Senate Lay Members, Honorary Treasurer & Independent Governor

Queen’s University Belfast is one of Northern Ireland’s largest anchor institutions, employing over 4,500 staff and operating with a substantial annual turnover that supports teaching, research and innovation  University is ranked as 198th in the world, with strategic international links on every continent. We maintain deep and longstanding partnerships across industry, government and the civic sector, underpinning our role as a driver of skills, enterprise and societal impact.

Independent analysis shows that the University contributes £3.4 billion annually to the local economy, reflecting our central role in regional growth and prosperity.

The University is offering an exciting opportunity for outstanding leaders to join its Governing Body, Senate, at a time of real momentum and ambition. As a globally recognised Russell Group university with a thriving research culture, exceptional student experience and a powerful civic mission, Queen’s plays a transformative role in Northern Ireland and beyond. These appointments for new Lay Members; an Honorary Treasurer;

and an Independent Governor; provide the opportunity to contribute at the highest level of strategic leadership, shaping the future of an institution that is expanding its global partnerships, strengthening its innovation footprint and delivering world‑class impact. For exceptional leaders across the public, private and voluntary sectors who want to make a meaningful difference, this is an excellent opportunity to help guide the university through its next stage of ambitious growth.

The University is seeking to appoint a minimum of six new Lay Members to join Senate, offering exceptional leaders the opportunity to play a central role in the strategic governance of a world‑class institution. As independent, external members, Lay Members bring fresh perspective, senior experience and specialist insight to the University’s decision‑making, helping to shape long‑term strategy, scrutinise performance and support effective oversight across areas such as finance, people, culture, risk, academic ambition and civic contribution.

These are influential, high‑impact positions suited to individuals with strong board‑level experience and expertise drawn from the public, private or voluntary sectors, who can provide constructive challenge, independent judgement and a genuine commitment to the University’s mission, values and future success.

The Honorary Treasurer position is a senior governance role for an experienced financial leader who can bring strong strategic oversight and assurance to the University’s financial health. As an ex‑officio member of Senate, the Treasurer plays a pivotal role in shaping long‑term financial strategy, scrutinising budgets and performance, and ensuring robust approaches to audit, risk and resource planning. Working closely with fellow independent members and senior leaders, the Treasurer provides authoritative challenge and guidance on all matters relating to financial sustainability and stewardship.

This is an influential, high‑profile opportunity for an exceptional individual with significant board‑level and finance expertise.

The Independent Governor is an important external role for an accomplished leader who can bring impartial scrutiny, sound judgement and strategic insight to Senate. As an independent member, the Governor contributes a clear, objective voice in decision‑making, ensuring strong governance, accountability and alignment with the University’s mission and long‑term ambitions. The role involves providing constructive challenge across areas such as strategy, risk, performance and institutional effectiveness, while supporting a culture of integrity and excellence.

• Minimum 5 years’ board or senior leadership experience in the public, private or voluntary sectors.
• Strong understanding of corporate and/or charity governance.
• Ability to contribute at a strategic level, offering constructive challenge and independent judgement.
• Experience working within complex, multi‑stakeholder environments.
• Ability to analyse detailed…