The Court of the University of Aberdeen is seeking to appoint four new independent members (non-executive directors and charity trustees) to fill vacancies that will arise during the Summer 2024.

The University was established in 1495 to serve the north-east of Scotland, today our university is a global presence in higher education. A dual focus on our region and the wider world is as important to us today as it was five centuries ago.

After serving on our governing body, University Court, for a number of years, four of our independent Court members will step down in August 2024. The University is now seeking exceptional candidates to fill these vacancies to ensure the continued successful delivery of the University’s priorities and objectives, the setting of its strategic direction and commitment to its values and mission.

The following areas of professional expertise and/or experience would bring particular value to University Court and to the roles of independent members:

• Chartered accountancy within complex or international organisations
• People and culture at senior executive level
• Senior FTSE/international management

In addition, we would also welcome applications from individuals with professional expertise and/or experience in:

• Digitisation, emerging technology and AI
• Sustainability, net zero and transition planning
• Media and communications
• Governance, regulatory and compliance

The University is also seeking to recruit a member of Court to Chair the Remuneration Committee. The following areas of professional expertise and/or experience would bring particular value to University Court and to the role of chair of the Remuneration Committee:

• Demonstrable knowledge and expertise in people and HR leadership, change management, organisational development, culture, diversity and inclusion, and reward.
• Proven experience of connecting boards and executives to people and organisational priorities as a senior leader.

None of the posts are remunerated, however reasonable expenses incurred as result of your role on the committee will be re-imbursed in line with the University’s expenses policy.

Equate Scotland is a national expert policy, research, development, and advocacy organisation, with a focus on women’s under-representation within the science, engineering, technology, and the built environment industries. We are hosted by Edinburgh Napier University and are based at the Edinburgh Napier University Craiglockhart campus.

We work in collaboration with the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) sector, academia, statutory and third sector bodies, and the Scottish Government. For effecting a tangible and sustainable change, enabling more women to study, work, and progress in these key sectors.

Equate Scotland’s current programme of work is mainly funded by the Scottish Government Equality & Human Rights Fund. We have funding available until September 2025.

We believe in creating an inclusive and enjoyable place of work, and we are pleased to be currently operating hybrid working and open to discussing flexible working patterns. We also offer the opportunity to for job-share for this position.

The Opportunity

As part of our ongoing focus on the design and delivery of high-quality training to the STEM sector and academia, we are currently recruiting a Training & Engagement Co-ordinator.

In this role, you will have the opportunity to initiate and build positive relationships with employers, trade unions, public sector bodies and education and training institutions across relevant industry sectors, to design/deliver workshops and activities that align to the needs of women in the STEM sector.

You will project manage, co-ordinate and deliver valuable training events including CPD sessions for women, workshops, experiential learning events and employer focused events.

As an ambassador for Gender Equality and using your knowledge of Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI), you will design and deliver training activities to employers and industry that enables and empowers them to break down barriers and create competent strategies that support a positive and inclusive culture change.

Working closely with the wider team, you will ensure the delivery of high-quality service through providing timely and accurate event planning information including post event follow up information and assessment to be able to report on our key performance measures.

What we will need from you

• HNC or equivalent or relevant and transferrable work experience
• Proven ability to establish and manage positive relationships with internal and external stakeholders
• Proven experience of project, service, or event coordination with the ability to proactively plan and prioritise workload
• Significant experience in designing and delivering training workshops (online and face-to-face) including multi-stakeholder events
• Knowledge and awareness of the organisational and cultural barriers to women’s access to and progression in careers in STEM and intersectional inequality issues for women

Our Benefits

We are committed to providing a wide range of benefits including:

• Minimum of 41 days annual leave (including 10 fixed holidays at Easter and Christmas) and the option to purchase additional annual leave
• Employer pension contributions of 17.6%
• A wide range of learning and development opportunities
• Opportunity to join our staff inclusion and support networks
• Access to our benefits platform Vivup which includes huge range of discounts across the UK’s major retailers, health care discounts and Cycle to Work (click here for more info)
• Access to our Employee Assistance Programme

Enable Works believes in providing every individual in Scotland with the opportunity to work in a high-quality, well-paid job. They support over 5500 people annually across 29 Scottish Local Authorities to acquire skills for employment. Their client interactions occur in various settings, including schools, universities, and the community. Enable Works collaborate with numerous employers to foster inclusive cultures and enhance Scotland's workforce diversity. Together, they challenge perceptions of disability and unlock potential.

Why Enable Works is needed

Disabled individuals face significant employment barriers and are underrepresented in Scotland's workforce. The Disability Employment Gap in Scotland stands at 31.2%, the highest in the UK. For those with learning disabilities, the gap widens to 75.1%. Even when employed, disabled individuals encounter disadvantages, earning only 83p for every pound earned by non-disabled peers. Enable Works aims to change this by ensuring everyone capable and desiring to work receives the support and opportunities necessary for thriving and leading fulfilling lives.

The role

Enable Works is seeking a passionate and relationship-driven Inclusive Business Lead to support their Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) team as they seek to grow their presence and impact across the nation.

Enable Works EDI team supports employers in integrating inclusive practices into their businesses, particularly in hiring and supporting disabled employees. Your role will be crucial in establishing trust with employers, promoting services, and driving sales.

With a work culture valuing autonomy, you'll have the freedom to develop relationships with employers, prioritising those with the potential for significant impact. You'll be responsible for managing your workload and travel schedule to meet employers at their convenience.

Key role responsibilities:

• Building and Maintaining Relationships: Forging strong connections with key decision-makers in large organisations, tailoring solutions to their specific needs.

• Promote EDI and Disability Inclusion: Advocate for EDI importance, particularly disability inclusion, presenting compelling business cases for workplace integration.

• Sales and Consultative Selling: Driving the sale of services, conducting needs assessments and proposing tailored solutions aligned with client goals.

• Collaboration and Communication: Working closely with internal teams to ensure high-quality service delivery, providing timely updates and addressing client concerns.

• Market Research and Analysis: Staying informed about industry trends, offering insights to enhance services and meet market demands effectively.

Key Accountability Areas:

• Meeting performance and income targets.

• Ensuring compliance with GDPR policies.

• Reporting on activities and contributing to strategy.

• Remaining adaptable to EDI developments and fostering a positive response to change.

The ideal candidate will have:

• Ability to build relationships with employers, promote our EDI service and drive sales. Strong networking skills with the ability to connect with professionals in the field of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion.

• Ability to manage your own workload and prioritise as needed

• Ability to meet and exceed targets

• Confident communication skills

• Strong attention to detail

Previous experience in a sales or business development role and/or experience of building employer relationships is desirable.

Enable Works believe in developing all of their staff and provide an extensive learning programme together with career development opportunities and offer flexible working practices that promote a healthy work-life balance, allowing employees to bring their best selves to work.

Values are paramount to Enable Works, outweighing qualifications or experience. If you're passionate about the mission and believe in making a difference, we want to hear from you, regardless of meeting every requirement.