Canterbury Christ Church University

Canterbury Christ Church University created the Dean of Research, Enterprise and Knowledge Mobilisation role to lead cultural change in research, mobilise practitioners and non-research-active staff, and deliver ambitious REF and income growth objectives. We engaged deeply with the market, connecting with over 200 research leaders and potential candidates and meeting around 50, resulting in a high-quality shortlist of 10. The appointing panel faced a genuine challenge in selecting four for interview, ultimately choosing between two outstanding final candidates. Working closely with the PVC Research and Director of People, we co-designed a distinctive, innovative interview process that gave candidates insight into the institution and marked the start of onboarding. Candidate feedback was unanimously positive, and the successful appointee benefited from early relationship-building and integration into the role.