Appointments of the Executive Dean and the Pro Dean in the Faculty of Medicine and Health Science

The University of Buckingham

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Welcome

Thank you for your interest in The University of Buckingham and these important Faculty leadership roles within it.

The University of Buckingham was established in the early 1970s as a response to growing concerns over the undermining of independence and academic freedom in higher education. It was felt that traditional universities had become inflexible and overly rigid in their approach, and that a new, independent institution was needed to challenge the status quo.

From the outset, we introduced accelerated degrees: two-year undergraduate programmes, which we have championed with great success ever since. The Faculty offers an accelerated four-and-a-half-year medical degree, in contrast to the five or six years typically required elsewhere. The Faculty has just celebrated its 10th anniversary and is going from strength to strength, recently leading a project to develop a four-year curriculum for undergraduate medicine on behalf of NHS England. As an innovative and disruptor institution, we are uniquely placed to respond to the NHS workforce plan and consider how to ensure the pipeline of physicians is shortened and skills gaps are addressed.

If you would like to join a small, thriving academic community, have outstanding leadership and management experience, and would like to lead the Faculty as it heads into its second decade, then I look forward to hearing from you.

Professor Harriet Dunbar-Morris
Pro Vice-Chancellor Academic and Provost

About us

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The University of Buckingham is the only independent university in the UK with a Royal Charter, and one of the smallest, with approximately 3,300 students.

The University is a sector innovator through its accelerated degrees including two-year degrees and 4.5-year Medicine degrees. Buckingham keep class sizes small, with Oxbridge style tutorial groups which are personalised and exhilarating.

Buckingham was founded on a vision of academic freedom and free speech, and a belief in the importance of passing these traditions on to future generations. The University is immensely proud to provide an individualised and supportive learning experience, focused on small tutorials and seminars, where academics and students can engage in authentic dialogue and test their ideas. They believe in a high-quality education, delivered with passion and focus on imparting useful and relevant knowledge, and offer students the opportunity to study a degree their way, giving a range of options on how they study.

Students at Buckingham are curious, willing to be challenged, and eager to learn. They form a thriving community of independent thinkers from countries all over the world, with a thirst for knowledge and a passion for free thinking. Buckingham is a place where teachers, support staff and students will get to know each other personally, and staff have the opportunity for full involvement in University life.

The Campus

The University campus is well known for being one of the most attractive locations in the region. The Great Ouse River, home to much wildlife, winds through the heart of the campus. Much of the teaching takes place in restored buildings such as the Franciscan Building, formerly a friary, and the Chandos Road Building, a converted turn-of-the-century milk factory. Students can also enjoy the Hunter Street Library, once a military barracks.

Each student mixes with over 100 other students of different nationalities, so being at Buckingham is like being in a mini global village. These contacts, acquaintances, and friendships carry on long after life at Buckingham is over.

Strategy

Vision – To be a beacon of independence and academic freedom, and a university internationally recognised for fostering the leaders, thinkers and achievers of the future.

Mission – Inspiring and empowering individuals to achieve the extraordinary through excellence in learning, teaching, research and entrepreneurship.

One strategic aim, four guiding principles

  • Grow student numbers, income and surplus in a planned, measured and sustainable manner.
  • Grow academic provision in both breadth, depth and rigour.
  • Grow people by supporting them with professional development and state-of-the-art systems and processes.
  • Underpinning growth will be four guiding principles: independence and academic freedom; academic excellence; student partnership; innovation and entrepreneurship.

Medical School

Building on the ethos of putting the student first and above all else, the University of Buckingham Medical School is small enough for the students to be part of a coherent and supportive community and large enough to provide all the experience needed to become medical practitioners.

The condensed 4.5-year MB ChB programme is derived from a well-established curriculum. Its every aspect is engineered to help students develop the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to become professional and ethical doctors.

The University of Buckingham Medical School received General Medical Council (GMC) accreditation in May 2019. The GMC commended the University for its “excellent professional, academic and pastoral support that extends throughout the University and clinical learning environments” and “the robust systems that ensure the quality of all aspects of the MB ChB programme, including teaching and assessment.” The University has developed a number of geographically dispersed and culturally diverse partnerships. These collaborative arrangements are recognised as valuable opportunities for students to access higher education and acquire the knowledge and skills necessary for the modern workplace.

One such partner is Learna, an organisation that provides flexible, affordable, and fully online postgraduate medical degrees, allowing healthcare professionals to progress in their clinical careers through accessible, high-quality learning.

The job descriptions

Executive Dean, Faculty of Medicine and Health Science (AQ2997)

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JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Title Executive Dean of Faculty
Job Grade Band 8
Reporting to Pro Vice-Chancellor Academic and Provost

Job Context

The University of Buckingham is among the fifteen smallest in the UK and is rightly proud of its distinctive features, namely: it is the only private University in the UK with a Royal Charter; secondly, it pioneered the first accelerated (two-year) degree; and finally, it provides students with a personalised learning experience through its small-group academic tutorial system and exceptional pastoral care provision.

Job Purpose

The Executive Dean has overall responsibility for setting the strategic direction of the Faculty in line with the University’s vision and mission. The post-holder will provide inspirational leadership, management, and planning for the Faculty and its constituent academic areas.

The Executive Dean will lead the development and delivery of educational offerings, partnerships, and research and enterprise, ensuring these are aligned with the University’s ethos and ambitions. The role-holder will also ensure the achievement of strategic objectives and related financial targets as outlined in the University and Faculty plans.

The Executive Dean will lead by example, blending excellence in education, research, clinical/professional practice to deliver and enhance the student, staff, and external stakeholder experience. The post-holder will promote a culture of service excellence, manage Faculty resources effectively, and drive necessary change. Acting as an ambassador, the Executive Dean will build a strong external profile, developing and promoting the University’s impact, reputation, and the Faculty’s work.

The Executive Dean is directly accountable to the Pro Vice-Chancellor Academic and Provost.

Working Relationships

  • Vice-Chancellor
  • Pro Vice-Chancellor Academic and Provost
  • Registrar and Chief Administrative Officer
  • Chief Finance Officer
  • Executive Deans of other Faculties
  • Heads of Central Services
  • HR Business Partner
  • Finance Business Partner
  • Direct reports (Deans, Pro-Faculty Dean, Faculty Registrar and other reports as appropriate)

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

  • Set strategic direction and lead the operational management of the Faculty and its academic areas within the University’s Vision, Mission, and Strategy.
  • Participate in University strategic and operational decision-making as a member of the University Executive Group, and other relevant committees and working groups.
  • Champion and communicate Executive and University committee decisions effectively to Faculty staff and students.

Educational Development & Student Experience

  • Ensure the quality, breadth, and standards of the course portfolio and the student experience.
  • Foster employability and enterprise activities across the Faculty.
  • Ensure the achievement of student recruitment and retention targets.

Research & Professional Practice

  • Ensure the quality of research outputs and enhance the research environment and reputation of the Faculty.
  • Develop research and clinical/professional practice capability to enhance educational delivery and the student experience.

External Engagement & Partnerships

  • Act as an ambassador for the Faculty, promoting the University’s impact, reputation, and external partnerships.
  • Foster mutually beneficial external relationships with private and public sector stakeholders.

Financial Management and Workforce Planning

  • Lead the Faculty’s financial management, ensuring the achievement of budget targets.
  • Allocate and control resources, ensuring transparency in academic workload allocations.
  • Develop workforce plans to recruit and retain staff, considering emerging skills, student demand, and up-to-date course content.

Compliance & Risk Management

  • Ensure compliance with University policies and procedures in the Faculty.
  • Manage risk effectively, including health and safety obligations.

Internal Communication & Committees

  • Ensure the effective operation of the Faculty’s internal communication systems and committee structures, including chairing the Faculty Executive Committee/Board.

Staff Management

  • Line manage Deans of School or equivalent, Pro-Faculty Dean, and Faculty Registrar, setting objectives, conducting Performance and Development Reviews, and offering mentorship.

Contribution to Teaching, Research & Professional Practice

  • Demonstrate a sustained contribution to education, research, and clinical/professional practice within own discipline area.

 

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Experience and Knowledge

Essential

  • Significant and successful track record of strategic leadership and management at a senior level within a large and complex organisation, with the ability and credibility to lead within the University’s context.
  • Evidence of the ability and willingness to lead strategic change at a senior level.
  • Experience in successfully leading and managing teams and individuals, including familiarity with appraisal, performance issues, and setting and evaluating objectives.
  • Track record of achieving student recruitment and retention targets in line with institutional goals.
  • Experience managing income and expenditure budgets, with a focus on generating internal surpluses and ensuring financial sustainability.
  • Knowledge of compliance and risk management procedures, including health and safety responsibilities as part of a large organisation.
  • Evidence of initiating and developing external partnerships and relationships with stakeholders in both the public and private sectors.
  • Educated to doctoral degree level (or equivalent).
  • Professorial-level achievement and recognition in a discipline relevant to the Faculty.

Desirable

  • Evidence of achievement and effectiveness as a visionary and energetic role model, innovator, and team leader in areas of teaching, research, professional practice, and/or commercial services in a subject area relevant to the Faculty.
  • Experience of managing health and safety risks within an academic or professional setting, in line with institutional policies.
  • Knowledge and skills in education, research, and clinical/professional practice sufficient to drive strategic change.

Communication

  • Ability to communicate University policy and strategy to staff and implement it effectively, while ensuring concerns raised within the Faculty are communicated to relevant senior colleagues.
  • Evidence of exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with the strength of character to be effective across all levels within and outside the Faculty.
  • Awareness of communication barriers and strategies to overcome them.

Liaison

  • Ability to foster collaborative working relationships both internally and externally.

Decision Making

  • Evidence of the ability to contribute to University-level activities, supporting the development and implementation of institutional strategy.
  • Strong financial management skills, with the ability to ensure expenditure remains within available income both annually and over the long term.
  • Ability to allocate resources efficiently within budgets and monitor the effectiveness of expenditure.
  • Ability to plan for flexible human resource use to meet evolving needs, including recruitment aligned with emerging skills and student demand.
  • Demonstrated experience in risk management to ensure the Faculty meets health, safety, and wellbeing obligations.

Initiative

  • Leadership style that fosters collaboration and motivates staff at all levels.

Equal Opportunities

The University of Buckingham recognises that equality of opportunity and the recognition and promotion of diversity are integral to its academic and financial strengths. The following principles apply in respect of the University’s commitment to equality and diversity:

  • To provide and promote equality of opportunity in all areas of its work and activity
  • To recognise and develop the diversity of skills and talent within its current and potential community
  • To ensure that all University members and prospective members are treated solely on the basis of their merits, abilities and potential without receiving any unjustified discrimination or unfavourable treatment on grounds such as age, disability, marital status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, trans status, socio-economic status or any other irrelevant distinction.
  • To provide and promote a positive working, learning, and social environment which is free from prejudice, discrimination and any forms of harassment, bullying or victimisation
  • To promote good relations between individuals from different groups.

 

Timetable

Shortlisting will be taking place on 24 June 2025.

Feedback to successful candidates taking place 24-25 June 2025.

Feedback to unsuccessful candidates w/c 30 June 2025.

Interviews will be taking place 30 June 2025 (on-site in Buckingham).

Apply now

Pro Dean, Faculty of Medicine and Health Science (AQ2998)

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JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Title Pro-Faculty Dean in the Faculty of FMHS
Job Grade Band 7
Reporting to Executive Dean of the Faculty of FMHS and dotted line to Pro Vice-Chancellor Academic and Provost

Job Context

The University of Buckingham is among the fifteen smallest in the UK and is rightly proud of its distinctive features, namely: it is the only private University in the UK with a Royal Charter; secondly, it pioneered the first accelerated (two-year) degree; and finally, it provides students with a personalised learning experience through its small-group academic tutorial system and exceptional pastoral care provision.

Job Purpose

The Pro-Faculty Dean supports the Executive Faculty Dean in the strategic and operational management of the Faculty, focusing on academic leadership, research, and administrative functions. The Pro-Faculty Dean will help ensure the effective implementation of Faculty initiatives and contribute to achieving the University’s strategic goals.

As a member of the Faculty’s Senior Leadership Team the position of Pro-Faculty Dean has a broad range of responsibilities and expectation of the highest levels of transformational change. The responsibilities fall into the following broad areas:

  • To champion, develop and lead the delivery of the Faculty’s plans relating to education and the student experience, to improve student success, to deliver improved retention and progression, to advance excellence in learning and teaching, to assure the quality of the University’s academic programmes and to deliver improvements to the University’s TEF metrics.
  • To partner effectively with students, empowering the student voice and delivering an effective interface between education, research, enterprise and innovation, and stakeholder engagement.
  • To provide strategic leadership of curriculum development and quality assurance and enhancement in the Faculty.
  • To lead the development and delivery of new and existing initiatives, Faculty-wide and in partnership, related to learning, teaching, research, and enterprise and innovation.
  • To provide leadership to both academic and corporate and professional services colleagues, and support and advice to the Faculty and Schools in ensuring the University policies and processes are fully embedded and implemented.

The successful candidate will have an inspirational and partnership approach to leadership, encouraging ideas, initiative and innovation in others whilst establishing a cost-effective and high-performance culture based on continuous improvement. They must be able to build strong and purposeful internal and external stakeholder relationships with partners and potential partners and play a key strategic role in enabling the Faculty to fulfil its potential.

The Pro-Faculty Dean reports directly to the Faculty Executive Dean but will also work under the direction of the Pro Vice-Chancellor Academic and Provost for University-wide learning, teaching and research activities.

The Pro-Faculty Dean will be expected to represent the Faculty in both an academic and corporate and professional services capacity in the absence of the Executive Dean, to include attending committees and working groups and relevant meetings.

By negotiation and as appropriate, the Pro-Faculty Dean may contribute to the work of the Faculty through teaching, research, enterprise and innovation, and other activities up to 20% of the time.

Working Relationships

  • Executive Dean of Faculty
  • Pro Vice-Chancellor Academic and Provost
  • Pro-Faculty Deans of other Faculties
  • Faculty Registrar
  • Heads of Central Services notably Collaborations, Apprenticeships, Recruitment, Quality
  • HR Business Partner
  • Finance Business Partner
  • Learning and Teaching Champions Chair and Vice-Chair
  • Research Champions Chair and Vice-Chair

Key Responsibilities

Academic Leadership

  • Assist in the development and implementation of the Faculty’s academic strategy and curriculum.
  • Support the Deans of School (or equivalent) in ensuring the quality of teaching and learning within their respective Schools (or equivalent).
  • Promote innovative teaching practices and academic excellence across the Faculty and University.
  • Lead on portfolio development and curriculum transformation, and work with the Faculty Dean and Deans of School (or equivalent) in reviewing and developing academic and clinical provision in line with Faculty and University strategic priorities, including attendance at/Chairing appropriate committees, working groups, and panels dealing with academic-related issues.
  • Take an active role within the University’s Learning and Teaching and Research Champion fora.
  • Chair committees and working groups at the request of the Faculty Executive Dean or Pro Vice-Chancellor Academic and Provost.

Research and Enterprise

  • Support the Faculty’s and University’s research strategy and objectives by fostering research collaborations and driving research initiatives.
  • Assist in the development and implementation of research policies and ensure the alignment of research activities with the Faculty’s strategic objectives.
  • Oversee the Faculty’s research outputs and contribute to enhancing the research environment in the Faculty and Schools (or equivalent).

Student Experience

  • Work closely with the Executive Faculty Dean to enhance the quality of the student experience (for all students: UG, PGT, PGR) and ensure student satisfaction including during the clinical portion of the student journey.
  • Maintain a strong focus on student satisfaction and student experience (e.g. NSS, PTES, PRES), B3, continuation, completion and progression for student success and retention, graduate outcomes, TEF, ensuring delivery against these measures and any other appropriate measures or audits e.g. OFSTED.
  • Address student concerns and issues in collaboration with academic and support staff including during the clinical portion of the student journey.

Operational Management

  • Aid in the day-to-day management of Faculty academic and administrative operations, including monitoring effective administrative processes and systems that relate to the student (all students: undergraduate, postgraduate taught and postgraduate research) experience.
  • Collaborate with the Faculty Registrar to ensure efficient and effective administrative support for academic activities.
  • Contribute to budget management and academic and support staff workload allocation, including monitoring financial performance and supporting resource allocation.

Strategic Planning and Implementation

  • Support the Executive Faculty Dean in the implementation of strategic initiatives and Faculty plans.
  • Participate in Faculty and University-wide committees and working groups to contribute to strategic decision-making.
    Staff Development and Support:
  • Assist in the recruitment, development, and performance management of academic and corporate and professional services staff, including conducting PDRs and setting personal objectives and managing against key performance indicators.
  • Provide mentorship, coaching and support to junior academic staff and corporate and professional services, and identify and facilitate professional development opportunities.

External Engagement and Partnerships

  • Represent the Faculty in external engagements, including partnerships with other institutions, industry, and professional organisations.
  • Support the Executive Faculty Dean in building and maintaining external relationships that benefit the Faculty.
  • Support the Executive Faculty Dean and the Deans of School with the development and effective delivery of partnerships such as apprenticeships and collaborations, working with the support of the relevant departments in the wider University.

Compliance and Risk Management

  • Ensure that Faculty activities comply with University policies and procedures.
  • Assist in managing risks and ensuring adherence to health and safety standards.
  • Support and advise Faculty/Schools in preparation for internal and external quality scrutiny including DQB, OfSTED and PSRBs.

 

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Experience and Knowledge

  • Proven experience in academic leadership and management within a higher education setting.
  • Demonstrated ability to support research and enterprise activities, including collaboration and policy implementation.
  • Strong organisational and operational management skills, including budget oversight and administrative processes.
  • Experience in enhancing the student experience and addressing student concerns.
  • Knowledge of current trends and best practices in higher education and research.
  • Experience in successfully leading and managing teams and individuals, including familiarity with appraisal, performance issues, and setting and evaluating objectives.

Communication

  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with staff, students, and external stakeholders.

Liaison

  • Experience in representing a Faculty or institution in external engagements and partnerships.

Decision Making

  • Ability to take decisions based on evidence and implement at School/Faculty or relevant level.

Initiative

  • Ability to make independent decisions and make recommendations to the Faculty Dean based
    on an analysis of options using own judgement to make decisions considering the impact, assessment of possible outcomes and success.

Equal Opportunities

The University of Buckingham recognises that equality of opportunity and the recognition and promotion of diversity are integral to its academic and financial strengths. The following principles apply in respect of the University’s commitment to equality and diversity:

  • To provide and promote equality of opportunity in all areas of its work and activity
  • To recognise and develop the diversity of skills and talent within its current and potential community
  • To ensure that all University members and prospective members are treated solely on the basis of their merits, abilities and potential without receiving any unjustified discrimination or unfavourable treatment on grounds such as age, disability, marital status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, trans status, socio-economic status or any other irrelevant distinction
  • To provide and promote a positive working, learning, and social environment which is free from prejudice, discrimination and any forms of harassment, bullying or victimisation
  • To promote good relations between individuals from different groups.

 

Timetable

Shortlisting will be taking place on 24 June 2025.

Feedback to successful candidates taking place 24-25 June 2025.

Feedback to unsuccessful candidates w/c 30 June 2025.

Interviews will be taking place 7 July (on-site in Buckingham).

Apply now

Terms of appointment

What we can offer you

We might be small, but we can still offer plenty of perks!

  • Pension: Aviva salary sacrifice with a maximum employer contribution of 9%
  • Holiday: 30 days per annum plus bank holidays
  • Beautiful working environment across our campus in Buckingham, with plenty of space
  • Employee Assistance Programme
  • Christmas closure
  • On-site gym and exercise classes
  • On-site catering facilities
  • University bookshop with staff discount
  • Free access to Learning courses
  • Free on-site parking
  • Excellent opportunities to network and continue learning across a variety of departments
  • Discount of courses for staff and their families

How to apply

Anderson Quigley is acting as an advisor to the 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 20 June 2025.

Applications should consist of:

  • A full CV.
  • A covering letter (ideally of no more than two pages) outlining how you meet the qualifications and knowledge and experience criteria of the person specification.
  • Please include details of two referees in either your CV or covering letter, 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 further details about the role in strict confidence, please contact Akhil Yerneni at akhil.yerneni@andersonquigley.com or +44 (0)7808 649 556 or Alicja Janowska at alicja.janowska@andersonquigley.com or +44 (0)7743 927 783.

Timetable

Closing Date Noon, Friday 20 June 2025
Shortlisting Tuesday 24 June 2025
Feedback to successful candidates Tuesday 24 and Wednesday 25 June 2025
Feedback to unsuccessful candidates W/c 30 June 2025
Interviews for Exec Dean (on-site in Buckingham) Monday 30 June 2025
Interviews for Pro Dean (on-site in Buckingham) Monday 7 July 2025
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