Independent Governor

Following a successful round of recruitment in the 2024/25 academic session, the GSA is now seeking to appoint additional Independent Governors particularly with skills and experience in arts and creative cultures; legal knowledge and understanding; accounting and finance; strategy, innovation and commercial awareness; and digital futures.

Applications would be particularly welcomed from individuals from protected characteristic groups currently underrepresented on the Board, as are applications from the GSA’s local and wider communities, including GSA alumni. Reasonable adjustments for disability will be implemented for those who may require them.

The GSA wishes to appoint new external Independent Governors who share the commitment to the institution’s ambition and values. The institution is seeking Independent Governors who will play an active role in helping the GSA to realise its potential, extend its impact and achieve its goals. Working with the Board, the Director and the Senior Leadership Group, you will help the GSA to maintain strong governance in support of the delivery of both the core business and the GSA’s strategic ambitions.

The Board of Governors is the GSA’s governing authority – among its responsibilities is approval of the mission and strategic vision of the institution, together with oversight of the GSA’s governance and finances. The Statement of Primary Responsibilities is set out together with full details of the GSA’s constitution and governance in the annually updated Statement of Corporate Governance.

The majority of the GSA’s Governors are independent members – Independent Governors – and provide constructive and independent advice and guidance, informed by expertise, across a range of creative and professional backgrounds. Find out more about our current membership in our Governor Biographies document.

The Board has the following committees: Audit and Risk; Finance and Resources; Governance and Nominations; People and Culture; and Remuneration.

All of these committees are formally constituted with terms of reference and all are convened by Independent members of the Board. On appointment, and dependent  upon relevant experience and areas of expertise, Independent Governors may be  invited to become a member of specific Board committees.

Period of Office and Renumeration

Independent Governors are normally appointed for a period of three years.  Any Independent Governor appointed (and being eligible) may be further  appointed, subject to satisfactory performance (and on the recommendation  of the Governance and Nominations Committee) on expiry of their term of office. Independent Governors can serve a maximum of three terms.

Independent Governors are not remunerated but the GSA will reimburse  reasonable expenses including travel costs. Depending on individual circumstances, the provision of financial assistance to Independent Governors who might  otherwise find it difficult to attend meetings may be considered.

How to Apply

Interested individuals should submit the following to governance@gsa.ac.uk 

/ A short expression of interest outlining relevant experience and fit to the role 

/  A CV

Please ensure your CV sets out your career history, with key responsibilities and achievements in line with the role and responsibilities (Appendix 1) and experience, skills and attributes (Appendix 2) that we are seeking.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview.

If you would like to have an informal discussion about this opportunity, please contact the GSA’s Secretary and Registrar, Emma Williams at governance@gsa.ac.uk 

Deadline for applications: Friday 19 June

Interviews will take place in early July, and candidates can expect the process to be completed by August 2026.

Advert information