Chair of the Board of Trustees

Background

The Conversation is the world's largest platform for public engagement with research. We are transforming how universities share knowledge with society, creating pathways to impact through independent, expert-led journalism.

The Conversation UK launched in May 2013, and is now part of a network of ten editions around the world. It is funded by more than 90 university members, largely in the UK but also Ireland, Sweden, Italy, the Netherlands and Germany as well as through grant and philanthropic sources and reader donations. Our authors are all researchers who work together with one of our 30 strong team of professional journalists to produce accessible articles combining academic rigour with journalistic flair. All of our content is free to read, and republished under a Creative Commons licence by titles all over the world. Our stories are read more than 40 million times a month.

The Conversation's UK output can be found at 

Since its creation The Conversation has been chaired by three serving University Vice Chancellors – Professor Sir Paul Curran, Professor Colin Riordan and Professor Nishan Canagarajah. Following the conclusion of Professor Canagarajah's very successful four-year tenure, The Conversation Trust UK is seeking a new Chair to lead our Board of Trustees. This is an exceptional opportunity to chair the board of a unique and impactful charity at a pivotal moment in its development.

The Role

The Chair ensures that the Board fulfils its responsibilities for accountability, performance and strategic direction, in partnership with the Chief Executive and Editor.

You will lead the Board in setting the vision, mission and strategic direction for The Conversation UK, chairing quarterly Board meetings, and ensure that the organisation operates within its charitable and financial objectives.

In addition, the Chair is a key ambassador for The Conversation. You will use your personal and professional networks to enhance the organisation's profile, reputation and opportunities for collaboration, partnership and funding. You will serve as a public advocate for TCUK's mission and values, representing the charity across the UK Higher Education sector and beyond.

Who We're Looking For

We are seeking someone with a deep commitment to the values, independence and educational mission of The Conversation UK.

You will need excellent communication, diplomacy and judgement, with the ability to balance support and challenge whilst fostering a culture of accountability and mutual respect. You will be a visible and credible ambassador, comfortable engaging with senior external stakeholders to promote the charity's vision and mission.

Given The Conversation's close relationship with the UK Higher Education sector, we would expect candidates to have a deep understanding of the challenges it faces. This would be an ideal role for a current or recently retired Vice Chancellor or a person from a senior HE leadership position, but we also welcome expressions of interest from people with relevant experience elsewhere in the charity, media, and public sectors

Time Commitment and Remuneration

This is a voluntary, unremunerated role (reasonable travel expenses will be covered). The time commitment is approximately 1 day per month, including quarterly Board meetings (typically half a day, held both virtually and in person), regular meetings with the Chief Executive and Editor between Board meetings, and external representation as appropriate.

Application Process and Timetable

If desired, applicants can contact Imogen Clark on uk- to arrange a time to speak informally with the Chief Executive or Deputy Chair.

Applicants should send a brief CV together with a short expression of interest in the role to uk-

The timetable for the appointment is as follows:

• Advertisement:
   Week of 3rd November 2024
• Closing date:
   Tuesday 6th January 2025
• Shortlisted candidates notified by mid January
• Interviews:
   Week of 26th January or first week of February 2025

Additional Application Instructions

If desired, applicants can contact Imogen Clark on uk- to arrange a time to speak informally with the Chief Executive or Deputy Chair. Applicants should send a brief CV together with a short expression of interest in the role to uk-