University Secretary - initially fixed term (6 months)

Professional Services

Founded in 1791, the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) is the longest-established veterinary school in the English-speaking world and a member institution of the University of London. In April 2023, the RVC was granted full University status by His Majesty the King.

The RVC offers outstanding undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in veterinary medicine, veterinary nursing and biomedical sciences to a talented and vibrant community of 2,500 students from more than 70 countries across the world, as well as CPD programmes in veterinary medicine and veterinary nursing.  Ranked as the top veterinary school in the world in the QS World Rankings by subject for the last four years, the RVC is one of the few veterinary schools internationally whose professional programmes are accredited in the US, Canada, EU, Australasia and South Africa.

We are seeking to appoint a new inspirational leader as University Secretary initially on a fixed term basis. Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer (COO), and supporting the College Executive Committee, the new University Secretary will have considerable and first rate experience working in a similar senior role with Higher Education (HE) governance principles and good practice, including the Nolan Principles, or similar and will be an inspirational manager & leader. With an excellent understanding of contemporary HE environment and how it’s affected by developments in the wider economy and society, applicants will have demonstrable experience of the policy, legal constitutional and the complex regulatory environment in which universities operate; knowledge of and up-to-date understanding of governance trends, regulation and best practice.

With substantial experience of committee administration, leading on risk management, applicants will require experience of operating as a Data Protection Officer, and or extensive knowledge.  Applicants will have an open, confident and convincing communication style with highly developed personal skills in relating to and inspiring colleagues at all levels and a high level of personal drive, energy and resilience.  Working with the COO, initially the role will focus on establishing, developing and shaping the function to meet the strategic needs of the University.   

We offer a generous reward package and benefits including:

• Salary aligned to RVC senior academic career paths + responsibility allowance  
• Competitive and attractive pension package
• Generous 30 days annual leave (plus 3 concessionary days and bank holidays)
• Access to free in-house CPD and funded external CPD
• A range of family friendly policies, including adoption, maternity and paternity pay and leave
• On site café and restaurant 
• Free membership to the newly built Fitness and Wellbeing Centre located on site (gym, badminton, climbing wall, Zumba, yoga and Pilates classes included)
• Cycle to work scheme
• Free mini-bus service to and from Potters Bar station and Hawkshead Campus

Prospective applicants wishing to discuss the role are encouraged to contact Tim Bianek, Chief Operating Officer, tbianek@rvc.ac.uk.

We particularly encourage and welcome female applicants, applicants with a disability, and applicants from a Black, Asian, Minority Ethnic (BAME) background as we are committed to increasing our representation within these groups who are currently under- represented at senior levels within the RVC.