Following a successful round of recruitment in the 2024/25 academic session, the GSA is now seeking to appoint additional Independent Governors particularly with skills and experience in arts and creative cultures; legal knowledge and understanding; accounting and finance; strategy, innovation and commercial awareness; and digital futures.

Applications would be particularly welcomed from individuals from protected characteristic groups currently underrepresented on the Board, as are applications from the GSA’s local and wider communities, including GSA alumni. Reasonable adjustments for disability will be implemented for those who may require them.

The GSA wishes to appoint new external Independent Governors who share the commitment to the institution’s ambition and values. The institution is seeking Independent Governors who will play an active role in helping the GSA to realise its potential, extend its impact and achieve its goals. Working with the Board, the Director and the Senior Leadership Group, you will help the GSA to maintain strong governance in support of the delivery of both the core business and the GSA’s strategic ambitions.

The Board of Governors is the GSA’s governing authority – among its responsibilities is approval of the mission and strategic vision of the institution, together with oversight of the GSA’s governance and finances. The Statement of Primary Responsibilities is set out together with full details of the GSA’s constitution and governance in the annually updated Statement of Corporate Governance.

The majority of the GSA’s Governors are independent members – Independent Governors – and provide constructive and independent advice and guidance, informed by expertise, across a range of creative and professional backgrounds.

The Board has the following committees: Audit and Risk; Finance and Resources; Governance and Nominations; People and Culture; and Remuneration.

TIME COMMITMENT

Based on a standard year, members of the Board will usually attend:

/ Four meetings of the Board each year which are normally held in October, December, March and June.

/ An annual away-day which focuses on strategic matters (generally held in October).

/ The GSA’s graduation ceremonies, taking place in June and December, and the GSA’s Degree Shows, which are held in June and September.

/ The GSA’s Annual Stakeholder Meeting.

/ Independent Governors may also be invited to become members of specific Board committees which normally meet three times per year between November and May. These meetings will normally be held via video-conference.

/ Members of the Board are encouraged to take a full part in the GSA’s rich internal and external life and may also be invited to attend lectures, exhibitions, dinners and other social events, which may take place throughout the year..

PERIOD OF OFFICE AND REMUNERATION

Independent Governors are normally appointed for a period of three years. Any Independent Governor appointed (and being eligible) may be further appointed, subject to satisfactory performance (and on the recommendation of the Governance and Nominations Committee) on expiry of their term of office. Independent Governors can serve a maximum of three terms.

Independent Governors are not remunerated but the GSA will reimburse reasonable expenses including travel costs. Depending on individual circumstances, the provision of financial assistance to Independent Governors who might otherwise find it difficult to attend meetings may be considered.

APPLICATION PROCESS

How to Apply

Before you apply, please watch the YouTube video above to view the full Application Pack.

Afterwards, interested individuals should click on the s1jobs APPLY button and submit the following:

• A short expression of interest outlining relevant experience and fit to the role

• A CV - Please ensure your CV sets out your career history, with key responsibilities and achievements in line with the role and responsibilities (Appendix 1) and experience, skills and attributes (Appendix 2) that we are seeking.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview. If you would like to have an informal discussion about this opportunity, please contact the GSA’s Secretary and Registrar, Emma Williams at governance@ gsa.ac.uk

Timeline Deadline for applications: Friday 19 June

Interviews will take place in early July, and candidates can expect the process to be completed by August 2026

DIVERSITY

The GSA encourages applications from everyone regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, belief or disability. As those from an ethnic minority background and disabled people are currently under-represented on the Board, applications from individuals within these groups would be particularly encouraged. All appointments will be made on merit, following a fair and transparent process. In line with the Equality Act 2010, however, the organisation may employ positive action where candidates from underrepresented groups can demonstrate their ability to perform the role equally well.

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