor’s track record of personal research and significant their family to go to University, or from groups Executive Board the Deputy Vice Chancellor experience of learning and teaching, academic underrepresented in Higher Education – that (Academic) will play a major role in the quality and of enhancing the student experience. strategic leadership of the University and drive open their eyes to their personal potential and an ambitious agenda to enhance the student enhance the role they play in the world. We do Thank you for taking an interest in York St John experience in furtherance of our aim to achieve this with pride, professionalism, optimism and University and this role. above all – humanity. TEF Gold by 2026. You will be one of two Deputy I hope you are excited by the opportunity Vice Chancellors; our Senior Deputy Vice In recent years our offer has proven increasingly to help shape our future and be part of our Chancellor leads on delivery from our London popular. We were the fastest growing University future successes. I look forward to receiving Campus, research and international. in the UK between 2015 and 2017. This success your application. In furtherance of your role in shaping the has placed us in a strong position to plan academic endeavour, you will have oversight confidently for the future and invest in the quality of the University’s quality assurance, of our Academic offer. Strategically, three clear standards and learning enhancement policies priorities: inspiring learning; impactful research; and processes and will seek to improve the and enabling our students to be clear about their University’s performance through the effective career, drive a strong sense of common purpose Professor leadership of our Heads of School. across the University and are leading to the Vice Chancellor YORK ST JOHN UNIVERSITY

MODERN, SINCE 1841 At a time when the Higher Education sector Alongside this external focus, we’re creating faces considerable change and uncertainty, the conditions on our campus where you can York St John University can draw on a proud really achieve. We have invested significantly history of innovating and modernising to in new teaching space and facilities, including meet contemporary needs and challenges. new laboratories, media studios and a major new sports park development just a short walk As the oldest Higher Education institution in the from our main campus. The combination of old city, our roots go back to 1841. Originally the York and new architecture, alongside green space and Diocesan Training School for teacher education, views from many offices of both the city walls we opened in May that year with just one student, and iconic , makes York St John whose descendants are still in contact with the University an attractive and energising place to University today! In 1846 the Female Teacher work. We are also a consistent Gold Award winner Training School was also founded and ever since at the annual Yorkshire in Bloom competition. then our mission to widen access to education has been at the heart of everything we do. The University has a clear governance structure and a governing body of experienced After expanding our range of courses over many members who act as positive advocates for the years, York St John achieved full University institution’s staff and students. Our current status in 2006, with Research Degree Awarding Chancellor is the Archbishop of York, John Powers following in 2015. Now, as the sector Sentamu. The University’s proud position at the “I feel very proud to be part of the team at York St John responds to new business models, regulations heart of the city is perhaps best celebrated and and expectations, we are adapting again. University. From doing a Masters and PhD supervised symbolised each year at Graduation, which takes This means building on our strong suite place over three days during November within of undergraduate courses with enhanced here I have developed to become a longstanding world famous York Minster. Postgraduate provision, new relationships with member of the Academic community. The University international and domestic education partners has given me a strong foundation to grow professionally and the identification of new income streams and teaching opportunities that build on our A 21ST CENTURY significant reputation for supporting continuous through both training and the support of my peers. UNIVERSITY EXPERIENCE professional development. We take a modern, outward looking approach which – London campus launching in 2018 helps us offer high quality teaching to students.” – A new Creative Centre planned for 2021 DR INDU VIBHA MEDDEGAMA – Major investment underway LECTURER IN LINGUISTICS AND TESOL across digital infrastructure 60% of our (UK/EU domiciled) students come from one or more group that is under-represented in Higher Education GET TO KNOW US BETTER In the Top 25 UK universities for long-term graduate 870 One mission: ‘To inspire employability or education. staff in total our students and staff to reach their full potential, advance knowledge and make a positive contribution to the world’. 7,000 students from 129 30% of our research is The University has nine Academic Schools: different nationalities world leading or – School of Art, Design & Computer Science internationally excellent – School of Education Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2014 – School of Health Sciences In the Top 10 UK – School of Humanities, Religion & Philosophy universities for – School of Languages & Linguistics giving equal access – School of Performance & Media Production to students from – School of Psychological & Social Sciences all backgrounds – School of Sport Higher Education Policy £46 million – York Business School Institute (HEPI) analysis 2018 invested in our campus over the past five years

95% satisfaction rating from our research £65 million degree students annual contribution Higher Education Academy Postgraduate Research survey 2017 to the economy ACHIEVE YOUR AMBITIONS

When you join York St John University, you invest your expertise in us and likewise we recognise the value of investing our efforts and expertise in you.

So we offer a wide-ranging package of training Having appointed over 60 new academic staff and professional advancement opportunities in the past two years, the University is embracing that mean you and your manager can tailor the opportunity to learn from fresh ideas. development to you. Amongst Academic staff we have a strong Your success at work starts with your wellbeing. record of enhancing career advancement. Since 2015 we have been a signatory to the 90% of our Academic staff have achieved Mindful Employer Charter, reflecting our positive Higher Education Academy fellowship, putting approach to mental health and wellbeing in the us amongst the leading universities in the country workplace. We have also been accredited as a for the proportion of Academics with a recognised Disability Confident Employer since 2017. teaching qualification. We have many examples York St John was also a partner to Stonewall when of staff from different background who have been it launched its Trans Allies initiative. A strong supported in achieving promotion from Lecturer sense of community across our campus is reflected to Senior Lecturer and from Associate Professor in the networks of mutual support that exist to Professor. between our teams. We support and promote a number of All staff will receive an annual Performance programmes and initiatives targeted to those Development Review (PDR), with our online who are underrepresented in Higher Education “I was attracted to York St John University by the system ensuring that objectives can be recorded, leadership roles. This includes funding for the strong sense of community and the ambition it has monitored and acted upon consistently across the Leadership Foundation’s Diversifying Leadership University. Dedicated training and development Programme, which support early career for students. There is a genuine commitment to budgets within teams mean that your manager academics and professional services staff from can work with you to put practical steps in place black and minority ethnic (BAME) backgrounds widening access, raising aspirations and increasing following your review. who are about to take their first steps into a leadership role, and for Aurora, the Foundation’s opportunities through the power of education. Everyone at York St John University has the women-only leadership programme. Through the opportunity to pursue professional growth and Northern Universities consortium we also support The collective focus on impactful research reflects promotion. A number of leadership programmes, dedicated action learning sets for female staff. our desire to apply academic excellence and rigour accredited by the Chartered Management Institute, are available and funded by the University. For The University has a well-established to areas where we can really make a difference”. those already in leadership roles an ‘Extended mentoring scheme, with all new starters Leadership Team’ network meets regularly to help allocated an internal mentor, as well as being PROFESSOR MARK EDWARDS the University develop its strategic direction and part of the Research mentoring and Yorkshire PRO VICE-CHANCELLOR, INTERNATIONAL AND priority projects as well as providing an excellent Accord mentoring programmes. HEAD OF SCHOOL, PSYCHOLOGICAL & SOCIAL SCIENCES networking opportunity with peers. AN ENVIRONMENT TO THRIVE IN

We believe that being happy in the work you do is BENEFITS one of the most fundamental ways to bring out the Our commitment to our staff is best in your teaching, research and wider contribution demonstrated in an extensive suite of benefits and support that includes: to our University. We work proactively to create – Excellent annual leave alongside an environment that feels friendly, inclusive and flexible working to create a supportive for all our staff, as well as our students. family-friendly working culture. – Well-established staff pension provision run through the North We are proud to be the holder of a number through which businesses, communities and Yorkshire Pension Fund and the of awards that demonstrate this commitment. employees come together to make York a better Teacher’s Pension Scheme. We have been listed amongst the UK’s most place. We work with other local organisations to – An Employee Assistance Programme inclusive employers by LGBTQ charity Stonewall offer support to particularly vulnerable groups, for confidential help and support for a number of years and climbed to 24th in including refugees and care leavers. during difficult times, provided by their overall ranking in 2018, helped by the The University celebrates the diversity of its qualified experts. development of our new trans-framework workforce and is actively seeking to increase and a thriving LGBTQ staff network that – A Health Cash Plan, available after a that diversity further. We have a number of play a proactive role not just in University life, qualifying period of service, entitling strong staff network groups that ensure but in the cultural vibrancy of the whole city. staff members to a range of discounts colleagues from different backgrounds can and support in relation their own We also hold the Social Enterprise Gold Mark come together in a spirit of mutual support. healthcare and in certain cases, in recognition of the socially responsible way We run a range of events each year to mark key that of family members. we work and contribute. For example, many events in the calendar, such as Black History – A significant number of staff of our staff have supported the award winning Month. We also have arrangements in place discounts and benefits relating Converge initiative – a partnership with the through our Chaplaincy to support staff and to shops and services outside the NHS through which the University offers free students of all faiths and those of none. University, accessible through the courses and training to mental health service Staff at all levels are active in shaping the free YSJ You staff benefits scheme. users from the local community. Over the University’s policies and direction. For example, past ten years more than 1000 people have – Support for a healthy lifestyle through a recent review of the University’s values engaged benefitted. In addition, we are part of York Cares, YSJ Active – giving access to fitness more than 150 staff. a city-based, independent volunteering charity facilities and health opportunities, plus a well-used cycle to work scheme. – Extensive training on issues of personal as well as professional development A CITY TO CELEBRATE

Knowing that you can achieve a positive work-life balance is an important consideration for any new role, as is thinking about where you’ll live and how you’ll travel to and from work. Against each of these criteria, York ticks all the boxes!

Not only is the city one of most popular tourist Park and Ride services come past, or very destinations in the U.K, thanks to its range of near to the University. Parking is also available history, culture and year-round entertainment – near to our campus. it is also regularly highlighted as one of the best The city’s wider transport connections are places to live thanks to the quality of its schools, excellent, with more than 70 trains per day safety record, community spirit and thriving during the week to London, a journey that arts scene. takes just over 2 hours, plus very regular trains As York St John University is located just a stone’s to Leeds (25 minutes away) Manchester and throw from the city walls, our staff are ideally Manchester Airport (80 and 105 minutes placed to get immersed in everything York has respectively) and Edinburgh. Leeds Bradford to offer and build new networks and professional airport is also less than an hour away. relationships. We actively support or sponsor For staff moving to the city, relocation many of the key events in York’s cultural calendar support is available to certain roles. including the BAFTA qualifying Aesthetica York is the largest city in – Short Film Festival, the York Literature Festival, the largest county in England. This means that Illuminating York – the city’s festival of lights and the Yorkshire Moors are on our doorstep, the the Festival of Ideas. York’s status as the UK’s first Yorkshire coast is less than an hour away and we UNESCO city of Media Arts reflects our thriving are just a short way from a variety of picturesque creative scene, which is brought to life across the towns and villages, each with their own unique city’s several theatres, cinemas, galleries, creative charm and history. The region has the highest spaces, music venues and independent shops. levels of employment in the north of England The University’s location in the centre of the city and one of the most highly skilled workforces. makes it very easy to get to, however you prefer to The University has strong links and partnerships travel. Many of our staff walk or cycle to work and across the region, including a leading role for those coming from further afield we are less in work to widen participation in Higher than a fifteen minute walk from York train station Education. We are increasingly looking at our itself. Bus routes from around the city, including regional footprint, establishing York St John as a major influence on North Yorkshire’s social, economic and cultural evolution.

Image courtesy of City of York Council ABOUT THE ROLE

JOB DESCRIPTION JOB PURPOSE

Post title: Reporting to the Vice-Chancellor, the Deputy Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic) Vice Chancellor (Academic) will provide inclusive strategic and academic leadership Department: that will ensure the delivery of an excellent and Vice Chancellor’s Office distinctive student experience which celebrates Hours: the diverse nature of the University’s student Full-time – those hours which are body. In particular, the Deputy Vice Chancellor reasonably required for the fulfilment (Academic) will lead on the subject portfolio and of duties curriculum development, delivering excellence through the University’s approaches to learning, Salary: teaching and assessment. c. £100k per annum As an active member of the Executive Board, Reporting to: the DVC will work collectively with senior Vice Chancellor colleagues to continuously improve and diversify Management responsibility: the University’s offer and develop targets and Pro Vice Chancellor (Learning, Teaching performance indicators to assist the Vice & Quality) and Heads of School Chancellor in achieving the strategic ambitions of the University. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 6. Work collaboratively with other senior 12. Improve the University’s performance 18. Keep abreast of Higher Education policy leaders in maintaining ongoing registration through the effective, visible leadership and development, briefing the Vice Chancellor 1. Play a major role in the strategic leadership and an effective relationship with the Office management of direct reports, exemplifying and other senior colleagues as necessary on and management of the University, in for Students, reflecting a robust approach York St John’s core values and Contribution significant matters affecting the operation particular in academic leadership, and to the maintenance of standards and of Framework in so doing. In particular take and function of the University in relation to undertake such University-wide functions, student outcomes. line management responsibility for: the student experience. projects and activities as the Vice-Chancellor –– a number of Heads of School, provide may require to enhance University 7. Provide the strategic lead on academic audit, 19. Develop strong links with the Students leadership and have oversight of the performance and drive institutional success. external reviews, inspection and professional Union as a significant stakeholder in the standards accreditation as relevant to the School’s performance and academic student experience at York St John. 2. Develop and ensure the delivery of the role including engagement with the QAA or activities. Ensure the Schools are 20. Respond to issues and incidents likely to University’s Inspiring Learning Strategy other designated quality body. Work with the appropriately led both strategically and impinge on the University’s reputation and and associated targets, including driving University Secretary as necessary. operationally and that annual planning improvements to the quality of teaching, processes are managed effectively; activities in a manner that manages and 8. Maintain an oversight of academic delivery minimises risk to the University. learning and assessment to place the –– the Pro Vice Chancellor (Learning, models and the academic timetable and University in an excellent position to Teaching and Quality), ensuring clear 21. Demonstrate a sustained contribution with the University Secretary take a lead achieve TEF Gold. performance expectations to ensure to education, research and professional role in ensuring an efficient and effective the development and delivery of the practice within own discipline. 3. Work collaboratively with members of the timetable(s) that meets both institutional academic aspects of the Strategic Plan. Executive Board and other senior leaders and students’ needs across a diverse array 22. Deputise for the Vice Chancellor as and on all areas of University activity and of programmes. 13. Lead the Heads of School in the when required. development. As part of the Executive Board, development of activities to strengthen and 9. As DVC and Chair of key academic identify targets and activities to deliver the diversify the University’s income streams to Committees and the Heads of School University’s strategic aims with regard to ensure investment for growth. HEALTH & SAFETY the enhancement of the student experience forum, lead discussions to deliver sustained Under the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974, to maximise the University’s performance improvement in the University’s learning 14. Secure financial sustainability through whilst at work, you must take reasonable care in the NSS and TEF. Own decisions made and teaching related metrics to optimise effective management of delegated budgets for your own health and safety and that of by the Executive Board. the quality of the student experience and and the allocation of resources. any other person who may be affected by your associated institutional performance in 15. Work with relevant colleagues to take a acts or omissions. Copies of University safety 4. Provide academic leadership and have the TEF. oversight of the University’s quality leading role in ensuring and promoting policies are available from the Staff intranet. assurance, standards and learning 10. With the University Secretary, ensure that equality, diversity and inclusion across This is not a comprehensive definition enhancement policies and processes, academic collaborations and partnerships all activities. Support the achievement of of the post. Postholders are expected to working closely with the PVC (Learning, meet the expectations for academic quality equality initiatives and targets. undertake any work that comes within the Teaching and Quality) and Academic and the student experience. 16. Foster collegiality and facilitate inter-School remit of the post’s main objective. This job Registrar to ensure these are delivered 11. Act as the interface between Governing Body, collaboration, cross-university activities description will be kept under review and and that University quality assurance is Academic Board and senior management and initiatives. may be changed at any time subject embedded throughout the University. to ensure accountability with respect to to consultation with the postholder. 17. Develop and foster external links, financial and strategic governance as well as 5. Maintain oversight of the University’s partnerships and collaborations to further the University’s core academic functions. academic portfolio and lead the Portfolio the interests of the University and promote Development Group and Heads of School the achievements, opportunities and profile to identify new opportunities, curriculum of York St John to all external audiences. innovations and delivery models to enhance Represent the University at local, regional, recruitment and the University’s academic national and international level. reputation. PERSON SPECIFICATION

The postholder is required to demonstrate the following:

KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE –– Proven excellent collaborative leadership and EDUCATION/TRAINING management skills with the ability to motivate –– Significant experience of leading learning and inspire others, to deal with challenging –– Doctorate & teaching, academic quality and student situations and lead by example. –– Fellow of the HEA experience at a senior level. –– Excellent written and oral communication –– Strong track record of personal research skills, with the ability to communicate complex SPECIAL FEATURES preferably in an academic field relevant to issues with clarity to a wide range of audiences. the University’s portfolio or in pedagogy. National and overseas travel will be –– Excellent interpersonal skills and a team required as part of the role. –– Outstanding academic achievement, player with the ability to earn the respect of meeting the University requirements for colleagues, influence and persuade others appointment at Professorial level. and form mutually beneficial relationships.

–– Strong record of leadership in an HE –– Ability to represent the University’s interests environment or equivalent setting, at a local, regional and national level and including management of a department, deputise for the Vice-Chancellor as required. school or faculty. –– Commitment to fostering a culture of –– Successful experience of leading and delivering inter-disciplinary team working and a strategic developments and successful collegiate approach. change programmes to improve the student experience and deliver value for money. –– Ability to initiate and lead the development of new and creative approaches and solutions –– A comprehensive understanding of current to achieve strategic goals. and future developments in the HE sector and the opportunities these create. –– Adaptable with the ability to drive a culture of commitment, innovation and engagement. –– A detailed understanding of national frameworks for quality assurance and –– Ability to make difficult decisions, enhancement and access & participation. communicate them effectively and see implementation through. –– Evidence of effective working across academic disciplines. –– Drive and enthusiasm to advance the University. –– Evidence of creating impact. –– Commitment to the University’s mission, –– A strategic thinker with the ability to vision and values. incorporate ideas, turn strategy into reality and drive sustained improvements in performance. –– Personal commitment to equality, diversity and widening access to higher education.