Join Our Board - Independent Governor Opportunities

Northumbria University; Newcastle upon Tyne; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A UK university is seeking Independent Members for its Board of Governors in Newcastle upon Tyne. Candidates with senior-level expertise in Finance, Audit, or IT and Cyber Security are encouraged to apply. The role involves shaping the strategic direction of the university, supporting governance, and engaging with students. Interested individuals should visit the specified website for application details. Applications should be received by noon on Friday 19 December 2025.

Qualifications

• Senior-level experience in financial management, planning, or strategy.
• Professional experience in internal or external audit.
• Senior leadership experience in IT strategy or cyber security.

Responsibilities

• Shape strategic direction and governance of the university.
• Support the Vice-Chancellor on key strategic matters.
• Engage with students and participate in university events.

Skills

Financial management

Audit frameworks

IT strategy

Digital transformation

Cyber security

Job description

Overview

Northumbria is a research-intensive university that unlocks potential for all, changing lives regionally, nationally, and internationally. Our vision is that through our world-leading research and transformative education, we enable people from all backgrounds to succeed and support businesses and communities in the North-East, London and beyond to thrive.

Tracing its origins back to Rutherford College in late 19th Century Newcastle, now more than 140 years on, Northumbria is one of the largest universities in the UK, with over 35,000 students from more than 140 countries and over 3,500 staff. Based in two of the best student cities, Newcastle and London, Northumbria has an international presence, with 17 global academic partners in 10 countries including Hong Kong, Singapore, Qatar, Sri Lanka, the Caribbean and regional offices in Nigeria, China, Malaysia, and India.

Northumbria has received national recognition in recent years. In 2022, Northumbria was crowned Times Higher Education's University of the Year, and in 2023 the Daily Mail awarded Northumbria the titles of both Research University of the Year and Modern University of the Year. The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025 recognised Northumbria as Modern University of the Year, with further rankings in The Times and Guardian University Guides 2026 and The Complete University Guide 2026.

Independent Governor Opportunity

We are seeking suitably experienced individuals from all sectors of the community to join us as Independent Members of our Board of Governors. We are particularly keen to hear from candidates with senior-level expertise in Finance, Audit, or IT & Cyber Security who can bring strategic insight and professional rigour to our governance.

Our Board of Governors shapes the strategic direction of the University, ensures accountability, and supports our leadership team to deliver on our mission. As a member of the Board, you will be passionate about the transformative power of education and research, share Northumbria's Vision, and have the motivation, commitment, and capacity to help shape its future. Governors contribute at the highest levels of the University, using their professional experience to support, challenge, and advise the Vice-Chancellor and University Executive on key strategic matters. You will also have opportunities to engage with our students and staff and participate in some of the exciting events in our academic calendar.

To read more about our Independent Governor Opportunities, please click here.

We are committed to strengthening the diversity of our Board and encourage applications from individuals of ethnic minority backgrounds and other traditionally under-represented groups. We are particularly interested in candidates with demonstrable senior executive experience and a global outlook. We are seeking individuals with expertise in one or more of the following areas:

Areas of expertise

Finance

• Senior-level experience in financial management, planning, or strategy.
• Expertise in interpreting and analysing complex financial statements and reports.
• Understanding of financial governance, risk management, and regulatory compliance.
• Experience in overseeing large budgets or financial operations, ideally within complex organisations.
• Ability to provide strategic financial oversight and challenge assumptions to ensure long-term sustainability.

Audit

• Professional experience in internal or external audit, risk assurance, or compliance.
• Strong understanding of audit frameworks, controls, and governance processes.
• Ability to assess organisational risk and contribute to the development of robust mitigation strategies.
• Experience of being a member of audit committees or similar governance bodies.
• Knowledge of sector-specific audit challenges (e.g. education, public sector, or large-scale enterprises).

IT & Cyber Security

• Senior leadership experience in IT strategy, digital transformation, or cyber security.
• Deep understanding of current and emerging technologies and their implications for large organisations.
• Expertise in cyber risk management, data protection, and regulatory compliance.
• Experience in implementing or overseeing enterprise-level IT infrastructure or security frameworks.
• Ability to advise on digital innovation, resilience, and strategic technology investments.

Saxton Bampfylde Ltd is acting as an employment agency advisor to Northumbria University on this appointment. For further information, including details of how to apply, please visit www.saxbam.com / appointments using code IAPJJ. Alternatively email [e-mail]. Applications should be received by noon on Friday 19 December 2025.

Please do not apply through this careers site as your application will not be progressed. We are seeking suitably experienced individuals from all sectors of the community to join us as Independent Members of our Board of Governors. We are particularly keen to hear from candidates with senior-level expertise in Finance, Audit, or IT and Cyber Security, who can bring strategic insight and professional rigour to our governance.