AUDE are looking for an enthusiastic volunteer with sound knowledge of HE to become our Capital Group chair. The position is open to any member of AUDE.  

This person would be responsible for leading likeminded HE professionals in identifying challenges and opportunities for universities and their peers responsible for the delivery of capital development programmes and capital projects.  This area of responsibility carries significant financial and reputational risk for each HEI and so there is a need to ensure that staff responsible are able to tap into sector best practice of which there is much.

Background Information

AUDE’s Capital group was established in 2016 and since its inception has grown to include a sub group of both Capital and Sustainability professionals in conjunction with our Sustainability Advisory group chair.  

AUDE Capital Development Group

The Aims of the Group are broadly as follows and will be subject to review by the new chair on appointment:

1. To promote best practice in the delivery of a University capital programme and individual capital projects with focus on areas to include:

• Procurement routes
• Use of consulting frameworks
• Use of contractor frameworks
• Planning and construction legal updates
• Managing design teams
• Managing client expectations (including the VC and senior management team)
• Working with stakeholders – internal and external
• Communication best practice

2. To maintain and develop the AUDE Capital Costs Database tool

3. To provide a forum and supporting network for professional staff within the HE sector

4. To provide an opportunity for skills enhancement and career development for staff operating in this area.

The Group would develop a work plan that includes a series of prioritised work streams.

The Group will be able to develop its own ideas as to how it can deliver against the broad aims above.

Your role as chair

The chair of this group will ensure proper representation of seniority and specialist knowledge to create an effective working group. The group should also consist of members from across the geographies of member institutions and differing types of institutions (teaching, research etc) 

AUDE have an inhouse team to help and support you, including; 

• Jane White – Executive Director 
• Cheryl Pick – Projects and Engagement Manager 
• Corinne Merriman – Events Manager 
• Martin Higgs – Communications and Press Officer 
• Charlotte Lynskey – Events and Project Officer

The successful candidate will: 

• Ensure that the HE capital agenda is considered in its fullest 
• Create a hub of resources for members 
• Identify areas of improvement such as collaboration with other sector bodies to enhance our work in this area 
• Work closely with the Executive Director, and AUDE team
• Advise AUDE on the types of work streams to focus on 
• Speak to press/journalists on occasion and/or recommend a suitable specialist 
• Attend the full executive meetings, producing a short paper on the groups' work 
• Attend the AGM 
• Work with the conference steering group to ensure the needs of the Capital group members are met through the programme of the annual conference 
• Understand the professional development needs of the groups members and liaise with AUDE’s professional development group to develop an offering.

Time commitment includes: 

• 4x group meetings either video call of face-to-face meetings  

• 4x executive committee meetings per year, and  
• 8-10 days per year own time review of papers etc. 

The term of office is three years with an option to extend for an additional three years. 

You will receive full support and an induction from the AUDE office and a warm welcome from the executive.  See the AUDE volunteer handbook for additional details. 

If you are interested or would like to know more please contact jane@aude.ac.uk 01509 228836.  Deadline for expressions of interest is 30 September 2022 

If more than one person applies, formal written statements will be required and given to the AUDE Executive for a vote in line with our constitution. 

If you would like to apply but are not sure if you meet the requirements, we would encourage you to still apply and/or contact Jane White.