Head of School Real Estate and Land Management Briefing Pack October 2018 1
Introduction A full University since 2013, the Royal Agricultural University is an acknowledged and long established leader in education, applied research and knowledge exchange relevant to the agri-food, land management and rural enterprise sectors and has well established links with employers, government and a range of NGOs. The University is going through a period of transformational change. The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Joanna Price, and a new leadership team are shaping a strategic vision for the RAU that will ensure both relevance and sustainability. Key to future success will be the appointment of new senior academic thought leaders who will play a critical role in shaping the University s academic vision and delivering its new strategic plan. The University is seeking to appoint a senior academic leader for its School of Real Estate and Land Management with a hands on approach with a passion for teaching excellence and experience of management, ideally in the Higher Education sector, industry-relevant research and knowledge exchange. You will bring a new perspective and will work closely with the Vice-Chancellor and the Deputy Vice- Chancellor to create a compelling vision for the School that aligns with the University s strategic plan. You will be able to demonstrate an ability to work with industry stakeholders and academic partners to provide sustainable and innovative solutions that make the most of the unique challenges and opportunities that currently exist within the sector. Brexit, and the new Agriculture Bill, offer a once in a lifetime opportunity for the sector to embrace new approaches to managing land and the food supply chain that enable increased productivity while ensuring the welfare of habitats, animals and rural communities. Ideally, successful applicants will have an established national and international profile and will have made a recognized impact in their chosen discipline in a relevant area related to real estate or rural land management. Applicants must have a strong personal commitment to Higher Education and empathy with the values, aims and objectives of the RAU. Ideally we are seeking to recruit at professorial level, but will be willing to consider appointing the right candidate as an associate professor. The University The University offers a stimulating, supportive learning environment designed to address the changing needs of the employment market by combining high academic standards (it was awarded TEF silver) with practically applied research, enhanced by strong industry links. As a result, the RAU produces leaders and innovators across the land-based industries. The RAU offers undergraduate, masters and doctoral programmes across a range of academic disciplines. Courses are managed and taught by experienced staff and specialist consultants, many of whom are still engaged in professional practice. Students can choose from a range of degrees, at undergraduate and postgraduate level. Well-established undergraduate degrees include Rural Land Management, Real Estate, Agriculture, Food Production and Supply Management, Business and Enterprise, Environment, and International Equine and Agricultural Business Management. In some subjects, there is also the opportunity for students to progress from Foundation to BSc Honours degrees. At postgraduate level the RAU offers a number of taught MSc programmes. We are currently reviewing our entire portfolio of programmes to ensure that they are relevant and deliver an outstanding student experience and excellent employment outcomes. The University has also recently established a ground-breaking partnership with the Countryside and Community Research Institute (CCRI) at the University of Gloucestershire and the University College of Estate Management (UCEM), to plan and develop a new suite of innovative courses focused on sustainability and 2
sector leadership for the 21 st Century. We are working closely with a range of major agri-food and rural businesses in the UK and internationally, to develop a new generation of talented and well-equipped rural asset managers and leaders who can grasp the challenges of future sustainable and resilient business and policy development. The initiative has secured HEFCE Catalyst funding. The University has secured HEIF funding to support an exciting new Knowledge Exchange strategy. Central to this is the development of a Knowledge Hub that will help industry navigate change and uncertainty making it possible to tackle big challenges more effectively delivering societal benefit and impact. The hub will provide a focus to pioneer farmer-led innovation, act as an accelerator of rural enterprise and become a centre for thought leadership for the informed development of evidence-based policy and strategic thinking. The RAU validates degrees for a number of land-based Further Education Colleges and currently has a programme of franchised degrees with one provider. Expanding our partnership programme with Colleges, Schools and other institutions is a key strategic goal. Brief History The University, known as the Royal Agricultural College (RAC) until 2013, was established in 1845 with The then Earl Bathurst as President. Funds were raised by public subscription with much of the support coming from the wealthy landowners and farmers of the day. The Earl Bathurst leased a site to build the College, and construction in the Victorian Gothic style began in April 1845. Queen Victoria granted the Royal Charter to the College in the same year, and Sovereigns have been Patrons ever since, visiting the University in every reign. His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales became President in 1982. The University motto is Arvorum Cultus Pecorumque ; a quotation from Virgil s Georgics meaning Caring for the Fields and the Beasts and this is a major part of the University s core values today. From its early days, the College was staffed with innovators and pioneers, and made a considerable impact on farming practice and agricultural science. The first modern degree programme, started in 1984, was a BSc (Hons) degree in Rural Land Management. The RAC had been independent of government control from its foundation until 2001, when it first received funding from the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE), allowing it to widen access to its courses to students of all backgrounds. In 2013, the Privy Council awarded the College full University Status, in recognition of its provision as a higher education institution. Current Commercial and Financial Details The RAU s annual income is approximately 20m. The majority of this income comes from tuition fees ( 12m), with other significant contributions from commercial services and funding council grants. Annual expenditure is around 19m, with staff costs of approximately 200 FTE accounting for just under half of this (at 8.5m or 45%). Other operating expenses cover a range of non-pay areas equating to approximately 9m. Details of the RAU s income and expenditure accounts (2016/2017) are available at Annual Report Further detail about the University can be found at www.rau.ac.uk. The School of Real Estate and Land Management 3
The University has recently undertaken a review of its academic management structure to ensure that it has the best possible model in place to ensure delivery of its new strategic plan. The School of Real Estate and Land Management (RELM) is one of four new Schools in the University. The RAU (previously the RAC) has been offering land and estate management teaching since the 1930s and has an enviable reputation as a provider of education and training for the future leaders of the land and property professions. You will lead an established team of academics and professionals who deliver four taught programmes to prospective surveyors and valuers, all of which are accredited by RICS: BSc (Hons) Real Estate BSc (Hons) Rural Land Management MSc Real Estate MSc Rural Estate Management In addition, the following research degrees are offered: MSc Research Degree Programme PhD Research Degree Programme Research activity within the School is currently around land values, sustainability in property values, humanderived capital in ecosystems services, and farmers attitude to climate change and livestock diseases. Alongside our provision of full time programmes, we provide a menu of CPD courses within the School and staff contribute to corporate training organised by the University. Academics engage in research and consultancy and deliver papers at relevant conferences both nationally and internationally. Our current clients for research include RICS, DEFRA, local authorities, charitable trusts and private development companies. The ways in which rural environments and property are managed has a major impact on the quality of our lives and the environment. Land and property attract increasing interest from governments and societies as a whole, as pressure of demand on land use intensifies both at global and local levels. Our programmes embrace the theories, methodologies and practice of urban and rural property and land. Employers have a high regard for our courses evidenced by the excellent employability record of our graduates. Our students benefit directly from the close association with employers and the property profession. 4
Head of School of Real Estate and Land Management Post Title: Reports To: Location: Term: Responsibility for: Salary: Scope of the Role The appointee will: Head of School Real Estate and Land Management Deputy Vice-Chancellor Cirencester, Gloucestershire Full time. Permanent Subject leadership and line management of staff in the School To be confirmed depending on experience. contribute leadership and vision within the University and externally; lead and manage academic staff in the School play a key role in the development and delivery of undergraduate and post-graduate programmes that are designed to meet the government, land management and the sector s increasing need for holistic thinkers and innovative leaders with a local and global outlook; enhance the University s reputation by fostering success in: external grant applications; industrial and academic partnerships; high quality peer reviewed publications and the design and delivery of research projects that deliver positive social and economic impacts. Experience of and an aptitude for collaborative and interdisciplinary research is desireable and we are particularly keen to encourage partnership working with the CCRI at the University of Gloucester; contribute to programmes of knowledge exchange relevant to the University s strategy and to its educational and professional training activities; develop an externally-facing profile for the subject including engagement with stakeholders and other partners; play a key role in the delivery of the University s strategic plan and contribute to administration, management, development and promotion of the University as appropriate. Person Specification This appointment represents an exciting opportunity for a visionary, pragmatic academic leader to shape the future and vision of the School and the University. The post-holder will ensure that the University embraces the opportunity for change and enhances its global reputation for innovation, thought leadership and industry relevant research. Ideally we are looking to appoint a Professor, but are also willing to appoint the right candidate as an Assistant Professor. In addition to leading and managing academic staff within the School, teaching and engagement in research and/or knowledge exchange, the Head of School will have a significant public-facing role, working with a range of external stakeholders. The ideal applicant should have an established reputation in a discipline related to real estate and or rural land management. Applicants with specific expertise in the international arena are welcome to apply. A proven track record of leadership and management is key. 5
Criteria Required to Fulfil this Post Academic Credibility A strong academic track record gained at an appropriate level in a university or a comparable body/organisation of sufficient scale, scope and similar purpose. Thorough appreciation of, and sensitivity to the HE environment in the UK and internationally with a shrewd understanding as to key drivers, decision making environments and bodies and future challenges. A track record in, or evidence of, the ability to increase or develop additional sources of income. A track record of, or evidence of, the ability to lead in an academic environment. Ability and thorough understanding of research activity, the HE, University research agenda and REF requirements. Experience Leadership and management in the Higher Education sector. Leading and contributing to the successful delivery of strategies and operational plans. Portfolio development and review, including identifying and adopting innovative approaches to delivery. Research/income generation. Effective financial and resource management. Skills, Abilities and Knowledge In depth knowledge of one or more of the School s subject areas. Ability to develop and implement the RAU Strategy and associated operational plans. Ability to lead and motivate others. Develop appropriate behaviours in team members which drive success for the team, School and University. Knowledge of quality systems and processes within HE. Administrative and organisational skills. Ability to develop effective partnerships with a range of stakeholders internally and externally. Personal Attributes Values that are aligned to the RAU Strategy. Appropriate professionalism, self-confidence, creativity, determination, ambition and energy. Driven to deliver with a focus on outputs. The ability to inspire and communicate with colleagues at all levels in an organisation. Ability to lead people, with a proven track record of winning hearts and minds of team members to achieve success. Influencing and advocacy skills. Exceptional communication and relationship skills, allied with the ability to listen. Committed to being an ambassador for the School and University. Prepared to take collective responsibility working with appropriate levels of trust Possess an approach which actively encourages participation and input from others and recognises opportunities for learning from others. 6
Committed to resolving problems and tackling difficult issues with a solution-based focus. Actively develops effective working relationships across the University and particularly in developing cross-school working. Ability to develop effective working relationships with key strategic external partners and stakeholders. Commitment to support and engage with the University's approach to leadership and management of staff. Qualifications Higher degree/doctorate and an appropriate professional body qualification. Fellowship or Senior Fellowship of the HEA or willingness to achieve within 12 months of appointment. Application Process If you are interested in applying for this post please send: A University application form and Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form (available on the Royal Agricultural University website https://www.rau.ac.uk/about/jobs) please attach an up to date CV. A covering letter explaining your interest and motivation for applying, along with how your experience and qualifications suit you for the role. Details of two referees. The University will also seek to obtain two independent referees reports to confirm that your appointment is appropriate. Please forward your application to Human Resources, Royal Agricultural University, Cirencester, Gloucestershire, GL7 6JS or via email to jobs@rau.ac.uk Closing date: 27 th November 2018. Interview date: 7 th December 2018. 7