Lay Council Members
Role Description
The University of Exeter is one of the most successful and dynamic universities in the
country. A member of the Russell Group of research intensive UK higher education
institutes, Exeter is now rated 7 in the UK Times league table, and is progressing towards its
goal of being ranked within the top 100 universities worldwide. More information about the
University and its activities can be found at: http://www.exeter.ac.uk/about/
Our culture rewards innovation and fresh thinking, and encourages cross-disciplinary career
development. With the aim of transforming lives through undertaking pioneering research
and offering a world class education our Times Higher Education / Thomson Reuter Rankings
place us amongst the 1% of universities globally.
To continue to drive the performance and growth of the University we not only need
talented and motivated staff and students, but also experienced and dedicated members of
its governing body – Council.
The Council is ultimately responsible for all the University’s activities, determining its future
strategy, and fostering an environment in which Exeter’s mission can be achieved, as well as
ensuring that its financial affairs are prudently managed and its legal obligations are met.
The Council's terms of reference are set out in its Statement of Primary Responsibilities.
Members of Council are drawn from a diverse range of backgrounds. Members include
senior managers and academics from the University, and representatives from the
University’s Students’ Guild. However the majority of its members are lay (non-executive)
members from senior positions within the private, public and third sectors. Details of
current members can be found at:
http://www.exeter.ac.uk/about/organisation/council/whoweare/
As a lay (non-executive) member, you will be performing a role similar to that of a Trustee of
a charity, and will be fully engaged with the institution’s strategic decision-making
processes. Through Exeter’s unique system of dual assurance, there will be opportunities to
participate as a Lay Lead in one of the University’s key business areas, providing assurance to
Council that executive responsibilities are being properly met.
Membership of Council will also be a chance to work alongside stimulating and forwardthinking colleagues at a time when the University is cementing its place as a Top 10 UK
University, and increasingly emerging as a strong player in the global higher education
scene.
It is essential for all Council members to:
 Play a full part in the taking of corporate decisions.
 Be ambitious for the University.
 Be a critical friend to the University.
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Bring their skills and experience to bear in exercising their responsibilities.
Act in the best interests of the University.
Adhere to the Nolan principles governing standards in public life.
Support equality and diversity, and widening participation.
Take the time to prepare in advance for Council meetings and become
knowledgeable about the University and higher education sector.
It is desirable for Lay Members to demonstrate many of the following attributes:
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Understanding of corporate governance principles
Experience of working in a large, complex organisation
Understanding of strategy and ability to think strategically
Experience of partnership working
Experience of corporate planning
Familiarity with management information, including financial reports, and risk
management principles
Experience of managing performance
There is a full induction programme on becoming a member, and frequent briefings and
seminars to all members on matters of interest.
Council members are appointed for an initial term of three years which can be extended.
Members are expected to attend six meetings of Council each year plus one awayday. In
addition members may participate in Dual Assurance and other groups / committees subject
to their skill set and particular interests. Informally, Council members may also choose to
represent the University at key events such as awards and graduation ceremonies, openings
and launches, and key community events. Therefore the likely total time commitment is
around 15-20 days.
Members are not remunerated but are encouraged to reclaim all travelling and similar
expenses incurred in the course of University business.
Further information about the University’s Council can be found at:
www.exeter.ac.uk/about/organisation/council/