Practical role details
- Term of office: Term of 4 years, with the potential for Governance and Nominations Committee to recommend to the Board an extension for up to a maximum of a further 4 years.
- Start date: 1 April 2027.
- Time commitment: Estimation of 50 days per annum with the expectation that the majority of meetings take place face-to-face.
- Remuneration: Honorarium of £22,000 P.A. paid monthly, plus appropriate expenses.
- Location: Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen, with some meetings held remotely.
- Application closing date: 11 September 2026.
- Interviews: 5 October 2026.
- Election results announced: 29 October.
The Board of Governors
RGU's Board of Governors is responsible for the overall strategic direction and governance of the University. It consists of appointed lay governors from a diverse range of industries and backgrounds alongside elected staff and student governors and nominated Trade Union governors. Together, they provide strategic guidance to the University’s mission of contributing to economic, social and cultural development through the impact of our demand-led, educational and research agenda.
The Chair leads the Board of Governors and plays a pivotal role in ensuring the vision and ethos of RGU are underpinned by strong and effective leadership and good governance.
Robert Gordon University is looking for its next Chair of the Board of Governors.
RGU is one of Scotland's leading universities. As the 2026 Scottish Herald HE Institution of the Year, our work-integrated approach to learning sets us apart in a crowded sector. At RGU, that means a deliberate range of opportunities designed to build students' capabilities through real, work-focused activity: working with employers, professional bodies, community partners, in real-world professional contexts, so that learning and practice come together rather than sitting side by side. Students leave RGU ready for work because the university has built that readiness into everything it does, not bolted it on as an afterthought.
Strength, Culture and Future
Higher education is not standing still. Funding, regulation, demographics and public expectation are all shifting, often at the same time. The universities that come through this period well will be the ones prepared to evolve. RGU intends to be one of them, and its next Chair will lead the Board through that work.
Our people, staff and students are at the heart of our university.
Hear from a recent student President Mohtashim Iqbal, as he reflected on the National Student Survey results, sharing what he believes makes RGU such a special place for student’s to study, grow and succeed.
What the Chair Role actually involves
This is a governance role. The Chair does not run the university - the Vice-Chancellor and Principal does that. What the Chair does is lead the Board: setting its tone, sharpening its thinking, and making sure it asks the right questions of the Executive at the right time. Done well, that combination of support and challenge is what keeps a university performing at its best.
The Chair of Board acts as a critical friend to the University, the Principal and Executive. They, in conjunction with the Principal and Executive, ensure that the institution is well connected and represented with its partners, stakeholders and other external bodies. This includes leading the annual stakeholder meeting and actively engaging with the Committee of University Chairs, Committee of Scottish Chairs and the Scottish Funding Council.
In addition, there is also an expectation that the Chair will participate in University ceremonial events such as graduations as well as key student and stakeholder events such as Gray’s School of Art degree show.
The Appointment Process
The Lay Chair of Board is elected following an open recruitment and interview process.
Applicants judged by the interview panel to meet the criteria for appointment will be eligible to stand for election. The University must take at least two candidates to election.
The electorate comprises students, staff and Board members of the University.
Candidates will have the opportunity to set out an election message which will be distributed electronically by the University to all electors and will also be invited to attend an online open meeting.
Candidates are encouraged to view the full digital recruitment pack, including video contributions from the Vice Chancellor and Principal, the outgoing Chair, and members of the RGU community, before applying. Informal meetings will be arranged on request via the University Secretary.
How to apply
To apply, candidates should:
1. Send a relevant CV
This should be limited to four pages, showing effective leadership and experience to lead as Chair.
2. Submit a two-page supporting statement
This should outline:
- Why RGU and why now?
- How your skills, values and experience will help the university thrive under your tenure, using examples of previous achievements where appropriate?
- Your understanding of the Scottish higher education system, either gained through your own experience or through your due diligence as part of this process.
3. Send a three-minute video submission
Your video should detail what you would hope RGU would achieve during your time as Chair.
Applications should be sent by email to:
Indicative Timeline
Appointment is subject to RGU’s constitutional requirements, and following interview success candidates will be required to take part in a mandatory election process.
- 11 September 2026 - Applications Close
- 17 September 2026 - Shortlisting
- 5 October 2026 - Interviews
- 9 October 2026 - Election materials due
- 19 October 2026 12:00-14:00 - Open Election meeting for candidates/ staff /students
- 19 - 28 October 2026 - Voting opens
- 29 October - Election results announced
Membership of the Sub-Committee
The Board of Governors has established an Appointment Sub- Committee to oversee the recruitment and appointment of the next Lay Chair/ senior governor.
- Vice Chair (as Convenor) – Katy Gifford
- Two lay governors - Julia Roberts & Sean Saluja
- Principal - Professor Steve Olivier
- One staff governor - Donna Simpson
- One student governor - Kayode Ojabineni
In attendance
- University Secretary & Vice Principal Governance - Veronica Strachan
- Head of Organisational Development - Julie Skinner
- Director of External Affairs - Aileen Easton