Independent Chair FSB Board Of Governors

Overview

Fairfield School of Business (FSB) is an OfS‑registered higher education and training provider with learning facilities situated in regional economic hubs across England. We work with communities and employers to offer high‑quality, enriching academic experiences that lead to genuine professional advancement. Foremostly a specialist provider in business and management, FSB is opening new lines of provision in subject areas aligned to regional interests, such as counselling, criminology and computer science.

The school is privately incorporated and subscribes to the Independent Higher Education Code of Governance, as well as all relevant elements of the CUC Governance and Remuneration codes of practice. Presently, FSB delivers higher education under contractual arrangements with external awarding universities, but has reasonable ambitions for acquiring its own degree‑awarding powers.

• The governing body receives and tests assurance that academic governance is adequate and effective.
• FSB operates openly, honestly, accountably and with integrity.
• There is a clear and demonstrable separation between governance and management.
• FSB and its governing body act in the interests of the provider and its students, and the school delivers value for money in practice.

• Leadership of the FSB Board – overseeing the effective operation of FSB's organs of governance and academic oversight.
• Strategic oversight:
  Guiding the board in setting the long‑term institutional strategy, ensuring all strategic decisions are informed by reliable and credible information with due consideration of relevant risks and stakeholder interests.
• Risk management:
  
  ensuring effective treatment of critical academic and institutional (including financial and reputational) risks.
• Board composition and development – ensuring the FSB Board has the required skills mix and expertise to deliver high‑quality education and fulfil its strategic objectives.
• Regulatory compliance – ensuring FSB meets all requirements of the OfS and other statutory mandates.
• Continuity of strategic partnerships – acting as a high‑level ambassador in our relationships with awarding university partners.
• Effective governance – fostering a culture of openness, diversity, and constructive challenge between the board and the executive team.

• A deep understanding of corporate and academic governance, including financial and legal matters.
• Substantial experience of operating at board level, ideally including chairing experience in a complex organisation.
• Full knowledge of the UK higher‑education regulatory environment and requirements placed upon registered HE providers under the OfS's regulatory framework.
• Conversancy with sub‑contractual delivery models and the nuances of awarding‑body relationships.
• Understanding of the distinction between governance and management, and the importance of independent scrutiny.
• Awareness of the challenges and opportunities facing alternative providers of higher education.

Additionally, you will meet our requirements for being a fit and proper person, as defined within our Fit and Proper Person Policy.

Independent governors will receive an induction to FSB which highlights its mission, values, culture and corporate configuration.

Remuneration arrangements will be agreed with due regard for the statutory, commercial workload of the role and the value of the expertise of the. All remunerated positions are subject to annual appraisal. Reasonable expenses (such as travel and accommodation) will also be considered by the board in accordance with the FSB's policy for approval.

Fixed term contract

In person