Provost

The University of Chichester is delighted to be launching the search for the appointment of its Provost, a pivotal academic leadership role within a distinctive and values-led university. The University of Chichester is a thriving and distinctive institution on England’s south coast with deep historical roots dating back to 1839 as a teacher-training college and evolving into a university in 2005. Known for its commitment to high-quality teaching, learner-centred culture and community impact, Chichester consistently ranks among the top 30 UK universities and holds a Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework. The University serves a diverse community of approximately 6,000 students across undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, combining historic campus charm with modern facilities on both its Bishop Otter and Bognor Regis campuses.

The Provost is the University’s most senior academic officer and a core member of the Senior Leadership Team, reporting directly to the Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive Officer and deputising as required. The role carries responsibility for academic strategy and leadership across the institution, encompassing education, academic standards and partnerships, student academic support, research and the academic Faculties. The Provost will play a central role in shaping long-term academic planning, ensuring alignment between teaching, research and the University’s strategic objectives, and providing leadership on major sector-facing frameworks including the Teaching Excellence Framework and the Research Excellence Framework. The role also has a significant outward-facing dimension, with responsibility for strengthening research performance and developing productive commercial, civic and industry partnerships.

We are seeking an academic leader of credibility and influence, with a strong personal track record in teaching and scholarship and experience of operating at senior level within a complex higher education environment. The successful candidate will bring the intellectual authority and leadership capability to shape academic strategy, maintain a high-performing and collaborative academic culture, and lead change sensitively and effectively. They will have a deep understanding of contemporary challenges and opportunities facing the sector, including quality and regulation, digital and pedagogic innovation, research development, student outcomes and sustainability.

The Provost will be an inclusive and collegiate leader, able to engage and motivate academic and professional services colleagues, work closely and constructively with the Board of Governors, and represent the academic mission of the University with clarity and conviction. They will bring strong judgement, political acuity and the ability to balance academic ambition with organisational and financial sustainability. Above all, we are looking for a Provost who shares the University of Chichester’s commitment to student success, academic excellence and positive societal impact, and who is excited by the opportunity to help shape the next chapter of this distinctive university.

The closing date for applications is 08:30 GMT on Thursday 19th February 2026.

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