Denise Holt, Chair of Council
This week (21 September) Chair of Council, Denise Holt, wrote to all staff to update them on the VC recruitment process. You can read the email in full below.
Dear colleague,
Earlier this summer we announced that Adam Tickell will sadly be stepping down as Vice-Chancellor from January.
Adam has been an outstanding leader for the University. The development and launch of the Sussex 2025 vision and strategic framework; our new commitments towards sustainability and our Sunday Times University of the Year award for student retention are all major milestones achieved during his inspiring tenure.
Now we need the University community’s help in determining the kind of candidates we want to attract as our next permanent Vice-Chancellor and to understand what colleagues think are the important characteristics required.
I have also let you know that David Maguire will be joining Sussex as interim Vice-Chancellor whilst we appoint a permanent successor. We are all working hard to ensure a seamless transition.
In my role as Chair of Council, I have the job of overseeing the appointment of the next Vice-Chancellor and I’m really keen to ensure that the entire University community - staff, students and alumni - have the opportunity to be a part of this important process.
This will not only help to ensure that the right leader is found for Sussex, but also that there is widespread support for the decision taken, smoothing the path for our eventual new Vice-Chancellor.
As is the norm with large organisations recruiting someone at this level, the University has appointed an agency, Odgers and Berndtson, to lead the recruitment process and to ensure we get the best candidate. They are eager to understand what is important to you, understanding how important this will be to ensure a smooth transition.
There are several ways in which you can get involved.
Firstly, we are giving all staff and students the opportunity to complete an online feedback form and answer the following three questions:
- What are the challenges and opportunities facing the University of Sussex?
- What do you see as the strategic priorities for the next Vice-Chancellor?
- What key characteristics do you seek in your next Vice-Chancellor (essential and desirable skills, experience, and qualities)?
This online form will close on Wednesday 6 October at 5pm.
Secondly, next week from Monday 27 September, there will be a number of bespoke sessions, with various University committees and groups including Senate, Council, UCU, Unite, Unison and the Students' Union amongst others.
Thirdly, on 5 October, Odgers and Berndtson will be on campus to hold in-person drop-in sessions for staff and students. You can book your place at one of the events now.
There will also be opportunities for teams to share their thoughts and views in team meetings, which will be fed back to Odgers and Berndtson via your Head of School or Divisional Director.
Further information is also available on our VC recruitment webpage where you can find out:
- How to share your views on the kind of candidate we are looking for
- Timings for the recruitment process
- Information about Odgers and Berndtson
- The final candidate briefing pack (after 18 October)
There will be further opportunities over the coming months to get involved and I will provide you with regular updates as we move along the recruitment journey.
Finally, I would like to wish everyone all the very best for the start of term next week. I know this a huge step for so many, and there has been a phenomenal effort to get us to get this place. I will be thinking of you all.
With best wishes,
Dame Denise Holt
Chair of Council