Queen’s University Belfast is one of Northern Ireland’s largest anchor institutions, employing over 4,500 staff and operating with a substantial annual turnover that supports teaching, research and innovation at scale. The University is ranked as 198th in the world, with strategic international links on every continent” We maintain deep and longstanding partnerships across industry, government and the civic sector, underpinning our role as a driver of skills, enterprise and societal impact. Independent analysis shows that the University contributes £3.4 billion annually to the local economy, reflecting our central role in regional growth and prosperity.
The University is offering an exciting opportunity for outstanding leaders to join its Governing Body, Senate, at a time of real momentum and ambition. As a globally recognised Russell Group university with a thriving research culture, exceptional student experience and a powerful civic mission, Queen’s plays a transformative role in Northern Ireland and beyond. These appointments for new Lay Members; an Honorary Treasurer; and an Independent Governor; provide the opportunity to contribute at the highest level of strategic leadership, shaping the future of an institution that is expanding its global partnerships, strengthening its innovation footprint and delivering world‑class impact. For exceptional leaders across the public, private and voluntary sectors who want to make a meaningful difference, this is an excellent opportunity to help guide the university through its next stage of ambitious growth.
The Opportunities
Lay Members
The University is seeking to appoint a minimum of six new Lay Members to join Senate, offering exceptional leaders the opportunity to play a central role in the strategic governance of a world‑class institution. As independent, external members, Lay Members bring fresh perspective, senior experience and specialist insight to the University’s decision‑making, helping to shape long‑term strategy, scrutinise performance and support effective oversight across areas such as finance, people, culture, risk, academic ambition and civic contribution. These are influential, high‑impact positions suited to individuals with strong board‑level experience and expertise drawn from the public, private or voluntary sectors, who can provide constructive challenge, independent judgement and a genuine commitment to the University’s mission, values and future success.
Honorary Treasurer
The Honorary Treasurer position is a senior governance role for an experienced financial leader who can bring strong strategic oversight and assurance to the University’s financial health. As an ex‑officio member of Senate, the Treasurer plays a pivotal role in shaping long‑term financial strategy, scrutinising budgets and performance, and ensuring robust approaches to audit, risk and resource planning. Working closely with fellow independent members and senior leaders, the Treasurer provides authoritative challenge and guidance on all matters relating to financial sustainability and stewardship. This is an influential, high‑profile opportunity for an exceptional individual with significant board‑level and finance expertise.
Independent Governor
The Independent Governor is an important external role for an accomplished leader who can bring impartial scrutiny, sound judgement and strategic insight to Senate. As an independent member, the Governor contributes a clear, objective voice in decision‑making, ensuring strong governance, accountability and alignment with the University’s mission and long‑term ambitions. The role involves providing constructive challenge across areas such as strategy, risk, performance and institutional effectiveness, while supporting a culture of integrity and excellence.
The Individual(s)
Core Leadership & Governance
- Minimum 5 years’ board or senior leadership experience in the public, private or voluntary sectors.
- Strong understanding of corporate and/or charity governance.
- Ability to contribute at a strategic level, offering constructive challenge and independent judgement.
- Experience working within complex, multi‑stakeholder environments.
- Ability to analyse detailed information and make balanced, evidence‑based decisions.
Specialist Expertise (at least one area)
- Finance, accounting or audit
- Education or research
- Human resources or organisational development
- Law, public policy or public administration
- Digital transformation, data, IT or cyber
- Science, engineering, health or innovation
- Communications, public affairs or civic leadership
Personal Qualities
- High integrity, sound judgement and impartiality.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to challenge constructively and supportively.
- Commitment to the Nolan Principles and the University’s values.
- Dedication to equality, diversity and inclusion.
- Capacity to devote adequate time and energy to the role.
Additional Requirements for the Honorary Treasurer
- Significant senior‑level experience in finance, accounting, audit, investment or resource planning.
- Ability to scrutinise and shape long‑term financial strategy, budgets and capital plans.
- Understanding of financial risk, internal controls, and audit frameworks.
- Experience overseeing or advising on large‑scale financial operations or transformational financial change.
- Ability to provide authoritative insight on financial sustainability, scenario planning and institutional resilience.
- Experience working with or advising audit committees, finance boards or investment bodies.
Additional Requirements for the Independent Governor
- Proven ability to offer impartial, objective scrutiny in board settings.
- Experience serving as an independent non‑executive, governor or trustee (preferably in a regulated or mission‑driven organisation).
- Strong understanding of risk governance, performance oversight and organisational assurance.
- Appreciation of the external environment facing UK higher education, including regulatory pressures, funding models and sector transformation.
- Ability to evaluate institutional performance and strategy without sector bias, providing a genuinely external viewpoint.
Odgers Ireland have been exclusively retained by Queen's University Belfast to manage the appointment process.
Candidates for this role will be sourced through both an advertised and executive search process.
For more information on these three roles, and for details of how to apply, please see:
Lay Members
Honorary Treasurer
Independent Governor
Closing date for applications: 5pm, 20th March 2026.