Dean – School for Engineering
& the Built Environment
Candidate Brief
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Dean – School of Engineering and the Built Environment
Candidate Brief
Contents –
The University ..................................................................................................................................... 3
The School of Engineering and the Built Environment ................................................................. 4
The Opportunity.................................................................................................................................. 5
Person Specification............................................................................................................................ 6
Living & Working in Glasgow .............................................................................................................. 8
Selection Process .............................................................................................................................. 10
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The University
Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU) is one of the largest universities in Scotland offering
undergraduate, postgraduate and part-time courses to around 17,000 students and employing
nearly 1,600 members of staff (approx. 1,330 FTE).
GCU is a distinctive, inclusive and forward-looking organisation that has evolved from its Glasgow
base into an international centre of excellence in higher education, with campuses in London and
New York as well as a number of global partnerships. Everything we do at GCU is underpinned by our
mission, ‘For the Common Good’.
The Glasgow campus, which is self-contained and situated in the heart of Scotland’s largest city, is
currently undergoing a £30 million redevelopment programme which will transform the centre of
the campus. GCU’s graduate campus in London, the first to be opened in the UK capital by a Scottish
university in 2010, also launched the ground-breaking British School of Fashion in the autumn of
2013. The Spitalfields campus provides excellent international links and further builds on the
University’s reputation for academic excellence in world-class luxury brand management and the
business of fashion, alongside risk management and finance. The University’s New York campus –
also the first to be launched by a British university in the city – was opened in Manhattan’s Soho
district in April 2014 and will build on the successful GCU London model.
Further afield, the University, in partnership with the Grameen Trust and the Nike Foundation, has
established the Grameen Caledonian College of Nursing in Bangladesh, and also participates in a
successful Caledonian College of Engineering partnership in Oman. The University also has
partnerships with international institutions such as the University of Jinan in China, Stony Brook
University in New York and the University of Johannesburg in South Africa.
GCU is a signatory to the United Nations PRME initiative (Principles for Responsible Management
Education) and was among the first UK universities to join the UN Global Compact, the world’s
largest voluntary corporate responsible management programme. Ashoka U has also recently
designated GCU as a Change maker Campus in recognition of its global leadership role in promoting
social innovation education. The University is also part of the Talloires network, an international
association of institutions committed to strengthening the civic roles and social responsibilities of
higher education, a member of the Magna Charta Observatory of Fundamental University Values
and Rights, which is a non-profit organisation based in Bologna.
Principal and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Pamela Gillies CBE, is a member of the Board of Trustees of
the British Council. She was elected a Fellow of the Faculty of Public Health of the Royal College of
Physicians of London in 2002; as an Academician of the Academy for Social Sciences in 2005; became
an Honorary Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians of Glasgow in 2007; and was awarded the CBE
for her services to education and public health in 2013.
Our students
The University attracts students from a wide range of backgrounds, from local school leavers to PhD
students from all over the world. We pride ourselves on providing a friendly, modern and effective
learning environment for all of our students, and are a national leader in widening participation in
Higher Education with more than 32% of our students coming from disadvantaged backgrounds. The
University’s international students come from more than 100 different countries and the diversity
and enthusiasm they bring undoubtedly helps enrich the GCU experience for everyone.
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The University’s award winning Saltire Centre is home to the University library and The Base support
services hub. This is the heart of GCU: the building provides one of the most ambitious and
innovative learning environments in the UK, prompting the Guardian newspaper to describe is as a
“futuristic, people-friendly learning space” that is “paving the way for the universities of tomorrow”.
The £30million redevelopment programme, which focuses on the ‘Heart of the Campus’, will further
enhance the University’s learning and social environment.
Putting employability first
The University offers a wide range of programmes, all of which have a strong focus on ensuring that
graduates are ‘job-ready’ and have the opportunity to enter a successful career in their chosen
discipline. This strong careers focus is illustrated by the fact that 95% of GCU graduates go on to
employment or further study within six months of graduating.
Industry links
GCU has been extremely successful in building strong links with industry and many of the companies
we deal with are world leaders in their field. These relationships benefit the University and its
students in many ways. Not only do these companies employ GCU graduates and take on student
placements, they also work closely with the University on research and consultancy projects and
have a strong input into the design and structure of our programmes in a process of co-creation,
which we strongly support.
The School of Engineering and the Built Environment
With approximately 4000 full and part-time students in Glasgow and abroad, the School of
Engineering and Built Environment, one of three academic schools in GCU, brings together the
departments of Construction and Surveying, Engineering and Computer Communications and
Interactive Systems.
Inter-departmental collaboration allows the School to offer an unparalleled range of teaching
programmes and flexible delivery options, research, bespoke training and consultancy services
across the disciplines of engineering, the creative industries and built and natural environment.
The School has more than 200 academics including Professors, Readers, Postdoctoral Research
Fellows, and Research Assistants, and more than £1.5million has been invested on research and
knowledge transfer infrastructure in the last 3 years.
The School has excellent links with a large range of professional bodies and develops programmes in
line with their accreditation standards, including the British Computer Society (BCS) and the Institute
of Engineering and Technology (IET), the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE), the Royal
Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) and the Institute
of Measurement & Control (InstMC).
GCU is ranked in the top 20 for research in the built environment; and our research on sustainable
urban environments and building design, as well as in the field of waste management and recycling,
makes us the leading university in Scotland. Through this wealth of expertise, we count among our
clients leading industry partners such as Howden, Thales, EDF, Scottish Power, FMC Technologies
and Doble.
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For the past 17 years, GCU has also worked in partnership in Oman with the Caledonian College of
Engineering, running GCU programmes in Computer Aided Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics,
Electrical Power Engineering, Civil Engineering and Telecommunications. It has 2500 students.
Among other international partnerships and dual awards, we have longstanding relationships with
China – East China University of Science & Technology, Shanghai, and the University of Jinan; and
with India – Chitkara Erasmus.
We have student exchange opportunities across the globe including Europe, USA, China, India and
Oman and joined the Science without Borders UK scheme in 2012.
The School has powerful links with Industry and helps businesses and organisations to innovate and
develop across the disciplines of engineering, the creative industries and the built and natural
environment. We have several knowledge transfer partnerships, offer bespoke continual
professional development training and run global academies.
More than 100 of our students carried out work on the 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games. Forty
of our Audio Technology students from second, third and fourth years worked in commentary
support roles at every one of the 20 venues being used for the Commonwealth Games. Over 60
Computer and Networking students working with NVT, the official technology service integrator for
the Games.
Further information on the School can be found here:
http://www.gcu.ac.uk/media/gcalwebv2/ebe/content/EBE_KeyFacts
The Opportunity
The University is seeking to appoint a Dean to the School of Engineering and the Built Environment.
This will be an open-ended appointment. The successful applicant will report to the Deputy Vice
Chancellor, working closely with colleagues across the University (including London and New York)
and leading the school senior management team.
This is a key leadership role. The Dean will work closely with the University’s management team to
articulate a clear academic vision for theSchool around the University’s core values of responsible
management and utilising modern technologies of educational delivery. The Dean is the academic
leader of the School and has ultimate responsibility for the quality and standards of the School’s
teaching, research and knowledge transfer. The Dean will be expected to contribute to strategic
policy-making and decision-making in the wider University, working closely with colleagues to help
formulate, promote and deliver the strategic aims of the University.
The Role
The Deans are accountable for providing strategic and academic leadership to the Schools, to drive
enhancements to its national and international profile in both education and research, and to
develop the School’s ability to work in creative partnerships with key stakeholders, both internally
and externally. The Deans will forge strong partnerships with industry both within the UK and
internationally to identify, optimise and realise opportunities for growth. S/he will champion the
transformational impact that education and knowledge can have on individuals, communities and
society, and ensure that the University’s mission ‘For the Common Good’ lies at the heart of School
activities.
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Key responsibilities include:
1. To translate the mission and long-term strategy of the University into student-centred
activities, research-led initiatives, and business development opportunities that achieve
sustainable success for the School.
2. To ensure that strategies for the diversification of income through channels such as student
recruitment, research activities, grant funding and commercial activities deliver financial
targets.
3. To undertake regular and effective horizon scanning of the sector to identify opportunities
and challenges in developing the School’s portfolio of CPD, research activity and consultancy
services.
4. To develop and maintain key strategic regional, national and international partnerships and
to represent the University, as and when required, with a wide range of external
stakeholders and organisations.
5. To oversee the strategic management of the school’s teaching, research and knowledge
transfer activities.
6. To oversee academic staff recruitment and academic staff professional development
activities, undertaking Professional Development and review processes for the School
Management team.
7. To work with the School Management Team to drive the leadership of academic
development within the School.
8. To lead the improvement of service delivery and support through the innovative use of
learning and information technologies, whilst maintaining the quality and academic
standards
9. To ensure that the University’s values are upheld, and its commitment to The Common
Good is central to the School’s activities.
Person Specification
The role holder will be educated to at least Master’s Degree level and preferably hold a Doctorate
degree in a relevant field.
The role holder will have the ability to inspire and motivate others and will be an excellent
communicator with the ability to engage individuals from diverse backgrounds. With an outcomedriven approach, and a steadfast ability to make brave and difficult decisions, the role holder will be
impact focused, and will demonstrate drive, commitment, stamina and integrity in line with the
values of the University. Finally, the role holder will use leadership in coaching, empowering and
managing the performance of people in order to realise potential, and will be capable of forging
positive relationships with senior members of academia, government and industry.
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Experience, Knowledge and Competencies:

Strategic leadership experience, with a proven track record of delivering change
management in a complex environment.

Experience of providing academic leadership and the ability to command the respect of
a diverse academic community.

Experience of managing within academic governance and quality assurance frameworks.

A proven track record of successfully and effectively managing, physical, information and
financial resources.

Recognised within their academic discipline.

Excellent leadership, motivational and people management skills with a track record of
building high performing teams.

Experience of developing and managing relationships with a wide range of external
partners including professional bodies, government, funders, business and other
education providers.

Evidence of strong intellectual capability; able to operate within a complex, structured
yet challenging environment and motivate highly skilled and qualified individuals.

Outstanding vision, with the ability to translate this into tangible strategy; able to take
tough decisions and can demonstrate the resilience necessary to overcome setbacks.

A track record of research, knowledge transfer and consultancy activity, with experience
of achieving sustained levels of external income generation

Proven people development capability; strong orientation towards the pursuit of
continuous professional self-development.

Highly motivated and driven personality; an entrepreneurial self-starter who can
proactively identify new opportunities; able to develop creative solutions.

Excellent interpersonal, communication, negotiating and influencing skills; high level of
professional credibility and gravitas with ability to build rapport and develop strong
relationships at all levels, both internally and externally.

Energetic with genuine enthusiasm for the role; ambitious and driven in his/her
approach.
Remuneration package
An attractive remuneration package is offered, including a salary which reflects the experience that
the successful candidate is able to bring to the role and an annual performance related payment of
up to 10% of annual salary.
Location
The main location will be the University’s Glasgow campus. However, depending upon University
needs/business requirements, there may be a requirement to work at any other location (which may
involve UK and International travel).
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Annual Leave/Occupational Sick Pay Entitlement
Annual leave entitlement is 30 days plus 14 public holidays. Occupational sick pay will be paid
(subject to length of service).
Benefits
The University offers a range of benefits to staff in addition to the basic remuneration package,
including:
•
Child Care Vouchers
•
Occupational Health – access to an OH Nurse or Physician
•
Day nursery on site
•
On-site gym ( membership payable on an individual basis)
•
Staff Library resource
•
Preferred pricing for Dell and Apple computers
Relocation
Individuals who need to move in order to take up their post may be eligible for relocation expenses.
Pension Scheme
Individuals can opt to join either the Universities Superannuation Scheme or the Scottish Public
Pension Agency scheme. Remuneration will be subject to personal contributions and employer
contributions. Individuals are automatically entered into a scheme unless a written declaration to
opt out is made.
Living & Working in Glasgow
If you live outside Glasgow or even Scotland, a move to Glasgow could be an enriching experience
for you and your family.
A modern, forward-thinking and creative city, Glasgow is one of the UK's leading metropolitan
centres with a lively culture, leisure and sports scene. Various respected travel guides have voted
Glasgow one of the world’s top tourist destinations, noting the warmth and friendliness of its people
as one of its key attractions. It has the buzz and cosmopolitan feel of a great international city, while
being within easy reach of some of the most spectacular countryside and scenery Scotland has to
offer.
In 2014, Glasgow played host to the XX Commonwealth Games, an unforgettable celebration of
sport and culture, hailed as the “best-ever” Games, which has left a lasting legacy for young people,
business and communities.
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The City
The city of Glasgow has plenty to see and do for people of all ages and backgrounds. The largest and
most cosmopolitan shopping centre in the UK outside of London, it is supported by a fabulous range
of cafés, restaurants, bars and clubs to suit all tastes, all within easy access of the University.
Culturally, Glasgow has enhanced its reputation in recent years by winning the titles of ‘European
City of Culture’ and ‘UK City of Architecture and Design’. Glasgow is home to Scottish Ballet, Scottish
Opera, the Royal Scottish National Orchestra and the impressive Glasgow Royal Concert Hall. Free
galleries and museums add to a stimulating environment in which the influence of Charles Rennie
Mackintosh, the world-famous Art Nouveau designer and architect, is often seen. 2014 also saw the
opening of the SSE Hydro, one of the largest and busiest entertainment venues in the UK, which
played a central role in the Commonwealth Games and will host around 140 events each year. It is
set to rank among the top five busiest indoor entertainment arenas in the world alongside such
iconic venues as Madison Square Gardens in New York and The O2 in London.
Glasgow is home to people from many nationalities that enrich the experience of life in the city,
resulting in a tolerant, cosmopolitan city attuned to the needs of its communities. The city’s many
centres of worship reflect its multi-faith society and this is also mirrored on the Glasgow campus
where there is a faith and belief centre for students and staff.
Travel
The Clyde Valley offers a range of rural and urban locations and travel to work times and distances
are relatively short. Congestion is rare, with the area well served by the largest suburban rail
network outside London. A comprehensive motorway system, the M74/M6 gives direct access to the
South and the West Coast main line provides direct, fast rail services to London and major English
cities. There’s also a fast rail link from Glasgow to Edinburgh every 15 minutes. The city is served by a
major international airport, only a 15 minute drive from the city centre.
The rest of Scotland is, quite literally, on your doorstep. For business or pleasure cities such as
Edinburgh, Stirling, Perth, the majestic Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, Ayrshire and
the Clyde Coast are all less than an hour away. Journey times by train from Glasgow City Centre:
Edinburgh
Stirling
Perth
Loch Lomond
Clyde Coast
50 minutes
30 minutes
60 minutes
45 minutes
45 minutes
Living
The area offers excellent opportunities in both rural and city living. The countryside is never more
than a few miles away while the city has a unique buzz and friendly vibe. With its central Scottish
location, there is easy access to the whole of Scotland and North of England.
Whether you’re looking for modern or traditional housing styles, city or village location, the area
offers a wide range of housing types and prices. The housing market remains strong, but prices are
substantially lower than almost any part of England. The University is ideally located in Glasgow’s
city centre, which has excellent car, bus and rail links as well as superb local amenities.
Glasgow has its own underground train service which runs on a dual-circle line through the city’s
centre, west end and south side of the River Clyde. Two of the underground stations, Buchanan St
and Cowcaddens, are within easy walking distance of the university.
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Selection Process
The following selection approach will be taken:
Stage 1 – Application
It is important that you demonstrate evidence of your experience of the criteria for the role in order
to give you the best chance of being shortlisted. Applicants should complete an application form
and submit a CV (of no more than 2 pages in no less than font size 12). You will also be asked to
complete an Equal Opportunities Form that will be used for monitoring purposes.
To apply for this post, please submit your completed application form to recruitment@gcu.ac.uk by
the closing date of 12th November 2014 at 5pm.
Stage 2 – Informal visit
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to give a presentation to selected members of the School. The
topic will be confirmed once the shortlisting has been finalised. This will then be followed by an
opportunity for a tour of the Glasgow campus.
Stage 3 - Assessment Stage
The School presentation will then be delivered to the appointment committee, followed by a
competency-based interview. It is expected that the selection process will be held over two days,
which has been scheduled for the end of November 2014
Stage 4 – Employment Offer
Prior to issuing an offer of employment, the University will seek references for the preferred
candidate. The employment offer will be subject to Occupational Health Clearance and any
necessary pre-employment checks.
For more information about either of these opportunities please contact Fiona Campbell Senior HR
Business Partner at Fiona.campbell@gcu.ac.uk or 0141-331-8854.
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