Specialist Recruitment Agency

An executive search firm (ESF) is required to recruit a permanent Vice Chancellor for the University of Bedfordshire:

The selected ESF will:

Undertake stakeholder engagement and meet with students, staff and other stakeholders to ascertain their views on what the University needs in its new Vice Chancellor

Develop a candidate pack, to include:

Role and person specification

Key information on terms and conditions

Indication of salary expectations

Recruitment timetable

Institutional prospectus which includes the ethos and priorities of the organisation Challenges and opportunities for the new Vice Chancellor

Advertise the post nationally (this is a requirement under the University's Instrument and Articles of Government)

Support the development of broad parameters for a remuneration package using suitable benchmarked data. The ESF will liaise with the University's Remuneration Committee.

Liaise, through the University Secretary, with the VCR Group to ensure that the Board has oversight of the recruitment process at each stage.

Guidance on handling confidentiality during the recruitment process and whether NDAs for candidates/panel members is advisable.

Carry out psychometric testing for candidates.

Undertake a full recruitment process to include:

Development of a list of suitably qualified candidates including potential internal candidates.

Organise a shortlisting process including the development of clear criteria for this stage.

Develop and deliver a Stage 1 interview process which leads to 2 to 3 candidates going through to Stage 2 interviews.

Advice and guidance on the membership of interview panels at both Stage 1 and Stage 2 interviews.

Develop and deliver Stage 2 interviews which include staff and student panels, campus tour, presentations and formal interview.

Liaise with the University's communication team to ensure that staff and students are apprised of the recruitment process.

Take up references for candidates.

Negotiate final terms with the University's preferred candidate.

Provide feedback to unsuccessful candidates at each stage of the recruitment process.

Additional information: This is a specialist recruitment process. The supplier must show experience of recruiting to the same post in other Universities. This is a mandatory requirement and must be demonstrated prior to being included in the bidder list. Information must be provided to the University for approval prior to being included in the tender process.