University of the Highlands and Islands seeks chair of its Further Education Regional Board

The University of the Highlands and Islands is seeking applications for a chair of its Further Education Regional Board.

The Post-16 Education Act makes the University of the Highlands and Islands Court, through a Further Education Regional Board, accountable for all college and university-level education in the Highlands and Islands. This means that from later this year, most likely August 2014, the university will have responsibility for all education in the region after students leave school.

The role of the chair of the Further Education Regional Board will be vital to ensuring all the colleges which deliver further education in the region, and which form the university partnership, work together to meet the needs of their respective communities as well as those of the wider area. The chair of the Further Education Board will also be a member of the University Court.

“The Board will establish the strategic direction and aims of all further education provision in the Highlands and Islands,” explained Fiona Larg, University of the Highlands and Islands chief operating officer and secretary.

“And the new chair will take up the role at a most interesting and significant time in the university’s development as a fully integrated education provider, providing continuity of education provision for students from leaving school through to degree education and beyond.”

“The chair of the Further Education Regional Board must provide leadership to the 21 other members of the Board which will oversee the allocation of further education funding across our partnership area. Those considering the role will need to have a background in education, business or public life with experience of leading and driving change in complex organisations.   An understanding of the distinctive character of the Highlands and Islands together with an ability to build strong working relationships is essential.”

The post is remunerated. The time commitment required is expected to be two days per week for the first year reducing to one to one and a half days thereafter. It may be necessary also to call on the chair at short notice from time to time.

In addition, the university is seeking two members with business and or financial expertise to serve as independent members of the Further Education Regional Board.

Further information and an application form is available at www.uhi.ac.uk/feregionalboard or by calling Fiona Larg, secretary to the university, on (01463) 279211. Applicants should send a completed application to fiona.larg@uhi.ac.uk. Closing date for applications is Thursday 3 April 2014.