About
Governor Appointments
Founded in 1841, York St John University has a proud tradition in higher education, serving a growing population of over 12,000 students from across the world.
We are known for academic excellence and a strong community spirit, with a dedicated commitment to equality and sustainability.
We have a magnificent campus based in the centre of historic York and, in recent years, have established a fantastic postgraduate campus in London.
Through our dedicated people and ambitious nature, York St John continues to grow its impressive reputation, quality academic portfolio and student population. Our Governors, via the Board of Governors and its Committees, play a vital role in driving the University forward and are responsible for overseeing the University’s strategy, financial matters and safeguarding the institution’s mission and character.
Those involved in the University’s governance are appointed from a number of constituencies and have experience and skills across a range of sectors within and beyond higher education. The University is committed to promoting equality and diversity in all aspects of its work, including the appointment of members to the Board of Governors and its Committees. We aspire to have a Board of Governors that reflects the students and communities we serve and we value diversity of life experiences and perspectives.
The expected time commitment of the Governor role is a minimum of 12 days per annum. Governors are not remunerated, although expenses may be claimed. We do offer remuneration for Chair of Committee roles in recognition of additional time commitments and responsibilities.
Current Vacancies
2x Co-opted members of People Committee
The University is currently seeking to appoint 2x co-opted member to our People Committee.
Co-opted members are appointed by the Board of Governors’ committees to bring specific advice and support to the deliberations of the committees based on their expertise and experience in a particular field. They serve a three-year term before the require re-election and can serve three terms in total.
People Committee is responsible for ensuring the University has: a diverse and culturally rich community; a community that promotes health and wellbeing; and, a community that supports personal and professional development.
Further details
Co-opted members are required to contribute to the work of their specific Committee as follows:
- To strengthen the breadth of experience and skills available on the Committee;
- To contribute professional expertise and specialist skills to the Committee through appropriate advice, challenge and scrutiny;
- To attend committee meetings, training, induction and other events as required;
- To contribute to the business of the Committee as detailed in the People Committee Constitution and Terms of Reference 2025-26 (PDF, 0.1 MB);
- To contribute to the monitoring of progress and performance against objectives;
- To comply with the legal framework in which the University operates; and,
- To participate in the evaluation of the effectiveness of the Committee and its overall contribution to governance within the University.
The University has a deep commitment to inclusion and diversity and to listening to different voices, opinions, expertise and evidence to guide direction. As such, we encourage and welcome applications from people of diverse backgrounds and different walks of life. All appointments are based on merit and if successful you would be expected to:
- Serve an initial term of 3 years;
- Commit approximately 7 days a year;
- Attend meetings and events;
- Devote the time necessary to the role;
- Abide by the principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.
Whilst the role is not remunerated, co-opted members are able to claim reasonable travel and other expenses incurred.
Applicants should send their expression of interest with an attached curriculum vitae (CV) to the University Secretary & Registrar, Kathryn Kendon, via gov.compliance@yorksj.ac.uk. Requests for further information should also be sent to this address.
