Appointment of Lay Members of
Council of the University of York

Heslington Hall, at the University of York, in summer.

We are seeking exceptional individuals as lay members of the Council, as the University’s governing body and trustee board, to contribute their external skills and insights to the effective stewardship and strategic direction of the University.

Members of the University Orchestra.

About York

View of the Ron Cooke Hub and lake on Campus East.

A world-class University

We are a high-performing Russell Group university where enquiring minds, inspiring lecturers and world-class researchers thrive. We want to provide an experience that will stay with our students for the rest of their lives, and will enable them to flourish within and beyond their degrees.

Since our foundation in 1963, York’s focus on academic excellence has resulted in a strong reputation across the globe. In the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2018 we were ranked in the Top 50 in the world for Arts and Humanities and in the top 100 for Social Sciences and Life Sciences.

Our founding values of excellence, equality and opportunity for all, anchored by the highest academic standards, are as true today as they were when the University of York opened its doors. We started out with just over 230 students and are now home to more than 17,000 students from over 140 countries.

With change on the horizon and clear ambitions for the future, the University of York is searching for exceptional individuals to act as lay members of Council. People who can understand our past but can contribute to creating a strong and compelling vision for the future.

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A member of academic staff and PhD student collaborating on research in Department of Electronic Engineering.

Who we are

York is the home of enquiring minds, inspiring teachers, pioneering researchers, and motivated and committed professional services staff, all of whom are determined to make the world a better place.

Students in gowns and caps attending graduation ceremony.
Student carrying out research in robotics in the Department of Computer Science.

Pursuing academic excellence

Our research-intensive, supportive environment allows collaboration and innovation to flourish, attracting world-class researchers who are solving global problems and inspiring students from across the world.

  • Our Research Strategy encompasses our vision that York should provide a home for some of the best research in the world
  • £71m total research income in 2017-18, a 35 per cent growth in the last five years
  • A recent report by London Economics assessed our total economic impact at £1,820.5m
  • The total economic impact of research conducted by the University in 2016-17 was estimated to be £537.1m
  • Our latest Annual Report and Financial Statements provides a full breakdown of our financial position

Helping great minds to thrive

We are committed to nurturing our highly talented staff and students by supporting their ambitions and giving them opportunities to develop and grow.

  • We have been awarded TEF Gold for our research-led teaching which provides "consistently outstanding outcomes for students from all backgrounds".
  • We have articulated a distinctive York pedagogy that sets clear and challenging goals and ensures students are supported to achieve them.
  • The impact of teaching and learning generated by the 2016-17 cohort of University of York students stood at £487.9 million.
  • Our Learning and Teaching Strategy outlines a set of values and principles to ensure excellence.

Student and member of academic staff studying stained glass in the Department of History of Art.

Fostering a culture of inclusion

We have a diverse mix of cultures and nationalities on campus so we all benefit from different perspectives and gain a greater understanding of the wider world.

  • Our campus community originates from around the globe and we are proud to nurture an eclectic mix of cultures and experiences. 22 per cent of our students are from outside the UK.
  • Our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy speaks to the core of our values.
  • We hold numerous awards from Athena SWAN, recognising the advancement of gender equality: representation, progression and success for all.
  • We have a very successful widening participation programme and York has one of the highest percentages amongst the Russell Group of students coming from state schools.
  • We recognise our responsibility to the wider community in which we live and learn, and pride ourselves on forging local partnerships.
  • Our approach to public engagement, anchored by the York Festival of Ideas, aims to provide access for diverse audiences to an array of free events that demonstrate the relevance and transformational value of higher education, research and ideas.
Students having their photo taken at graduation.
Student listening to a lecture.

Creating independent critical thinkers

Our research-led teaching encourages creativity and problem solving and challenges our students to push the boundaries of knowledge and excel in their studies.

  • We seek talented students from all backgrounds and respect them as individuals, valuing their unique contribution to the University.
  • We have an active and award-winning student media online, in print and on air.
  • Our research-led teaching means that our students are taught by people who are passionate about their subject, and leaders in their field of expertise.
  • We support and encourage academic challenge and debate to promote critical thinking.

Helping students prosper in a global workplace

We provide opportunities and experiences for our students to enhance their personal and professional development, helping to meet the needs of global employers.

  • 94 per cent of our graduates are employed or in further study within six months of graduating.
  • More than 13 per cent of our students engage in international mobility programmes - one of the highest participation rates in the Russell Group - which includes a huge range of study/work/volunteer abroad opportunities for students to gain international experiences through Global You.
  • Through our innovative employability programme York Futures, we are committed to supporting our students’ career aspirations and ambitions and helping to meet the needs of global employers.
  • Our current students are helped to identify their strengths through the York Strengths programme, taking charge of their futures and developing skills valued by employers.
  • The Careers and Placements Annual Report for 2018 and our Employability Strategy explain our approach.
  • We foster collaborative and respectful relationships with our students through extensive student participation and strong student unions, University of York Students' Union (YUSU) and Graduate Students' Association (GSA).

Member of staff giving information about opportunities available through the Careers and Placements team.

Solving problems through strong interdisciplinary collaboration

York has an excellent reputation for fostering a rigorously interdisciplinary approach to research, a collegial culture and a track record of forging partnerships with external organisations to address complex global problems in innovative ways.

  • Our seven research themes were agreed through extensive consultation with our academic community and have delivered a range of significant inter-disciplinary funding successes, including our Digital Creativity Labs, Interdisciplinary Global Development Centre, BioYork, and the Assuring Autonomy International Programme.
  • Our partnerships with universities overseas in China, Brazil and Europe provide opportunities for staff and students to visit and exchange ideas, learning and culture.
  • The University of York has signed a major partnership with Maastricht University. We will establish joint research projects, teaching collaborations, knowledge exchange, student exchanges and will share best practice among staff.
  • York is one of the three White Rose Universities who have opened the White Rose Brussels Office to promote the long-term strategic positioning of the three White Rose universities to key stakeholders in Brussels to influence EU research policy.
  • Our International Strategy presents our aspirations for global academic and research success.

A robot and a human communicate during research in Computer Science.

An excellent environment in which to live and learn

Those who study and work here get the best of both worlds: a green and open campus close to a historic and cosmopolitan city.

  • The University of York’s 500-acre parkland campus holds the Green Flag award for the sixth time, in recognition of the quality of its landscaped green space.
  • A number of buildings and other features on campus hold Grade II listed status and much of our landscape is designated as a Registered Park and Garden, the status held by some of Britain's finest estates.
  • We've invested over £500m in state-of-the-art facilities including new teaching buildings and student facilities.
  • York is regularly voted one of the best places to live and visit in the UK and was named the best place to live in Britain by The Sunday Times 2018.
  • Our colleges provide an opportunity for students from diverse backgrounds to live independently in a supportive and enabling environment.

Student sitting at a picnic table in green space outside the Berrick Saul Building.

The University appointed Perrett Laver to support the selection committee with this appointment. The application window for this recruitment has now closed.

Members of the Women's Eights team, part of the University Boat Club, row on the River Ouse as part of the annual Roses competition.