Independent Council Member

Organisation: Cranfield University
Faculty or Department: Executive Office
Based at: Cranfield Campus, Cranfield, Bedfordshire
Hours of work: N/A
Contract type: Fixed term contract
Salary: N/A
Apply by: 13/02/2026

Role Description

Independent Members of Council

Cranfield University is seeking to appoint up to three new independent members Council and its Committees.

Council is the University s governing body, responsible for overall strategy, organisational structure, finances, compliance, reputation, staff and students. Council members contribute to the long-term success of Cranfield University through their breadth of experience at a senior level and knowledge of complex governance matters from the private, public and third sectors.

We are seeking candidates who will provide challenge and insight to the Executive as well as be vocal and visible advocates of the University. You will have a keen interest in Cranfield s distinctive mission, vision and values, and the focused industry sectors in which it operates.

Cranfield recognises the benefit of a diverse and inclusive community. We welcome applications from candidates with the appropriate skill sets from all backgrounds.

Based on an assessment of current and future skills needs, the University is currently seeking candidates with particular skills and experience in:

• Accounting and audit expertise, specifically expertise of good practice in Audit & Risk Committee work, external audit including tendering, internal audit and risk;
• Financial governance, financial management, management information, the role of finance in strategic and operational decision-making;
• Financing and banking, including bond and debt management, asset utilisation and investment.

An ability and willingness to progress to Chair Council s Finance Committee or its Audit & Risk Committee is sought.

More generally, an understanding of higher education governance, change programmes and / or strategic corporate partnership working is desirable.

The role

Council members are appointed for a three-year term (which may be renewed for a second term).

Council meets at least five times a year, and all Council members are expected to sit on at least one sub-committee, each of which have attendance and engagement expectations. The main committees are Finance; Audit & Risk; Remuneration; and Nominations. Given the challenges facing the higher education sector, members can expect a time commitment of 1-2 days a month; the position will appeal to those seeking active engagement in the future planning of the University.

In return for your time, expertise, and perspectives we can offer you the chance to make a positive impact on the world, to develop your professional networks and to build your board-level non-executive experience.

Before applying please note:

• this is not a remunerated position;
• there is an expectation that members will attend meetings in person. Reasonable expenses will be reimbursed for UK travel and on-site hotel accommodation offered;
• interviews are provisionally scheduled for late mid-late March / early April;
• terms of office for appointed members will commence 1 August 2026 (or earlier, by mutual agreement)

A role description and person specification can be found as a pdf document attached to this advertisement. Further information about Council is available here:

with links to Charter and Statutes and University Management . You can find out more about Cranfield s corporate plan here: .

If you are interested in applying for any of these roles, please email your covering letter and Curriculum Vitae to .

Applications should be received by noon on Friday, 13 February 2026.

Please do not click the 'apply now' button; please follow the application process above.