History & Heritage

Our story began in 1876 with the formation of the leading tutorial firm Gibson & Weldon, followed by the establishment of The Law Society School of Law. These two influential institutions combined in 1962 to establish The College of Law, laying the foundations for what we are today.

We’ve continued to make history, becoming the first independent institution to be granted degree‑awarding powers by the Privy Council in 2006, a landmark moment that led to the development of our professionally focused LLB and LLM degree programmes. Our evolution continued in 2012 when we achieved full university status, followed by the launch of our Business School in 2016, which has since expanded across our campuses and through international partnerships. In 2020 we launched ULaw Online providing a high quality and flexible way for students to achieve their ambitions no matter where they are.

Since 2020 we have further expanded our programme offering, launching courses in Criminology, Computer Science and Psychology, along with an MBA programme.

In 2021, we were awarded 5 stars overall and 5 stars for Law in the QS World University Rankings, as well as 5 stars in Teaching, Employability, Online Learning, Academic Development and Inclusiveness, a testament to the excellence that defines our community.

We’re now at the heart of education as an acknowledged leader in innovative, professional legal and business teaching for prospective lawyers and business professionals, both in the UK and worldwide. As we mark 150 years of legal education in 2026, we remain at the forefront of professional education and continue to develop the best legal minds and industry leaders.

The Board of Directors

The Board of Directors is the University’s most senior decision-making body. It is responsible for determining the institutional mission and character of the University, providing strategic direction and maintaining oversight of governance and performance. The Board is currently comprised of:

· three shareholder appointed directors;

· three non-executive directors

· four executive directors.

The Role of the independent Non-Executive Director (iNED).

As an iNED you will:

· bring independent judgement to bear on issues of strategy, performance and resources including key appointments and standards of conduct;

· provide informed, objective and creative contribution to debate;

· provide constructive challenge and impartial advice to the Executive Directors;

· contribute to the independent oversight of the University;

· ensure that the ambition of the University and the opportunities available to it are driven forward while also ensuring that risk is managed effectively.

Responsibilities

· Ensuring that the Board of Directors sets clear objectives and delivers agreed plans;

· Ensuring that performance is regularly reviewed against objectives;

· Ensuring that the Executive Team is constructively challenged, and appropriate scrutiny applied to its decisions and recommendations;

· Supporting the Executive Team with constructive input and informed advice both inside and outside formal meetings;

· Ensuring that the Board of Directors conforms to the highest standards of corporate governance and makes appropriate decisions;

· Acting as Chair of one of the Board’s committees and as a member of at least one other;

· Encouraging the best use of financial resources;

· Providing an independent and objective perspective to the Board;

· Assisting in the setting of strategy and objectives for the University;

· Scrutinising how the management team performs against organisational objectives;

· Advising on risk management processes for the University and advocating best practice;

· Advising on governance procedures for the organisation and making sure they satisfy regulatory requirements;

· Promoting appropriate processes and procedures to deliver high standards of professional, administrative and personal behaviours across the organisation;

· Preparing for and attending Board meetings and any allocated committee with care and diligence;

· Acting within the Universities Articles of Association and Governance Agreement;

· Acting within the requirements of the Companies Act (2006);

· Declaring any conflicts of interest promptly.

Candidate Qualities and Experience

· You will be a senior member of your profession or field, with a national if not international profile. Ideally this would be in law but the Board is open to other areas;

· You will have significant experience of corporate governance within a complex organisation and of having served on boards of directors in an executive or non-executive capacity;

· You will be commercially astute and have had experience of having led an organisation through institutional change.

· An appreciation of the context of higher education and an awareness of the financial and regulatory pressures on the sector would be an advantage.

Time Commitment

The appointment will be made for an initial period of three years. We envisage that the time commitment will be in the region of 34 days per year. This includes:

· attending circa eight to ten Board meetings per year;

· chairing four meetings of a committee of the Board;

· acting as a member of another committee;

· preparation time for meetings;

· approximately six days in additional activities, such as graduation ceremonies, and providing advice and guidance.

Meetings are held in London and online.

Remuneration

The remuneration of the role will reflect the importance of the position to the University, the higher frequency of meetings than is usual in the sector, the overall time commitment expected, and the and high level of seniority, standing and experience of the appointee.

Applications

Applications must comprise:

• A professional CV (no more than three pages); and,

• A personal statement of no more than two pages setting out how you meet the requirements and what you will bring to the role.

We are committed to ensuring our workforce is reflective of our diverse student population, striving to increase the representation of age, disability, gender identity and expression, religion, race, sex, sexual orientation, and socio-economic background of our employees.

We’re also committed to providing adjustments to those who may require support with the recruitment process, please do let us know if you require any such assistance.

If you would like a confidential and informal discussion about the role or the criteria before applying, please contact Professor Chris Maguire, Independent Clerk to the Board chris.maguire@law.ac.uk to arrange a call.

Please submit your application by midnight on 1st October 2026.