Co-opted Member for the Culture and Inclusion Committee (CIC)

University of Bristol - Senior Team

Prestigious Governance Opportunity at the University of Bristol

About the Opportunity

The University of Bristol is seeking a senior professional with expertise in people, culture, inclusion or organisational development to join its Culture & Inclusion Committee (CIC) as a coopted nonexecutive member. This role provides strategic insight and influence over how the University fosters a positive, inclusive and values-driven environment for 30,000+ students and 8,800 staff.

About the University

A top‑10 UK and globally recognised institution (QS 2026: 51st), the University of Bristol is known for academic excellence, pioneering research and a longstanding commitment to equality and social progress.

As part of our ambition to be a top‑50 global university, we are strengthening our focus on culture and people, ensuring that our community, values and ways of working support this goal.

With a £1.1bn annual budget and strong civic partnerships, it plays a major role in the region’s cultural and economic life.

About the Committee (CIC)

CIC is a Board sub‑committee providing scrutiny, assurance and advice on:

• Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI)
• Staff and student mental health and wellbeing
• Freedom of speech within the law
• External equality charters
• People and culture related strategic risks
• Compliance with the Public Sector Equality Duty

Role Responsibilities

As a co‑opted member, you will:

• Hold the Executive to account on culture, inclusion and wellbeing leadership
• Provide constructive challenge to ensure ambitions are evidence based and deliverable
• Assure compliance with equality and freedom of speech duties
• Monitor the impact of initiatives to enhance staff and student experience
• Approve the University’s annual Student Mental Health & Wellbeing Report
• Ensure compliance with relevant governance codes and regulation

Who We’re Looking For

Essential:

• Senior HR/OD experience in a complex organisation
• Leadership in people development, OD and change
• Strong commitment to inclusion and culture
• Strategic people‑management insight
• Board/committee experience
• Capacity for independent scrutiny and challenge

Desirable:

• Understanding of Higher Education governance
• Experience working within Higher Education or Research environments.

Time Commitment, Term & Costs:

Meetings 2026–2027: 13 Oct 2026 (14:00–17:00), 4 May 2027 (14:00–17:00).

Meetings 2027–2028: 12 Oct 2027 (14:00–17:00), 8 Feb 2028 (14:00–17:00), 13 Jun 2028 (14:00–17:00).

Please note that we would ideally prefer meetings to be attended in person.

Term: Up to 3 years (renewable once) Remuneration: Voluntary; expenses reimbursed. In line with our charitable context and University policy, we are able to reimburse only reasonable expenses incurred within the UK.

Induction/training: Provided

Why Join CIC?

• Insight: Deepen understanding of culture, wellbeing and inclusion governance
• Strategic Contribution: Engage in high‑level discussions on complex people issues
• Impact: Shape an inclusive, values‑led university and expand your networks

Join the University of Bristol as a trusted advisor and help shape a future built on excellence, inclusivity, and partnership.

Additional information

How to Apply: Applications should be submitted via the ‘Apply’ button. You will be required to provide a CV and a covering letter as part of the application process.

Informal enquiries: Michael Flay, Director of Governance & University Secretary – Michael.Flay@bristol.ac.uk

The successful candidate will be expected to complete a Fit and Proper Declaration.

Closing date: 23:59pm, Sunday 19th April.

Shortlisting in early May; interviews to follow.

Our strategy and mission

We recently launched our strategy to 2030 tying together our mission, vision and values.