< Back to board positions

Board Chair

South East

Chair of the Board of Trustees | University of the Built Environment

Organisation Type

Public sector

Industry / Sector

Education / Academia / Training

About The Organisation

The University of the Built Environment is a specialist institution dedicated to shaping the future of sustainable spaces, places and buildings through accessible, practice-based education.

With our students at the heart of everything we do, we have over 106 years of experience in providing the sector with the highest quality learning opportunities. At any one time, we have more than 4,000 students from over 100 countries benefiting from our qualifications delivered by lecturers who are specialists in their field.

We are now seeking a new Chair of the Board of Trustees, an accomplished senior leader in the built environment, who is inspired to share their expertise and help shape the University’s future.

Position Description

The Board of Trustees provides overall governance, strategic direction and non-executive oversight for the University of the Built Environment, working in close partnership with the Executive Team to ensure the University meets its objectives, as defined by its Royal Charter, and complies with all regulatory requirements. Meeting regularly, the Board contributes to shaping the institution’s long-term vision, with responsibility shared across Independent Trustees, staff and student members, and led by the Chair. The Chair plays a pivotal role in guiding the University’s future, ensuring strong, values-driven governance while maintaining a clear balance between oversight and executive responsibility, with day-to-day operations led by the Vice-Chancellor and Executive Team.

In this role, the Chair fosters a culture of openness, inclusivity and constructive challenge, enabling Trustees to contribute confidently while supporting high standards in governance, educational quality and financial sustainability. They lead and facilitate effective Board and committee meetings, bringing stakeholders together around a shared purpose and vision, and ensuring thoughtful, informed decision-making. The Chair also supports the ongoing development and succession of Trustees, contributing to recruitment processes and, where appropriate, playing a role in senior executive appointments, helping to ensure the continued strength and effectiveness of the University’s leadership.

Selection Criteria

We are looking for an accomplished senior leader with strategic, executive-level experience in organisations connected to the built environment. Recognising the breadth and evolving nature of the sector, we welcome candidates whose expertise spans both established disciplines and emerging areas.

Given the significance of the role, prior board experience, and the ability to chair meetings with confidence, clarity and effectiveness, will be essential.

As Chair, you will be a strong communicator and collaborator, bringing well-tested leadership skills alongside sound judgement and commercial awareness. You will be able to build constructive relationships while maintaining independence of thought, creating an environment where challenge and support go hand in hand.

You will act with integrity and take pride in serving as an ambassador for the University, representing its values both internally and externally.

Above all, you will bring a genuine passion for higher education, underpinned by a strong understanding of governance and a commitment to excellence.

How to Apply

Applications for this role close at 9 a.m. Monday 6th July.

For further information about the role and to register your interest, please visit the Peridot Partners page and contact our advising consultants: https://www.peridotpartners.co.uk/jobs/chair-of-the-board-of-trustees-ube/