Non-Executive Director

Background

SRUC is a specialist institution focused on the Natural Economy, with pan-Scotland locations and a global reach. Formed in 2012, but built on a history of over 100 years, we are a young institution with a long heritage. We are quite unlike any other institution, with a tertiary education model (from FE to PhD), a world-class research base, knowledge exchange and consultancy services. Therefore, we are uniquely placed to respond to the global challenges facing us collectively, and we have the strength, courage and audacity to do it.

SRUC is in the top 5 in the UK for studying animal science and agriculture in the Guardian University rankings and, in 2024, it was awarded the Queen's Anniversary Prize - the highest form of national recognition open to educational institutions in the UK - for the second time.

About SRUC

SRUC is home to approximately 2500 FE and HE students, 300 master's students and 100 PhD students undertaking study over a number of courses in the domains of circular economy, planetary health and science society and business. In addition, SRUC delivered short course training to over 3000 individuals in the last year and 600 apprenticeships.

SRUC has an annual turnover of £92.3m and employs approximately 1,100 staff operating from 6 campuses, 8 farms, 24 consulting offices, 6 research centres and 5 veterinary surveillance centres located primarily across Scotland. SRUC's main purpose is to advance education, science, research and environmental protection and improvement in the rural and land-based industries, both domestically and internationally. The commercial consultancy, and commercially-focused aspects of skills training and some research activities are undertaken through SRUC Innovation Limited.

The Role of Non-Executive Director at SRUC

SRUC is seeking to appoint up to five new Non-Executive Directors, including individuals with the required skills to chair our Finance & Estates and Remuneration & Appointments committees. These appointments would carry the responsibilities of a Company Director and Charity Trustee.

Board Members collectively provide high-level strategic oversight and ensure that adequate control and monitoring arrangements exist to support executive management in exercising proper stewardship and working towards agreed strategic objectives. Board Members are asked to bring their expertise and experience to bear on this work.

The Board is entrusted with funds, both public and private, and has a particular duty to observe the highest standards of corporate governance.

Board Members are expected to develop an understanding of SRUC, its teaching and research mission and internal structure and culture. In addition, members are expected to build understanding of SRUC's relationships with relevant external agencies and the Scottish and UK higher education systems.

Qualifications and experience required:

Applications are particularly welcomed at this time from individuals with skills and experience in the following areas:

• Audit and Risk
• Finance and Accounting (Chair of Finance & Estates Committee)
• Transformational Change and Implementation
• Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (Chair of Remuneration & Appointments Committee)
• Green skills, aquaculture, veterinary and food experience as these are areas we are moving into
• Commercialisation and business development

Applications are also invited from individuals who can demonstrate experience and skills in the following areas:

• Communication and Marketing
• Cyber Security,
• Digital Transformation
• HEI experience

SRUC is committed to ensuring that the Board represents the community, stakeholders, staff and students and welcomes expressions of interest from all suitably experienced individuals who have the experience and expertise needed to help direct and shape the organisation into the future. Expressions of interest are welcomed from applicants currently underrepresented on the Board who would further enhance its diversity. This includes women, young people, ethnic minorities, and those with disabilities.

Fees and Terms

Appointments will be made for a period of 3 years with the possibility of extension for a further three years subject to a satisfactory appraisal. This post is non-remunerated. Travel and subsistence expenses are reimbursed.

Time to be committed to SRUC business is expected to be at least 18 days per annum, which includes four Board meetings a year, one strategy session.

Application Process

Further details about these roles and full instruction on how to apply can be found in the Candidate Brief document which is downloadable from the link on the SRUC website job advert. You must read this document fully before applying.

To reach the SRUC website page from a non-SRUC website please click the APPLY button on this advert which will take you to the SRUC website job advert.

Closing Date:

The closing date for all applications is noon on Monday 3rd March 2025.

Interviews:

If selected, interviews will be conducted in person in Edinburgh on Tuesday 25th March or Friday 28th March 2025

At the heart of the natural economy

SRUC is a company limited by guarantee (SC103046) and is a registered Scottish charity (SC003712). SRUC Innovation Ltd (SC148684) is an SRUC company. Registered Office: Peter Wilson Building, King's Buildings, West Mains Road, Edinburgh EH9 3JG