What is the University of Glasgow Shadow Board?

Established in 2020, the Shadow Board was one of the first of its kind in UK higher education. It provides fresh, cross-institutional perspectives to the Senior Management Group (SMG), other governance bodies, and directorates, and it has influenced major strategies including the Learning & Teaching Strategy and input into strategic decision-making processes on matters such as Sustainability, Civic Engagement, Student Experience, Research and Colleague Engagement.

You can find out more about who the current and past Shadow Board members are here.

The Shadow Board is supported by Christine Barr as the SMG Sponsor and James Hamilton as advisor for the Shadow Board.

What are meetings like? How does it work?

The Shadow Board meets monthly, with meetings lasting up to 2 hours.

Shadow Board members are expected to join other University working groups aligned to our priority areas, which will require your attendance and time to read and contribute to briefing papers.

Shadow Board members normally serve a 2-year term with an option to extend to a 3rd term if agreed with the board, with a time commitment on average of half a day per month. This is a significant commitment so please discuss this opportunity and ensure you have approval from your line manager before applying.

Members will be expected to contribute to Shadow Board activities out with the monthly meetings, including drafting papers, facilitating meetings and supporting information gathering.

 

What roles are available?

The Board are recruiting six new members and additionally a dedicated Clerk to support the Shadow Board. These roles offer a unique opportunity for colleagues to contribute to strategic thinking, influence senior decision-making, and develop skills in governance, leadership, and policy engagement.

 
Clerk to the Shadow Board

We are seeking a Clerk to support the Shadow Board’s coordination and feedback into governance. This is an exciting development opportunity for a colleague interested in strategic engagement, senior-level administration, and University governance.

Key Responsibilities

· Coordinate monthly meetings

· Provide accurate notes record of discussions and key decisions/actions

· Support members to contribute effectively to projects and papers

· Act as a key link between the Shadow Board and the Senior Management Group

· Work closely with the Co-Chairs, SMG Sponsor, and Advisor

 
Shadow Board Member

Key Responsibilities

· Attend monthly meetings (up to two hours) and contribute to strategic discussions

· Collaborate on papers, working groups, and thematic projects

· Engage with senior leaders and provide insight from your area of the University

· Help shape the University’s direction through challenge, creativity, and collaboration

Core Skills

Applications for both posts will be reviewed by the Shadow Board and assessed against the following Core Skills:

· Proactive and conscientious approach

· Committed to contributing

· Passionate about making an impact

· Team player

· A self-starter who can be relied upon

· Strong communication skills

· Ability to present information clearly

· Active listening skills

· Facilitation skills

· Ability to constructively challenge and be challenged

· Strategic thinking

· Ability to see the ‘bigger picture’ beyond your own area of the University

How to apply

Please note that you will need to be logged in to your internal account to access the above link. Please refer to our Applicant Guide (page 6 onwards) for guidance on this

As part of your application, you'll be asked to submit a 2 part statement, covering the 2 below areas (800 words total). The application process will also ask you a number of clarifying questions, including that you have spoken to your line manager about your application before submitting.

Please cover:

1. Your own skills and experience which are relevant to the role (400 words max)

2. How you will make an impact on the Shadow Board (400 words max)

Please outline clearly in your application which of the positions you wish to apply for, Shadow Board Member, Clerk to the Shadow Board or both.

The deadline for applications is Sunday the 30th of November at 23:45.

How can I make the best of my application?

As well as telling us about your own skills and experience, we want to know how you think you can make an impact on the Shadow Board. Whilst membership of the Shadow Board is a great development opportunity, we also want you to tell us how you can make a difference to the University.

Next steps

Apply here

It is anticipated that interviews will take place the week of 16th December and will consist of an in-person group session of 1.5 hours.