Independent Member of Council

The London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) is one of the world’s leading public health universities. Our mission is to improve health and health equity in the UK and worldwide; working in partnership to achieve excellence in public and global health research, education and translation of knowledge into policy and practice.  

The Council, comprising of 16 members, is responsible for the strategic direction of LSHTM and approves major developments and receives regular reports from Executive Officers on the operations of its business, in accordance with the Financial Memorandum between LSHTM and the Office for Students (OfS). 

The Council is also responsible for governance, control and supervision in accordance with the LSHTM’s Charter and relevant external regulations. The Council comprises a majority of lay members, as well as staff members and a student member. The roles of Chair and Deputy Chair of the Council are separated from the role of LSHTM’s Chief Executive, the Director. 

The Council and its Committees has an immediate vacancy for an independent member of Council it wishes to fill and potentially additional vacancies on a longer time track. LSHTM has identified a number of areas, skills, and expertise that would be valuable additions in any new council members. 

Particular areas include: 

• strategic experience, expertise and understanding of the Higher Education Sector;
• senior management/director level organisational and people leadership, including culture, equality, diversity  and inclusion; 
• executive level experience of working in Africa. 

Amongst the desirable attributes sought from members of the Council and its committees are: 

• proven leadership skills gained either through professional roles or volunteer roles, whether executive or non –executive; 
• strong personal commitment to the mission and objectives of LSHTM; 
• collaborative skills and the ability to work as a member of a team, including with other council and committee members, students and LSHTM’s academic and professional support staff; 
• an understanding of the complexity of university governance and of the strategic, political and economic context LSHTM operates in; 
• tact and diplomacy, with the ability to listen and engage effectively; 
• strong networking capabilities that can be utilised for the benefit of LSHTM; 
• a demonstrable commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion. 

Term of Office and Time Commitment 

The nature of the role requires a commitment of time to prepare, attend and actively participate in council and committee meetings. The Council meets four times a year, and most of its committees meet four times a year. The typical pattern for the Council is a full day strategy meeting in the early autumn, with regular business meetings of 2.5 hours, usually in November, March, and June. 

Appointments will be made for a three-year term, with the possibility of re-appointment for a further three years and exceptionally, a final third term of office. 

Remuneration 

This is a non-remunerated role that does not attract a salary or honorarium. Independent members of the Council and Committees will be able to reclaim all travelling and similar expenses incurred in the course of LSHTM business. 

How to apply

Interested candidates should send an expression of interest in the form of a CV, along with a covering letter setting out your interest in the role to nominations@lshtm.ac.uk by Friday 30th August 2024.

Potential candidates are welcome to contact Jocelyn Prudence,
Interim Secretary to the Council for an informal discussion via jocelyn.prudence@lshtm.ac.uk.  

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