The University of Bristol is one of the most popular and successful universities in the UK. It is a member of the Russell Group of UK research-intensive universities and is ranked 8th in the UK and 51st in the world (QS Rankings 2026). Whilst the University’s roots date back to 1876, it is a forward-thinking institution. Bristol was the first higher education institution in the UK to admit men and women on an equal basis, and its commitment to innovation and progress continues today. It is at the cutting edge of global research that tackles some of the world’s most pressing issues in areas as diverse as climate change, human rights, population health, big data and information security. The University is currently delivering an ambitious strategy, led by the Vice-Chancellor Professor Evelyn Welch, which includes a significant programme of investment and development. The Strategy focuses on improving the student experience, further enhancing its research performance, expanding the University’s footprint, and developing its international profile and impact. Work on our new Temple Quarter Enterprise Campus – a total investment of around £500 million – will develop a new seven-acre campus in the heart of the city beside Brunel’s iconic Bristol Temple Meads station. The University is in one of Europe’s most creative and dynamic cities, with which it enjoys a close and synergistic relationship. For many staff and students, the city is an unending source of research opportunities and a laboratory within which to test solutions with potential global impact. For the city, the University is one of its largest employers and a major contributor to its economic, social, cultural and intellectual vibrancy. The City of Bristol has a strong tradition of activism, with citizens who are engaged and expressive. In July 2025, the University announced plans to open a new campus in Mumbai. Due to open in Summer 2026, the Mumbai Enterprise Campus will be the University’s first international campus.
This will represent a first in transnational education for the University, which next year celebrates its 150th anniversary opens its new Temple Quarter Enterprise Campus. The University worked closely with partners and the Indian government to identify Mumbai as an optimal location due to the city's strong reputation for technology, innovation and the arts – areas which align closely with Bristol's own strengths.
The University’s vision and strategy can be found here: www.bristol.ac.uk/university/strategy/.
The University’s plans for the redevelopment of the Temple Quarter can be found here: www.bristol.ac.uk/temple-quarter-campus/.
Bristol Temple Quarter is one of the UK’s largest urban regeneration projects, further information can be found here: www.bristoltemplequarter.com/.
The University’s plans for its Mumbai Enterprise Campus can be found here: https://www.bristol.ac.uk/study/mumbai-enterprise-campus/.
The Board of Trustees is the governing body of the University and, led by Mr Jack Boyer OBE as the Chair, it contributes to the development of, and monitors the implementation of, the University’s Strategy. The Board ensures that adequate systems of control and risk management are in place and that the University is sustainable and financially viable. There are currently 20 members of the Board of Trustees, including members of the Executive Group, University staff (professional services and academic) and students, with a majority of Independent (non-executive) Trustees. The Board is supported by the University Secretary, and a professional corporate Governance Team. The Board of Trustees typically meets six times a year, plus an Away Day, with meetings expected to take place in Bristol. The typical cycle of meetings is October; November; January; March (two days with a dinner); May and July.
The University has a strong commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion and through this and other appointment processes, it is the Board’s clear stated aim to develop candidate pools that include applicants from all backgrounds and communities. To date, the University of Bristol has successfully recruited apprentices via this scheme on two previous occasions Whilst the University has taken positive steps towards increasing representation on its Board of Trustees, it is aware that there is still much work to be done in the wider Higher Education sector for Boards to be representative of the community, staff and students. The University is keen to receive applications from a range of candidates as it seeks to ensure that its governing body continues to have a diversity of skills and emerging skill needs such as digital enablement, consumer focus, culture, as well diversity of thought and experiences.
We can offer successful applicants the opportunity to experience a collegiate, dynamic Board and to engage with an institution at a critical point in delivering on a new strategy. It will be important for the Board to support the delivery of the strategy, hold the Executive to account for its leadership and management of the University, provide constructive challenge and support, ensure that adequate systems of control and risk management are in place and assure that it is sustainable and financially viable. The successful applicants will work with the Trustees to form an integral part of the governance structure, involved in steering the future strategic direction of the University.
To apply, or for further details (including the job description and person specification), please visit https://plusportal.perrettlaver.com/ quoting the reference number 8078.
Applications must include a full CV and a letter of application setting out your interest in the role and details of how your knowledge, skills and experience match the essential criteria being sought. CVs should be a maximum of 2 sides of A4 and the covering letter a maximum of 1 side of A4.
For an informal and confidential discussion about this position, please contact Max Levinson-OBank at Perrett Laver via Max.Levsinson-OBank@perrettlaver.com.
- The closing date for applications is 11:59pm (BST) on Monday 20 October 2025
- Interviews will be held on Thursday 13 November 2025
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