Thank you for your interest in joining us as a Dean of Faculty.
At the University of South Wales (USW), our vision is to transform lives and contribute positively to the world. Established more than 180 years ago by industry, USW is one of the UK’s most dynamic and forward-thinking universities, home to circa 20,000 students from more than 100 countries and supported by 2,700 dedicated staff members.
Our strong partnership with industry prepares individuals for future careers, fostering growth and allowing them to fully express their talents. Whether through our teaching or our research, our aim is to make a meaningful impact beyond the boundaries of our campus. We believe in collaboration, building responsive and sustainable partnerships that drive long-term benefits.
We play a pivotal role in supporting businesses and communities across the South Wales region, contributing £1.1 billion annually to the UK economy and sustaining 10,600 jobs nationwide. While deeply rooted in our region, our influence and contributions extend far beyond.
Our ambitious USW 2030 strategy outlines a roadmap for the future. Like many in the sector, we face financial challenges and are currently navigating a complex transformation programme that reassesses our academic delivery models and workforce needs, along with modernising systems and practices.
Our new Deans will be instrumental in driving forward and implementing this academic transformation, fostering an environment that encourages individuals to push boundaries and support one another in achieving excellence.
We are also making strategic investments to ensure a vibrant future. This summer, we began construction on a new academic building, set to become a hub for Computing, Engineering and Technology when it opens in 2026. It’s an exciting time to be part of our journey.
The USW community is often described as a family—composed of inspiring and dedicated individuals committed to creating opportunities and promoting social justice. USW is truly special, with a strong sense of community and an unwavering focus on helping others realise their potential.
We look forward to welcoming an inspiring and strategic leader who shares our commitment to making a lasting difference for our students, staff, and the wider community.
Who is the University of South Wales?
The University of South Wales (USW) is innovative, thriving, and sustainable. We work to build better futures for our students, our communities and our partners economically, socially, and culturally.
We are poised to make bold change, but true to our mission and purpose. The higher education sector is clearly facing challenges, but we are well advanced in our thinking about how to respond so that we can deliver our 2030 Strategy, transforming lives and our world for the better. To do that, we need also to transform ourselves and find new ways of working, teaching and researching that are impactful but sustainable. So, in change, we see opportunity. We understand that we need to be different and we accept that challenge fully.
We place engagement, collaboration, and partnership working at the heart of everything we do, to achieve the very best outcomes for our students and the communities we serve. We are proud that our graduates are distinctive and highly employable, they are agents of social change who go on to make a real difference in the world.
The University is going through an exciting period of change and transformation, as part of delivering our Strategy 2030 and driving forward our ambitions of providing excellent outcomes for both staff and students. This will require the ability to think and approach the changes within the faculty with a fresh new perspective, whilst maintaining resilience of self and the wider faculty team and students. A focus on delivering efficiencies at the same time as delivering excellence is crucial.
We are proud to be Wales’s leading widening participation university and are committed to addressing social inequalities, supporting and enabling our students to achieve the best life outcomes possible.
With a distinctive portfolio co-designed with industry, we pride ourselves on producing the healthcare workers, lawyers, teachers, and police officers of tomorrow. Our curriculum is created with our students to ensure they are equipped with the relevant skills, knowledge, and experience to maximise their potential and future opportunities. We also work in collaboration with industry, researching and innovating to tackle some of the biggest global challenges, from energy and health to security and sustainability.
We have a vibrant and diverse community, with students from more than 100 countries, studying on our campuses in Cardiff, Newport, and Pontypridd. We also provide a range of inclusive study pathways, supporting lifelong learning and flexible options for our students, working closely with our partner colleges.
We are challenging ourselves to think and act differently by tackling stigmas and removing barriers. Taking inspiration from our students, partners and community to develop a shared sense of belonging we are building better futures for all economically, socially and culturally.
Our values
At USW, we hold our values close to our hearts. Our community is:
The University Strategy – USW 2030 – sets out our direction; a pathway for the future that is bold and ambitious to ensure our continued success and long-term sustainability.
Our vision is clear – we want to change lives and our world for the better. Our world is changing at an intense pace and it is our job to equip our students with the skills, knowledge and experience required to maximise their potential and future opportunities in the world of work.
By 2030, we will:
We have a strong reputation for producing highly impactful and applied research. We are fourth in Wales for impact (2021 Research Excellence Framework), with 81% of our research activity classed as world-leading or internationally excellent (4/3*).
We strive to help solve real problems faced by society. Our multidisciplinary research teams collaborate with industry, communities, and organisations to make a positive difference to lives. Our research is focused around four accelerator areas:
Crime, Security, and Justice
We are impacting policy, practice and business with our internationally-recognised research in criminology, cyber-security, social policy and police sciences.
Health and Well-being
Our expertise in intellectual disabilities, health and social care, social prescribing, cognitive psychology, and sport and exercise science is tackling key issues around ageing and vulnerable groups.
Creative Innovation
We’re leading the agenda for the creative industries and digital economy in Wales, influencing policy through identifying the challenges and opportunities facing the creative industries.
Sustainable Environment
We’re helping to create a safer, more sustainable world with our ground breaking multi-disciplinary research in hydrogen, ecology, anaerobic digestion and advanced power systems.
We are challenging ourselves to think and act differently. At USW, we are embarking upon a journey to create equitable spaces for all. We are tackling stigmas and removing barriers, taking inspiration from our students and our community.
Equality, diversity, and inclusion has been embedded into how we operate as a university.
Race Equality Charter – USW is committed to progress with Advance HE’s Race Equality Charter (REC).
Athena SWAN – USW has been recognised for its commitment to gender equality by achieving the Athena SWAN Bronze award.
Stonewall Top 100 Employers 2020 – USW rose to 24th in the 2020 Workplace Equality Index and was named as a Top Trans Employer by Stonewall in 2020.
Disability Confident Scheme – We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer, which means taking action to improve how we recruit, retain, and develop disabled people.
University of Sanctuary – USW is a University of Sanctuary. This recognises the University’s commitment to creating a welcoming culture for people seeking sanctuary within, and beyond, its campuses.
The University’s locations offer the best of what South Wales has to offer within easy reach – the capital, the coast, mountains and valleys.
We have five campuses across three locations, but we’re one university.
Cardiff – A modern, multicultural capital city – here, you’ll find more green space per person than any UK city. Well-known as a city of culture and entertainment, there’s always something to experience in Cardiff. Our Cardiff Campus is home to a vibrant and creative community, from Games and Design to Fashion and Film.
Newport – An independent, multicultural city that is the gateway to Wales. Our Newport Campus is right in the heart of the city, overlooking the River Usk. At the Campus, an array of professional learning and teaching is on offer from Education and Teaching to Business and Cyber Security.
Pontypridd – Framed by green hills with easy access to the Brecon Beacons National Park. Here, you’ll have space to focus and horizons to explore. A diverse and friendly community is at the heart of our Pontypridd Campus, with learning spread across three sites – Treforest, Glyntaff, and the USW Sport Park.
Hours & Contract duration: Full-time, Permanent Appointment
Reports to: Deputy Vice-Chancellor
Overview
Leading our Faculty of Life Sciences and Education and working closely with our Deputy Vice-Chancellor, our new Dean will be a critical member of the Senior Leadership Team, leading the Faculty at a time of significant change and transformation. The largest faculty within USW, is closely aligned with the University’s civic mission, creating students who will become the workforce of the future to key partners and employers across Wales and the UK. Employer partnerships are central to the current and future academic portfolio, for example, Health Education Improvement Wales, English Football League Trust and seven police forces in Wales and England. The Faculty aims to create a transformative educational experience that priorities inclusivity, sustainability, innovation and enterprise, though collaboration internally and externally. Therefore, alignment with the 2030 Strategy, our Accelerators; especially Crome Security and Justice and Health and Wellbeing, contribution to REF2029 through Research and Innovation (R&I), sustained income generation, and a commitment to supporting both students and staff remain integral to the Faculty’s mission.
Essential criteria
The post holder will have suitable academic and professional qualifications, coupled with appropriate professional body registration. You will have significant faculty and leadership experience, specifically within Health and/or Crime, Security and Justice, and broad experience of working effectively with wider Senior Leadership Teams within Higher Education. A strategic thinker, who can demonstrate improved performance and leading cultural change, using clear communication to engage credibly, both internally and externally. You will have your finger on the pulse of innovation within the sector and hold a clear understanding of REF and knowledge exchange.
The Dean of the Faculty of Life Sciences and Education will provide strategic leadership for the Faculty and will work across the university to deliver the university’s ambitious 2030 strategy. The Dean will drive the highest standards of quality across the portfolio, in research and commercial activity and will build reputation and market share. The Faculty of Life Sciences and Education’s portfolio is built on strong partnerships in health, crime justice, sport and education and emerging partnerships in psychology. The Dean will be a leader with significant experience of developing and delivering ambitious strategies for partnerships, bid development pipeline, collaboration and other forms of income generation, particularly through encouraging and nurturing interdisciplinary opportunities and partnerships with a diverse range of internal and external stakeholders.
Our 2030 strategy requires leadership that can connect across and outside the institution to build value through collaboration and partnership, but not exclusively, in four Accelerated Development Areas of Health; Sustainability; Crime, Security and Justice and Creative. These areas of strength across the University are intended to facilitate interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation and to build reputation. Working alongside the other Deans and key colleagues, this will be a collective endeavour as we aim to connect the assets of the University to achieve maximum impact and profile.
Your role as Dean will be further supported by an established team including a Deputy Dean, Faculty Chief Operating Officer, Associate Deans, Heads of Learning, Teaching and Student Experience, Heads of Subject, as well as HR, Marketing and Finance Business Partners.
Reporting to the Deputy Vice Chancellor, you will work collaboratively with the other two faculties for interdisciplinary innovation, and with the Pro Vice Chancellors, as well as professional services for excellent service quality and efficiency. You will have an inclusive and ambitious approach to leadership reflecting the University’s core values of ‘Professional, Responsive, Creative, Inspiring and Collaborative’. We are looking for an outstanding leader who embodies these values and who can work with the talented and dedicated staff across the institution to build on successes and lead the faculty to deliver the 2030 strategy.
JOB DESCRIPTION
Job purpose
To provide strategic direction, change management capability, leadership in academic planning and administrative oversight for the faculty.
The Faculty of Life Sciences and Education is the largest faculty in the University and makes a significant contribution in areas of health, crime justice security, and education, and we see that continuing across the Faculty’s portfolio where there is scale and the opportunity to build strategic reputation, anchor partnerships, commercial resilience, reputation and civic value. As a consequence, a key internal partnership will be with the Pro Vice-Chancellor Innovation and Engagement, working together to maximise external funding sources and facilitate external partnerships. The same will be true of working with the Pro-Vice Chancellor Research, to ensure a focused and high-quality research environment that delivers effective outcomes aligned to our research strategy.
The successful candidate will have proven relevant industry experience, expertise or background in either health or crime justice security and a strong personal record of achievement in developing portfolios and partnerships within either field. They will have the creative vision, strategic perspective and commercial acumen to deliver 2030 strategy, and the standing to lead and promote the Faculty and contribute to the leadership of the University. The Dean will work collaboratively with other Faculties for interdisciplinary innovation, and with professional departments for excellent service quality and efficiency, and will have an inclusive and ambitious approach to leadership reflecting the University’s core values of Professional, Responsive, Creative, Inspiring and Collaborative.
Key responsibilities
PERSON SPECIFICATION
To be able to undertake this role effectively you will need the key attributes and skills outlined below. When completing your application ensure you demonstrate how you meet these criteria.
The University of South Wales is committed to employing a diverse workforce and creating an inclusive environment where staff can be themselves and every person is treated with dignity, fairness and respect. As a ‘Disability Confident’ employer, we guarantee that all disabled candidates who meet all the key criteria for the job vacancy they are applying for are offered an interview. Key criteria are identified by * in the person specification above.
ROLE DESCRIPTION
Hours & Contract duration: Full-time, Permanent Appointment
Reports to: Deputy Vice-Chancellor
Overview
Leading our Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Science and working closely with our Deputy Vice-Chancellor, our new Dean will be a critical member of the Senior Leadership Team, leading the Faculty at a time of significant change and transformation. The Faculty aims to create a transformative educational experience that priorities inclusivity, sustainability, innovation and enterprise, though collaboration internally and externally. Therefore, alignment with the 2030 Strategy, our Accelerators, contribution to REF2029 through Research and Innovation (R&I), sustained income generation, and a commitment to supporting both students and staff remain integral to the Faculty’s mission.
Essential criteria
The post holder will have suitable academic and professional qualifications, coupled with appropriate professional body registration. You will have significant faculty and leadership experience, specifically within computing, engineering or science, and broad experience of working effectively with wider Senior Leadership Teams within Higher Education. A strategic thinker, who can demonstrate improved performance and leading cultural change, using clear communication to engage credibly, both internally and externally. You will have your finger on the pulse of innovation within the sector and hold a clear understanding of REF and knowledge exchange.
The Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Science excels at research and innovation, commercial engagement, and immersive learning, and is proud to house some of the best facilities in the UK. These facilities, to name just a few, include a Digital Investigation Lab, High-powered Gaming Centre, Cyber Innovation Hub, Engineering Workshops, a Sustainable Environment Research Centre and other specialist Research Labs, all of which provide students with exposure to practical settings that replicate real world scenarios, and develop knowledge through experiential learning techniques, thus preparing students for the workplace of the future. The faculty has made great strides in areas of research and innovation and will continue to build upon the successful REF21 achievements over the coming years, in preparation for REF29. The portfolio is built on strong partnerships and makes a significant contribution across Science and Mathematics, Engineering, Built Environment and Technology.
As Faculty Dean, you will be responsible for the strategic direction and development of academic subject areas covering (STEM) disciplines, as well as the key cross-faculty areas focusing on student outcomes, partnerships and business development and research, consequently you will be able to evidence credible research or professional leadership within one or more of the disciplines. A special focus will be required to drive the highest standards of quality across the portfolio; champion continued research and embrace commercial activity, building both reputation, REF performance and market share. This requires creative vision, strategic perspective and commercial acumen to deliver the University’s ambitious 2030 strategy. As well as the standing to lead and promote the faculty and contribute to the leadership of the University.
Your role as Dean will be further supported by an established team including senior leadership team including a Deputy Dean, Faculty Chief Operating Officer, Associate Deans and other key support staff.
Reporting to the Deputy Vice Chancellor, you will work collaboratively with the other two faculties for interdisciplinary innovation, and with the Pro Vice Chancellors, as well as professional services for excellent service quality and efficiency. You will have an inclusive and ambitious approach to leadership reflecting the University’s core values of ‘Professional, Responsive, Creative, Inspiring and Collaborative’. We are looking for an outstanding leader who embodies these values and who can work with the talented and dedicated staff across the institution to build on successes and lead the faculty to deliver the 2030 strategy.
JOB DESCRIPTION
Job purpose
To provide strategic direction, change management capability, leadership in academic planning and administrative oversight for the faculty. The aim is to achieve the highest standards of quality in engineering, computer and science education, research and innovation, commercial activity and partnerships, to build and maintain reputation and market share. The Dean should position the faculty as an exemplar of the University 2030 Strategy, at the leading edge of University performance metrics.
Key responsibilities
PERSON SPECIFICATION
To be able to undertake this role effectively you will need the key attributes and skills outlined below. When completing your application ensure you demonstrate how you meet these criteria.
The University of South Wales is committed to employing a diverse workforce and creating an inclusive environment where staff can be themselves and every person is treated with dignity, fairness and respect. As a ‘Disability Confident’ employer, we guarantee that all disabled candidates who meet all the key criteria for the job vacancy they are applying for are offered an interview. Key criteria are identified by * in the person specification above.
Salary – Competitive with a well-defined, clear pay structure which reflects both market conditions and the levels of skills and experience required to remain at the leading edge of a challenging and competitive environment.
Pension – Opportunity to join a generous pension scheme. The current scheme offers significant benefits including:
Annual leave – Generous annual leave entitlement which aims to encourage a healthy work/life balance. Annual leave entitlement is 35 days from day one, plus all public bank holiday and further additional closure days over the Christmas period (usually up to 3 days).
Working Flexibly – Due to the nature of the role, full flexibility is required; however, you will be primarily based at the Pontypridd Campus, with requirements to attend our other campuses in Cardiff and Newport as needed. This role will enable you to shape the future direction of the faculty and enhance the skills of the students by creating the workforce of the future.
USW has flexible working policies, enabling you to manage your responsibilities and interests outside of work. We offer generous Maternity, Paternity/Partner, Adoption and Shared Parental leave, as well as Carer and Compassionate Leave. USW also has a flexible approach to working hours and informal hybrid working arrangements to support you to work in a way that meets the needs of the University and takes account of your personal circumstances.
Other benefits include:
Discover the advantages of working for USW here.
Health and Safety – You must a) familiarise yourself with, and comply with, the organisation’s Health and Safety Policies and Procedures which are available on Connect (Intranet); and b) be fully conversant with your health and safety responsibilities outlined in the Faculty/Department Health and Safety Management Arrangements document and implement accordingly.
Safeguarding – USW is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. All those working at the University are expected to share this commitment.
Welsh – If you’re a Welsh learner or a Welsh speaker, we’d be delighted to receive your application. At USW, you’ll have access to Welsh courses to enable you to develop your Welsh skills further, in order to provide a bilingual service to our students, colleagues and the public.
We welcome applications in Welsh and English. Applications in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than those made in English.
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 11th April 2025.
Applications should consist of:
Should you wish to discuss the Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Science role in strict confidence, please contact Elliott Rae at +44 (0)7584 078 534 or elliott.rae@andersonquigley.com or Aino Betts at +44 (0)7743 934 723 or aino.betts@andersonquigley.com
Should you wish to discuss the Dean – Faculty of Life Sciences and Education role in strict confidence, please contact Elliott Rae at +44 (0)7584 078 534 or elliott.rae@andersonquigley.com or Carolyn Coates at +44 (0)7825 871 944 or carolyn.coates@andersonquigley.com.
We are committed to employing a diverse workforce and creating an inclusive environment. Where colleagues can be themselves and every person is treated with dignity, fairness and respect. We actively encourage applications from diverse backgrounds and communities, especially with regards to age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, race and religion and/or belief. We benchmark our success through equality accreditations with Athena Swan, Race Equality Charter, Stonewall and Disability Confident.
www.southwales.ac.uk 