Appointing a new Chancellor

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Stratford campus main building

The University’s Chancellor, Shabir Randeree, has announced his intention to stand down following the graduation ceremonies in September 2023 following seven years of service. We will formally acknowledge our thanks to Shabir for his service to the University in due course but we will now commence our search for our next Chancellor.

The Chancellor is the titular and ceremonial head of the institution and acts as an advocate in carrying out ambassadorial duties for the University. In addition to presiding and conferring degrees at the graduation ceremonies, the Chancellor helps raise the University’s profile and advance its interests nationally and internationally.

The person we are seeking must share the University’s core values and, in particular, recognise the importance of higher education, learning and research. They must be a highly respected individual with a positive public profile that resonates with students and staff.

The Chancellor is appointed by the Board of Governors, on the advice of the Vice Chancellor and President and the Governance and Search Committee, and will initially serve a period of office of five years which may be extended at the discretion of the Board.

Nominations, expressions of interest and queries may be raised with the University Secretary (j.benson@uel.ac.uk). Nominations will close on Monday 27 February 2023. It is hoped that we will announce the new Chancellor in the summer and we will keep you informed of progress in the meantime.

Shabir Randeree CBE

The role

The University is seeking to appoint its next Chancellor to succeed Shabir Randeree who has been in post since 2016. The Chancellor is the titular and ceremonial head of the institution (without executive powers) and acts as an advocate in carrying out ambassadorial duties for the University. In addition to presiding and conferring degrees at the graduation ceremonies, the Chancellor helps raise the University’s profile and advance its interests nationally and internationally.

Key Responsibilities

  • To preside and confer degrees at the University’s graduation ceremonies;
  • On the advice of the Vice Chancellor and President, to help the University to promote its achievements and to enhance its profile both nationally and internationally;
  • In discussion with the Vice Chancellor and President, to participate in a number of the University’s publicly-facing activities including development and alumni relation events when appropriate.

Person Specification

The Chancellor of the University of East London must:

  • share the University’s core values and, in particular, recognise the importance of higher education, learning and research;
  • be a highly respected individual, with a positive public profile that resonates with students and staff;
  • have demonstrated excellence in his/her field of endeavour and command the respect of the University’s communities;
  • shows genuine affection for and interest in the University, its staff and students and has the ability to engage effectively with a wide range of different stakeholder groups;
  • does not currently participate in politics or can be perceived as being overtly political;
  • have strong public-speaking skills, capable of inspiring a diverse range of audiences.

It is also desirable that the Chancellor has one or more of the following characteristics:

  • a national or even global profile and connections;
  • a willingness to actively support the University in its development activities.

The University is committed to equity, diversity and inclusivity and wishes to encourage nominations for candidates from diverse backgrounds, with a broad range of skills, and experience.

The role of Chancellor is an honorary role - travel and subsistence expenses are paid but there is no salary.

Process for Nomination

Nominations for the role of Chancellor may be submitted to the University Secretary (j.benson@uel.ac.uk). Nominations will close on Monday 27 February 2023. The Governance and Search Committee is responsible for overseeing the process for appointment and the appointment will be made by the Board of Governors.

Timetable

The Governance and Search Committee has approved the following process:

  • 23 January 2023 – Public nominations open. All governors and staff of the university are entitled to nominate. No approach should be made to nominees at this stage.
  • 27 February 2023 – Public nominations close.
  • March-April 2023 – Governance and Search Committee review nominations
  • May 2023 – Governance and Search Committee to conclude engagement with nominees.
  • 23 May 2023/4 July 2023 – Final proposal to the Board of Governors.