Appointment of the Chief Executive Officer

Uniac

Welcome

Thank you for considering applying for this exciting opportunity. Uniac is at a pivotal moment in our journey, and we are seeking a dynamic leader to step into the role of Chief Executive Officer. We want someone with a clear vision for driving strategic transformation and growth, who also excels in building robust, supportive teams and fostering a culture of collaboration and success.

At Uniac, we take pride in being more than just a service provider; we are trusted partners to higher education institutions, empowering them to confidently navigate challenges and achieve excellence. Our commitment to innovation, integrity, and impactful solutions lies at the core of our mission, and we are looking for a CEO who can harness this spirit to propel us into our next chapter.

With a diverse and passionate team, Uniac is a place where ideas are valued, and progress is a collective effort. As Chair, I am eager to support a new leader who is not only strategic and market-focused but also dedicated to nurturing our vibrant team and fostering a sense of community.

We are searching for a CEO who shares our values and will work alongside our talented staff to inspire growth, creativity, and resilience. Your proven track record in leading transformational change and developing successful strategies will be vital in advancing our mission. Equally important is your ability to cultivate a collaborative and supportive work environment.

We seek an individual who can inspire, engage, and forge strong relationships both within and outside the organisation. Your leadership will exemplify Uniac’s core values as you guide us toward bold new opportunities.

If you are ready to bring your vision, leadership, and passion for teamwork to Uniac, we would be thrilled to welcome you to our community. Together, we can achieve even greater success and make a lasting impact in the higher education sector.

Owen Purcell
Independent Chair

About us

Uniac was established in 1992 by three Higher Education institutions as a shared provider of internal audit services.

At the time of its foundation, the anticipated advantages were:

  • a specialist team with the breadth of experience and skills to undertake wide-ranging risk-based assignments
  • a deep knowledge of the sector and, where appropriate, the sharing of best practice; and
  • competitive prices.

The proposed model was entirely new. Input and approval for the inception of the service was sought and agreed with the then sector regulator – Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE).

Uniac has expanded its membership over time – with members and client contracts (including partnering arrangements where Uniac provides specialist support to in-house internal audit functions). For clients, the relationship follows the model of internal audit delivery from a professional accountancy firm, and as such, they have no share of Uniac’s assets and liabilities.

Uniac is wholly owned by the members as an unincorporated association and has no separate legal status. Its financial strategy seeks to return a small operating surplus in each year, such that it is able to continue to offer competitive prices to members and clients and continue to invest in its specialist staff.

Uniac is currently led by Richard Young as Executive Director (who is accountable to the Uniac Board), and Richard is assisted by a senior team which manages the relationships with all members and clients. The wider team is composed of specialist auditors who are supported by a small administrative / operations function. All Uniac’s auditors, including the directors, maintain and develop subject specialisms.

At Uniac, we offer the following:

  • objectivity, integrity and constructive challenge;
  • drive, innovation and creativity;
  • confidence and diligence; and
  • detailed and specialist knowledge of higher education.

We pride ourselves on the knowledge and experience of our staff, who are empowered and encouraged to deliver high performance.

Uniac contributes actively to both professional internal audit and to sector networks. We also believe it is vital to gain and offer a wider range of perspectives.

Some of our staff are actively involved in the Chartered Institute of Internal Auditors and the Information Systems Audit and Control Association. Engagement with the best practices in the wider internal audit profession contributes hugely to the development of our service.

More broadly within the sector Uniac has membership of groups such as UCISA and UKCISA. We also engage with the Association of Higher Education Professionals, the Committee of University Chairs and the British Universities Finance Directors’ Group: we are regular attendees at the annual conferences and always happy to present at regional meetings. Reflecting the internationalisation of higher education, we are members of the Association of College and University Auditors. We also regularly engage with GuildHEAdvanceHE, and Universities UK.

The role

Chief Executive (AQ2961)

Apply now

Terms of appointment

Why Join UNIAC?

  • Opportunity to lead a respected and innovative organisation.
  • Work with a talented and dedicated team of professionals who are passionate about supporting universities.
  • Competitive salary and benefits package.
  • Flexible working environment with a focus on work-life balance.

Uniac is a demanding place to work, but it is also flexible and supportive. We actively support each individual’s ongoing personal and career development whether through participation in sector events or support for further study.

We are always open to new ideas and better ways of doing things and we offer great staff development opportunities.

 

How to apply

Anderson Quigley is acting as an advisor to Uniac, an executive search process is being carried out by Anderson Quigley in addition to the public advertisement.

The closing date for applications is November 29th, 2024.

Applications should consist of:

  • A full CV.
  • A covering letter (maximum of two pages) outlining your motivations to apply for this role, your relevant experience and how you meet the criteria of the person specification.
  • Please include details of two referees on your CV, though please note that we will not approach your referees without your prior consent and only should you be shortlisted.

Should you wish to discuss the role in strict confidence, please contact :
Sophie Rees, Research Consultant at 07719 313 982 / sophie.rees@andersonquigley.com or
Helene Usherwood on helene.usherwood@andersonquigley.com or +44 (0) 7719 322 669.