Case study: Governing Council Member recruitment | Bishop Grosseteste University
We were delighted to support the Bishop Grosseteste University with Governing Council Member recruitment. Learn more about our process!
Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) is situated in the heart of historic Lincoln. Founded in 1862 as a CoE teacher training college, it gained university status in 2012 and continues to train primary and secondary school teachers. BGU has 2,300 students studying across five academic programmes at undergraduate and postgraduate levels and is committed to widening participation, with 64% of current students being first generation. BGU is first in the UK for Student Voice, Academic Support, Learning Opportunities, and Assessment and Feedback (NSS 2024).
Context.
Over the previous 12 months, the BGU leadership and governing body had seen a period of change and transformation. Peridot supported the appointment of a new Chair of Council, with further Governing Council Member appointments made following this. In addition, we also supported the appointment of the new Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Operations), who joined the organisation at the same time as the new interim Vice-Chancellor. To ensure the long-term sustainability of the institution in a very challenging financial and regulatory landscape, the new Executive team and Governing Council were focused on developing and implementing a new financial plan for the University. To support this process, BGU recognised the need to strengthen the financial expertise on the Council to ensure a robust level of scrutiny of the new plan.
Brief.
BGU identified the need for a financially qualified leader operating at a senior, strategic level in their sector or industry, preferably with experience operating in large, complex organisations and within a regulated environment.
Candidates would need to bring an understanding of the difference between the executive leadership role and the role of the Governing Council Member and be willing to contribute their expertise and time to supporting the Council, acting as an advocate for BGU across their own networks. Candidates would need to bring a strong commitment to the values and mission of BGU. With its focus on inclusion and access to higher education, BGU is committed to representation from all the communities it serves at board level.
Process.
As it was important that the new Governing Council Member was able to commit to being on-site for Council and Committee meetings throughout the year, we focused our search on those with the relevant skills and experience who worked and/or lived in Lincoln or within a commutable distance from the university. We mapped large organisations across the public, education, charity and private sectors to identify hundreds of potential candidates operating at executive and board levels who were financially qualified.
Outcome.
This was a challenging search due to the nature of the role, its commitment and the period of significant transformation BGU was experiencing.
Four candidates were shortlisted for interview, and two successful appointments were made.
The first appointment was an experienced Chief Finance Officer who had operated as an executive leader for a £400m turnover retail organisation in Lincolnshire. They were also an experienced university governor.
The second appointment was a fully qualified finance director and current Vice President and Managing Director of a £200m turnover manufacturing business based in Lincoln, which operates globally.
These appointments brought a diversity of experience, thought and perspective to the Council, and within 6 months of the appointment, one of the candidates was appointed as the Chair of the Finance Committee. Both Members will serve a minimum three-year term of office, with the option to continue for another three years.
Category: Case studies
Consultant in charge
Dr Sophie Carney
Principal Consultant | Higher Education
Dr Sophie Carney is passionate about higher education, with 16 years of experience on every side of the table – as student, researcher, lecturer, and student services manager.
Having spent over ten years working in higher education as an academic and in student support services, Dr Sophie Carney was keen to continue her career by supporting the sector to recruit transformative leaders.
As the Principal Consultant for Higher Education Appointments in Peridot's Education Practice, Sophie leads on the appointment of executive, academic and professional services leaders across the higher education sector. Sophie also leads on the recruitment of outstanding talent to the governing councils, boards and committees of higher education providers, universities and other sector bodies, with a track record of appointing chairs, vice chairs, independent members, non-executive directors and committee members.
Higher education has provided Sophie with many opportunities for personal and professional development. She enjoys working with clients and candidates who are equally driven by their passion for the opportunities and transformative impact of higher education on the lives of thousands of students.
When she's not at work, you will most likely find Sophie walking her cockapoo, Bella, along the River Trent, browsing around the antique shops of Newark, or wading through a pile of historical fiction novels and art history tomes.
Approachable, insightful, and passionate about education, Sophie brings a wealth of experience and a personal touch to each appointment she leads. Her deep understanding of the sector and commitment to supporting educational leadership make her a trusted advisor and consultant to transform leadership and inspire change across the higher education sector.
