Director of Strategic Planning & Governance Lancaster University

Welcome

Thank you for taking an interest in this critical role for Lancaster University. The Director of Strategic Planning and Governance is a central figure in the development and delivery of our current and future strategies, and a significant player in both enabling us to capitalise on opportunities for growth and innovation.

As a valued member of the Professional Services Executive Group, the Director will oversee three critical units—strategic planning, governance, and strategic projects—and will play a pivotal role in seamlessly integrating these functions to elevate the University’s performance. We are looking for a visionary leader with outstanding interpersonal skills and a proven track record of influencing and collaborating with high-calibre, intellectually driven colleagues. While experience in higher education is advantageous, we welcome candidates from related sectors who demonstrate the ability to build robust, influential relationships with senior management and non-executive boards.

You will be joining a highly experienced, committed, and dynamic team of University leaders and more broadly, a vibrant, inspiring and supportive culture. Despite sector headwinds, Lancaster is in an era of dynamic growth and renewal, encompassing international campus expansion, a major shift to a semester system, and a once-in-a-generation curriculum review. With the current strategic plan guiding us through 2026, the Director will work alongside senior leadership to shape the future direction of the University.

Thank you for your interest and I look forward to reading your application.

Nicola Owen
Deputy Chief Executive (Operations)

The University

With our beautiful, green main campus in Northwest England and our five global teaching partnerships across three continents, Lancaster University offers rich educational and social experiences to more than 29,000 students worldwide.

Lancaster University is considered among the best in the UK; we’re consistently placed in the top 15 in major UK league tables. We also rank highly in international league tables such as the QS World Rankings. In the most recent Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021, 91% of Lancaster’s research was rated ‘world-leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’.

As well as being a global leader in transnational education, Lancaster University’s esteemed academic reputation is evidenced by the numerous international research partnerships we are involved in, and the influence and impact our academics have on delivering innovative solutions to the world’s ever-changing issues.

Our purpose is to advance knowledge, wisdom and understanding through the excellence of our teaching and research. By engaging with others, we aim to use our collective intellectual and wider capabilities as a force for good and create positive economic, cultural, societal and environmental change.

Our vision and values

Our vision is to be a university that is globally significant – a sector leader and innovator that delivers the highest quality research and teaching, and that engages locally, nationally, and internationally on the issues and debates of the day and future.

We are driven by our values:

We respect each other by being open and fair and promoting diversity.
We build strong communities by working effectively together in a supportive way.
We create positive change by being ambitious in our learning, expertise and action.

Working alongside the senior leadership team, the Director will ensure our new strategy for 2026 onwards upholds our reputation of quality, professionalism and effectiveness.

Teaching and learning

We welcome students and colleagues from over 170 countries worldwide. The rich diversity they provide not only brings huge benefits educationally, but it also enhances everyone’s experiences of living in an increasingly global society.

Lancaster University has been awarded a gold rating for teaching excellence in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023. Lancaster is working at the forefront of digital transformation in Higher Education (HE). developing innovative technology and resources that will revolutionise the ways our students learn. We are among the top universities in the UK for academic support and providing access to first class learning resources, according to students responding to the National Student Survey (NSS) 2023. Both, combined with the fact we are one of the top 30 most targeted universities by the UK’s top graduate employers according to The Graduate Market in 2024 report, illustrate why we are so well regarded as a learning institution.

Top 10 in The Complete University Guide 2025
11th in The Guardian University Guide 2025
12th in The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025
141st out of 1,503 universities around the world in the QS World University Rankings 2025.

Research

Lancaster is a research-intensive university. Our results in the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021 confirm our position in delivering world-quality research:

91% of our research is independently rated ‘internationally excellent’ or ‘world leading’, including 46% rated in the highest category of 4*.
99% of Lancaster’s overall research environment is rated world-leading or internationally excellent. This includes areas such as research support, training, and facilities.
Since the last REF was completed in 2014, Lancaster has doubled its grant capture. We have also grown in scale, with more than 50% more staff who submitted than in 2014.

Our researchers enjoy working in a high-quality environment where they can collaborate with some of the best experts from across the UK and the world. The value we place on diversity at the University is demonstrated by our interdisciplinary approach to research which is fundamental in driving innovation.

The University continues to break new ground in understanding and tackling the medical, social, technical, and environmental issues in the world today. We are at the forefront of work in the data and cyber security field. Our new £19m Security and Protection Science initiative will help build on the University’s credentials as a world leader in this area. Lancaster is one of only a handful of universities in the UK whose education, research and training is recognised by the National Cyber Security Centre.

Sustainability

Our commitments on the climate emergency are leading the way; Lancaster University is one of the highest producers of renewable energy out of all UK Universities according to the Uswitch Renewable University Report 2020. Since 2005, we’ve reduced our electricity and heating emissions by 50% and we’re investing a further £57 million to decarbonise the Lancaster campus to deliver our commitment to becoming carbon neutral by 2035.

Beyond that, we are committed to embedding sustainability into all areas of University life to deliver on the broader UN Sustainable Development Goals. We have achieved recognition with:

Gold rating for Environmental Impact as part of the QS World University Rankings 2022
Joint 16th in the UK and joint 44th in the world in the QS World University Rankings: Sustainability 2024
Joint 1st in the world for sustainability governance in the QS World University Rankings: Sustainability 2024

Lancaster, as a civic university, has a firm commitment to our city and region and we are proud to be part of the team that is bringing the Eden Project to Morecambe and developing the Morecambe Bay Curriculum – a unique community-created curriculum, designed to equip children and young people with the skills to look after themselves and the planet.

Our people

Lancaster’s success depends on talented, creative, and committed people who work hard to make this University so special and distinctive. Our vision for the future is to be a sustainable and an academically excellent institution recognised as one of the leading universities in the world. You will be joining a university which is among the best on any objective measure, but also modern, forward thinking and quick and nimble in adopting the latest developments in teaching and research.

We have a range of staff networks available for our employees and more information on these can be found here.

Lancaster University is committed to attracting, developing and retaining the best staff, celebrating equality and diversity, and recognising how all staff contribute to and enhance the overall success of the University. Our People and Culture Plan clearly articulates that the core strength of the University is our people.

About Lancaster

The City of Lancaster has a long and diverse history, having gained its first charter in 1193. In the heart of the city centre lies a 12th-century castle – one of the best preserved in Great Britain – which dominates the hill above the River Lune.

Lancaster is small enough to explore on foot, but big enough to keep you entertained all day. It offers excellent shopping, cinemas, theatres, and restaurants, with many well-preserved older buildings. The area is also well served with state, private, faith and Steiner schools. Lancaster’s live music venues are home to regular guitar, electronic, folk, classical and jazz gigs. Fans of independent film and theatre have the choice of the city centre Dukes Theatre and Cinema, Grand Theatre, Vue multiplex cinema, in addition to the University’s own Nuffield Theatre and LU Cinema. Venues also regularly play host to major comedy and theatrical tours too. With a number of galleries and museums located in the city, there is plenty for lovers of the arts to get their teeth into.

Lancaster itself is situated in a delightful part of Northwest England. The rural landscape is superb, with the Lakeland fells in full view across the expanse of Morecambe Bay. The River Lune runs along the edge of the Forest of Bowland, an area of outstanding natural beauty, past many villages, into Lancaster and to the sea.

There are two National Parks, the Lake District and the Yorkshire Dales, which are within a 30-minute drive. Lancaster is just over two hours by fast train to London and it is less than one hour to Manchester Airport, which offers direct flights to most European capitals, the Middle East, North America and the Far East.

Lancaster, and the local surrounding area, offers a unique combination of city, coast and countryside. There is an excellent choice of housing within easy commuting distance from Lancaster with areas such as the Lake District, Preston and Morecambe offering a range of housing options, from rural to city living. Housing is varied (from old townhouses to barn conversions and new builds) and is competitively priced, especially against similar properties in Southeast England. The University offers allowances for staff who have to move to join us.

The role

Director of Strategic Planning and Governance (AQ2955)

Apply now

Job Title: Director of Strategic Planning and Governance
Division: Strategic Planning and Governance
Directly responsible to: Deputy Chief Executive (Operations) and Secretary
Supervisory responsibility for: Head of Institutional Data Analytics (Grade FA9); Head of Governance Services (Grade – FA9) Institutional Analytics and Planning team; Head of Strategic Projects (Grade FA9); Divisional Officer and Personal Assistant (Grade- FA6); Governance Services Team; Strategic Projects Team; (35 staff in total); Dotted line to Executive Support Officer (FA7) in Vice-Chancellor’s Office.

Other contacts

Internal:
Vice-Chancellor, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Director of Finance, other members of UEB; Members of Council; Heads of Department, Directors of Professional Services divisions, colleagues in the broader Professional Services team and in Faculties and Academic Departments.

External:
Key Stakeholders in external agencies, e.g. OfS, Jisc(DCS/HESA), League Table compilers, data providers (e.g. Elsevier, QS, Thomson Reuters), Legal providers, Internal Auditors, External Auditors

Job Purpose:

To advise on and be the professional lead for the implementation of effective strategic planning and the operational effectiveness of governance and decision-making mechanisms to facilitate and optimise the achievement of the University’s strategic goals.

To lead on the University’s strategy for effective risk management and compliance to ensure that the University’s reputation and sustainability are adequately protected.

To provide effective leadership and management of the division of Strategic Planning and Governance, ensuring that services meet the needs of the University’s senior management and governing body; are customer focused and facilitative; and support the implementation of the University’s strategy.

To oversee the delivery of high-quality support for planning, institutional research and governance, demonstrating best practice and implementing a programme of continuous improvement to sustain an efficient and effective service.

Support the University Secretary in maintaining the University’s good standing.

Major Duties:

To provide professional leadership for resource allocation planning in conjunction with the senior leadership team.
To develop and implement strategic planning processes and performance measures, in close liaison with and accountable to the VC, DVC, and DCEO in support of the University strategy.
To play a leading role in the development, monitoring and implementation of the University strategy and sub-strategies and the related planning of resource allocation and objectives to achieve this, through membership of/regular attendance and presentation of analysis and proposals at key University committees such as the University Executive Board, Audit Committee, University Planning and Resources Group, Council and other senior committees.
To provide advice and guidance to the VC, DVC, DCEO and Director of Finance on the operation of the University’s planning processes to ensure external requirements are met (e.g. for regulatory reporting purposes) and be the professional lead in the management and operation of the planning process.
To oversee the development of a plan and effective framework for institutional research and business intelligence, including the development of reports and dashboards for senior management, heads of departments and relevant committees.
To advise and support Deans, Heads of Faculty Operations and Heads of Department in the preparation of their strategies, planning and initiatives to implement the University strategy.
To build effective relationships with external stakeholders including funding and regulatory bodies, league table compilers and external research data providers; including managing the University’s organisational subscriptions.
To advise the VC, DVC, DCEO and University Executive Board on changes to government, and relevant agencies, regulation, policies and strategies which impact on Lancaster’s objectives, compliance or performance, including acting as the day-to-day liaison with the Office for Students.
To provide oversight of the strategic project delivery team and ensure optimized allocation of resources.
To oversee effective constitutional operation of the University via high quality and efficient support for Council, Senate and associated constitutional and management committees (accountable to the Secretary).
To maintain oversight of the University’s Raising Concerns at Work Procedure and undertake investigations as required.
To maintain an up-to-date knowledge of best practice in corporate governance, providing advice and recommendations to the DCEO on the implementation of good governance across the University (whether in constitutional or management decision-making bodies), developing the framework for advice and guidance to Chairs and Secretaries of Committees, Deans and Heads of Divisions on structures and processes for embedding good governance, supported by the Head of Governance Services.
To work with the DCEO, the Vice-Chancellor and the Pro-Chancellor to optimise Council and Senate effectiveness, to develop and agree a framework for continued assessment of Council, Senate and Committee effectiveness; succession planning for committee membership, the induction, training, (and appraisal and development where appropriate) of members.
To co-ordinate the University’s legal advice framework, including procurement, and provide advice on and scrutiny of significant legal contracts and memoranda, obtaining legal opinion where appropriate.
To lead effective services for information governance and ensure effective processes are in place to manage risk and compliance, including training and reporting.
To lead effective risk management, crisis management and business continuity processes and planning across the University (including as Chair of the Emergency Planning and Risk Advisory Group), having accountability for ensuring that effective plans are in place, regularly reviewed and adequately tested to ensure that expectations and compliance with external regulatory agencies and insurers are met.
To review policies and agree approvals and referrals in line with the University’s Code of Practice on Freedom of Speech and other regulatory guidance (e.g. Prevent).
To co-ordinate the University’s relationship with its internal auditors, drawing on the DCEO and Director of Finance to develop the internal audit plan for recommendation to the Vice-Chancellor and Audit Committee which both reflects the strategic needs of the University and provides appropriate assurance to the Governing body.
To provide effective and creative leadership to the division of Strategic Planning and Governance, responsible for the overall shape and resourcing of the division, management, development and performance of staff in the context of agreed divisional objectives and performance indicators.
To have responsibility for the monitoring, planning and allocation of the division’s agreed budget (c £1.4M payroll and £1.2M non-payroll), ensuring all areas operate efficiently and demonstrate value for money.
To develop a plan for continuous improvement of the division’s services and appropriate benchmarks and performance indicators against which performance and value for money can be evaluated.
As a member of both the Professional Services Leadership Team and Professional Services Executive Group, contribute to inter-divisional initiatives and the effective operation and performance of professional services at Lancaster.
Other duties, as required from time to time by the DCEO in line with the seniority and scope of this role.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

The following criteria are considered essential unless otherwise noted.

Educated to degree level with good honours and/or possesses a relevant equivalent qualification.
A relevant postgraduate qualification. (Desirable)
Significant experience in a senior operational management role relevant to strategic planning and governance in a knowledge-led organisation.
A strong understanding of the context of higher education and the strategies and opportunities available to drive performance in line with Lancaster’s strategy.
Proven leadership and team-working skills at a senior level, including the ability to work with and through others, set and achieve high standards, support and inspire others to develop and excel.
Evidence of effective team leadership, demonstrating the ability to creating and sustaining an innovative and customer focused professional team.
Advanced IT, numeracy and analytical skills, to demonstrate and present meaning in data effectively to a broad range of groups and individuals. Effective understanding of statistical methods used externally to benchmark performance, e.g. in League Tables.
Experience of working in a knowledge-led organisation, with a large group of intellectually strong and challenging colleagues where effective stakeholder management and influencing skills have been applied to define and achieve goals.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the proven ability to build effective and influential relationships with senior management, governors and external stakeholders.
A proven successful track record in leading, developing and implementing innovative process change and improvement with associated evaluation and measures of effectiveness. (Desirable)
Experience of working in the Higher Education sector. (Desirable)

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Terms of appointment

Lancaster, offering a highly competitive reward package and is part of a well-developed framework that allows reward progression.

Salary – Lancaster is committed to offering competitive and equitable remuneration across senior roles, the salary will be negotiated with the successful candidate.
Pension – For this role the University offers the opportunity to join the Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS).
Relocation – For those relocating nationally or internationally a generous relocation package is available.
Discounts and perks – As an employee you can take advantage of our sports centre membership deal on campus, retail discounts in Lancaster city and 300+ brands online, home technology, childcare, medical and dental insurance, free streaming services, loans towards professional development and membership fees and free and confidential emergency, wellbeing, financial, legal and counselling support for you and your family.
Flexible and hybrid working – We understand that everyone’s lifestyle and personal commitments are not the same so, where possible, we support our staff to find the best solution for a happy employee who can deliver great work.
Annual leave – The standard University leave year currently runs from 1 October to 30 September. The entitlement for a full year is 39 days (pro rata for part time staff). This is made up of 25 days holiday plus 8 bank holidays plus 6 University closure days. Your line manager must agree the timing of all holidays in advance. You can also request to buy an additional two weeks’ holiday each year. As a compassionate employer we also offer paid special leave to help you cope with family emergencies.
Travel – We encourage more environmentally friendly transport to work. We also offer discounts and opportunities to purchase bicycles or electric/hybrid cars, and season ticket loans to spread the cost of commuting.
Be yourself – Enjoy being part of a staff community of over 4,000 people from different backgrounds, interests, faiths, and lifestyles. We have numerous staff networks, events, and facilities to help you find friends and settle in.
Career development – With a wide range of jobs at all levels, and collaborations with partners in our global community, there’s lots of opportunity for you to develop your career with us. Our performance and career development programmes will help you to make the most of your skills, qualifications and contacts. We have a well-established promotions system for academics.
Make a difference – Be a part of a team that wants to make a positive impact in the world, from the wellbeing of our students and local community, to the future of our planet. We believe everyone at Lancaster University has a part to play in delivering positive change. Find out more about our award-winning sustainability actions here.
Rewarding great work – Any staff member, whatever their role, can be recognised and rewarded for making an outstanding contribution to the University’s work with our staff awards, long service awards schemes and pay progression. An adapted package of benefits may apply to employees not based in the UK.

How to apply & Timetable

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

The closing date for applications is noon on Friday 29 November 2024.

Applications should consist of:

A full CV.
A covering letter outlining your motivation 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 Ed Pritchard on ed.pritchard@andersonquigley.com or +44 (0)7980 817 927 or Alicja Janowska on alicja.janowska@andersonquigley.com or +44 (0)7743 927 783.

Timetable

Closing date	Noon, 29 November 2024
Preliminary Interviews with AQ	w/c 9 December 2024
First Stage Informal Orientation Afternoon	Monday 13 January 2025
Final Panel Interviews	Tuesday 21 January 2025

EDI and Recruitment Statement

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

Our employee community across the UK and the world comprises people from 85 nationalities. They practise different faiths, have different lifestyles and are at different stages in their lives. It is this mixture of life experience that adds diversity of thought and approach to make Lancaster University a force for good.

We are committed to creating an environment where everyone can feel welcome, thrive and fulfil their potential. Our equality, diversity and inclusion leaders are involved with everything from policy creation to celebratory events to help us be a fairer and more inclusive employer.

Recruitment Statement

We want to provide full information to you at an early stage to enable you to make an informed decision as to whether you are committed to pursuing this position and to outline the University’s expectations of all candidates taking part in our recruitment process.

Once you have reviewed the information below, and in fairness to everyone concerned, we would ask that you give serious consideration to proceeding further with this process if you think you may not accept the position should it be offered to you.

The role will be located in Lancaster and there is a requirement that the successful candidates will reside within commuting distance of the Lancaster University’s Lancaster campus.

If this might involve a relocation for you, it is of course important that candidates consider how the move might affect anyone who may accompany you (for example, early consideration may need to be given to local schooling, housing and other employment opportunities where other family members are involved as early as possible).

We will support you as much as possible with this and are happy to discuss any concerns you may have. We would ask you to agree to undertaking a positive, open, and transparent dialogue with us throughout the recruitment process, raising questions and any concerns as early as possible.

Lancaster University engages in a variety of domestic and international benchmarking exercises to ensure we are extremely competitive in the levels of reward and recognition we provide; therefore, we are confident that any offer made will be strong and competitive. If you are happy to continue in your application for the position in light of the above expectations, we would very much look forward to hearing from you.

Appointment of the Director of Strategic Planning & Governance