The Challenge
The University of Cumbria is a values-driven institution with a strong civic mission and ambitious plans for growth and impact across the region. As the University looked to the next phase of its development, it sought to strengthen its Board’s expertise, capacity, and succession pipeline by appointing new Directors and Associate Directors.
The brief focused on identifying individuals with significant finance, audit, risk and governance expertise who could provide robust oversight and constructive challenge. However, technical capability alone was not enough.
The University sought people who would genuinely connect with its mission, understand the importance of higher education in driving social mobility and regional prosperity, and commit significant time and energy to an unpaid governance role. Finding leaders with this combination of skills, values and commitment represented a complex search challenge.
Our Approach
We began with extensive briefing conversations with the Chair, Vice-Chancellor and University Secretary. These discussions went beyond the formal person specification to explore the University’s ambitions, Board dynamics, future succession requirements and the qualities that would enable a new Director to make a meaningful contribution.
We conducted a targeted search across finance, risk, public service, and commercial sectors, alongside a programme of referrals and recommendations. We invested considerable time in understanding candidates’ motivations, governance style, personal connection to Cumbria, and alignment with the University’s mission.
Several of the strongest candidates emerged through trusted introductions and recommendations. Rather than simply assessing credentials, the search focused on identifying individuals whose expertise, outlook and values would complement the existing Board and support the University’s future ambitions.
As many candidates were new to higher education governance, we also supported their understanding of the sector and the role. We provided shortlisted candidates with briefing materials, sector reading, and governance insights to help them make an informed decision about the opportunity. This approach encouraged deeper engagement and enabled candidates to arrive at the interview with a stronger understanding of both the institution and the wider higher education landscape.
Throughout the process, candidates were encouraged to reflect carefully on the commitment involved, including the time requirements and responsibilities of Board membership. While this led some individuals to decide the role was not right for them, those who progressed did so with genuine enthusiasm and a clear understanding of the contribution they could make.
We prepared detailed candidate appraisals for every shortlisted individual, drawing on in-depth conversations about experience, motivations, leadership style, and governance approach. This enabled the University to assess not only capability but also the likely contribution each candidate would make within the specific context of the Board.
The Outcome
The search resulted in the successful appointment of two Directors and three Associate Directors, strengthening immediate governance capacity while also supporting longer-term succession planning.
Impact
The appointments delivered immediate expertise across finance, risk, governance, organisational culture and public service leadership. Together, they strengthened the University’s governance capacity while creating a valuable pipeline of future Board talent through the Associate Director programme.
Equally important, the process attracted individuals genuinely motivated by the University’s mission and excited to contribute. Post-induction feedback suggested a highly engaged cohort whose discussions, curiosity, and commitment continued well beyond the formal programme
Client Feedback
“Thanks for the brilliant job you did with our Board Director search, Elle – so thorough and thoughtful in all aspects of the search, including the presentation of the candidates in a way that showed so much insight. Your commitment to ensuring a great outcome was clear throughout. Thank you!”
University Secretary, University of Cumbria
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