The search for a new Vice-Chancellor at the University of Liverpool has begun with the launch of an international recruitment process.
The news follows the announcement last month that current Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dame Janet Beer, will be retiring from her role in December 2022 after joining the University in February 2015 as its first woman Vice-Chancellor.
An engagement exercise has already taken place with staff, students and external stakeholders to inform understanding of the challenges and opportunities that the University community sees as being most important in the years ahead. Feedback was also gathered about the characteristics people think will be most important in a new Vice-Chancellor and this detail will be used to inform the recruitment process and will help to identify the most suitable candidate for the role.
The engagement sessions included open forum sessions, an online feedback form and meetings with internal stakeholder groups. The Guild of Students gathered students’ views as part of the process and its President Bertie Woodcock is part of the Vice-Chancellor Recruitment Committee being led by the President of the University Council, Carmel Booth.
The feedback from the consultation exercise demonstrated a high level of ambition for the future from our staff and students who have made clear that they wish to continue to set the bar high. Key points included:
- Continuing a close relationship between the University and the wider city region
- Enhancing the societal impact of our research and teaching activities, both locally and globally
- Support for a commitment to embedding sustainability and net zero in every aspect of the University’s activities
- Recognition of the importance of being a truly research-led institution and furthering our innovative approaches to collaborating with industry and other partners
- Remaining committed to delivering a strong and contemporary curriculum while also placing emphasis on supporting employability and wellbeing
- Continue to invest in infrastructure, including digital and campus facilities
- Support innovation in our research and teaching, ensuring the University capitalises upon the digital revolution and the new opportunities presented by the rapidly changing external environment
- A strong commitment to equality, diversity, inclusion and widening access to education
The University intends to make an appointment by the summer, with a view to achieving a smooth handover at the end of the calendar year.