Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS), with c440,000 members, and more than £68 billion in assets, is one of the largest private pension schemes in the UK and in the top 50 worldwide. Established in 1974, USS is entrusted by c340 higher education institutions to manage and administer the pension scheme and its investments through Universities Superannuation Scheme Limited (USSL) and its wholly owned subsidiary USS Investment Management Limited. USSL is the trustee of USS and is led by a Board of directors comprised of 3 directors appointed by the University and College Union (UCU), 4 directors appointed by Universities UK (UUK), and 5 independent directors.
Given the recent expiry of the term of office of one of the directors appointed by UCU, UCU invites applications for a director to join the Board of USSL as one of the 3 directors appointed to the Board by UCU.
The Board has significant responsibilities for the governance and oversight of a business providing complex operational and advisory functions within a heavily regulated environment and Board members need experience, expertise and capabilities proportionate to this. All Board members therefore require exceptional strategic thinking, leadership, communication, influencing, teamwork and decision-making skills.
The successful candidate will have the following core competencies:
- Industrial relations: Good understanding of the complex HE industrial relations landscape; awareness of the broad range of member views in relation to the USS scheme. Willingness to work with and engage with UCU in order to understand UCU’s views.
- Stakeholder management: Ability to manage complex stakeholder relationships and build buy-in and consensus views on difficult topics.
- HE Sector and governance: An understanding of the HE sector, its economics and of governance structures of HE institutions.
- Corporate governance/experience of governing bodies: Experience as an executive/non-executive director/ trustee of a complex organisation charity, or member of governing body of a substantial institution or organisation (including within the HE sector).
- Strategy: Skilled in developing and delivering strategies at enterprise/ divisional level; Understanding of challenges faced by the USS Scheme and the context within which it operates.
There are certain additional skillsets which are considered to be desirable. Further details are available in the full role profile.
Time Commitment: Approximately 30 days per annum, plus c2-3 days per annum to engage with UCU
Duration: An initial term of office of 4 years with the possibility of reappointment.
For further information and an application form, please contact Christine Haswell by email to CHaswell@UCU.ORG.UK. Interested candidates should submit the completed form accompanied by their CV to Christine Haswell – by email to CHaswell@UCU.ORG.UK, or in writing to Christine Haswell at University and College Union Carlow Street London NW1 7LH.
USSL is an equal opportunity organisation. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees, non-executive directors and contractors and would welcome applications from a wide range of candidates.