Thank you for your interest in our recruitment to appoint an Associate Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research & Knowledge Exchange.

It is an honour to be leading Southampton Solent University as we celebrate our 20th anniversary as a university. While our roots in the city span over a century, we are a relatively young institution, and the coming decade offers an opportunity to redefine and shape our organisational identity. Our distinctive purpose is captured in our new strategic plan and our role as a “diffusion engine” of intellectual and social innovation.

With 7,600+ students, Solent has been awarded three Gold ratings in the Teaching Excellence Framework, recognising that our student experience and student outcome are outstanding. I joined the university in 2023 and I have been delighted and motivated by the commitment of our staff and students. There is no doubt that the TEF has raised the bar on teaching, learning and student experience across the sector, and I am particularly proud that we now belong to a small group of universities who have gained the ‘triple Gold’.  This award is a real endorsement of our ‘real-world’ approach, and of the work we do with each student to tailor our approach to meet their needs, and to support them to achieve their goals.

Our excellent teaching is complemented by our practice-based and applied research culture and infrastructure. Rapidly building on the success of the 2021 REF where overall, 34% of research and 50% of our research outputs were assessed as world-leading and internationally excellent, in 2022/23 we grew our income by over 60%, attracting considerable HEIF funding and we have achieved our first successful ESPRC-funded award as part of the UK National Clean Maritime Research Hub.

To support our research and knowledge exchange ambition we are looking for an ambitious and dynamic Associate PVC Research and Knowledge Exchange to energise and grow our RKE activity in line with our new strategy. Working closely with Professor Cathy Barnes, PVC Research, Academic Strategy and Planning, the role will be responsible for enhancing the researcher development and culture, seeking substantial increases in income across all RKE activities, and leading reputational growth activities such as REF, KEF and Public/Civic Engagement. They will also lead the Graduate School and line manage the research office.

Underpinning our  new strategy is a commitment to become a leading practice led university and this role will be expected to have an excellent track record in practice led research and be able to successfully embed this approach throughout all RKE activities. A professorial title will be available for suitable candidates.

We look forward to meeting you.

Best wishes,

Skills. Experience. Connections. Knowledge. For a future full of possibilities.

Solent University is all about creating opportunities: for its students, for its staff, for its partners. It offers expertise and experiences you couldn’t get anywhere else, opening doors and making introductions.

We’re focused on the practical side of higher education – giving our students the connections, experience and confidence to turn their newfound knowledge into a career with real, meaningful impact. Whoever you are, whatever your goals, we want to help you make your mark.

We are dedicated to the pursuit of university education that enables learners from all backgrounds to become enterprising citizens and responsible leaders. We are committed to promoting economic and social prosperity for the communities we serve.

Put simply – we want Solent graduates to be the passionate, creative professionals of the future, bringing expertise and energy into their communities and workplaces.

To view our 2035 Strategy Ready for the Future please click here.

For facts and figures about the University please click here.

Southampton is a city with something for everyone. From the hustle and bustle of the city centre to the laid back atmosphere of Ocean Village, Southampton’s variety makes it a thriving University environment.

The city is home to many great entertainment venues, and is a regular stop on nationwide concert and theatre tours. The city centre features several museums, ranging from the city’s involvement in pivotal sea and air conflicts to its rich medieval history.

Southampton’s residents also enjoy access to a range of sporting venues, art galleries and spas and the city itself is only a short distance from some of the best countryside the South has to offer.

The city is also conveniently located only 75 miles away from London and has excellent transport links, with Southampton Airport and Southampton Central Station only a few minutes away.

• Salary will be negotiated with the successful candidate.
• 30 days holiday per annum, plus 3 wellbeing days, 8 bank holidays, 1 development day and Christmas closure.
• Solent pension scheme (DC scheme), though transfer of existing sector pension may be possible.
• Five times life assurance.
• 5% management bonus.
• Relocation assistance scheme (subject to eligibility).

We offer a range of workplace benefits, including:

• Interest free travel loans
• Access to our Cycle to Work scheme on an approved salary sacrifice basis which means you can make savings whilst keeping fit and helping the environment.
• On-site gym, sporting facilities and a range of wellbeing initiatives.
• Amazing discounts on a range of services including healthcare, insurance and independent financial and legal advice.

Equality & Diversity

At Solent, we don’t just accept difference, we celebrate it and support it, for the benefit of our people, our students, staff and our community.

The University’s equality objectives are integral in promoting and achieving fair treatment and equality for all and as part of this, we aim to foster a community with a culture of transparency, mutual trust and respect devoid of hatred and intolerance.

University staff can join our LGBT+ staff network – a supportive social group for employees who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, non-binary, or are questioning their sexuality or gender identity. This group also supports many events both on-campus and in the local community, including the Human Library and Southampton Pride.

Solent also has a well-established Equality and Wellbeing committee, made up of students and staff, to proactively assist us in providing an excellent people experience underpinned by our values, and our genuine commitment to equality, diversity and inclusivity, irrespective of personal or protected characteristics.

This committee plays a key role in ensuring equality and diversity across the University, and leads on wellbeing initiatives, such as the introduction of our Mental Health and Wellbeing vision for both staff and students, launched earlier this year.

We believe that all our people should be treated fairly, regardless of their age, ethnicity, beliefs, sexual orientation, or gender. As part of this, Solent University is committed to continuing to work on closing the gender pay gap and is in the process of creating an updated action plan to determine the necessary steps to make this happen.

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

Should you wish to discuss the role in strict confidence, please contact Sophie Rees at sophie.rees@andersonquigley.com or +44 (0)7719 313 982, Carolyn Coates at carolyn.coates@andersonquigley.com or +44 (0)7825 871 944, or Ed Pritchard at ed.pritchard@andersonquigley.com or +44 (0)7980 817 927.

The closing date for applications is noon on Friday 11 April 2025

Applications should consist of:

• A full CV.
• A covering letter setting out your interest in the role and details of how you match the criteria outlined in the person criteria.
• Details of two referees, though please note that we will not approach your referees without your prior consent and only should you be shortlisted.