Head of Governance and University Solicitor, University of Chichester

Dear Candidate
Thank you for your interest in the position of Head of Governance & University Solicitor at the University of Chichester. I am delighted that you are considering joining us.
The only university in West Sussex , the University of Chichester is a uniquely distinctive institution, with a rich heritage and a strong commitment to the success of our students and staff. Named as University of the Year for Teaching Excellence 2026 in the Daily Mail University Guide and as a Top 30 university in The Guardian University Guide 2025, the latest National Student Survey saw us placed 6th in the entire country for teaching and 12th out of all 131 UK higher education institutions for overall satisfaction. We are proud to be a university that is both deeply rooted in our region and connected to the wider world. Across our two campuses in Chichester and Bognor Regis, we nurture a vibrant academic environment where over 6,500 students are encouraged to thrive and succeed. Our ethos is one of openness, excellence, collaboration and care; a place where every student is known as an individual, and where staff are valued and supported to achieve their very best.
The role of Head of Governance & University Solicitor is a vital one that will help to build on our success. Reporting directly to me and to the Chair of the Board of Governors, you will be a trusted advisor and leader, working closely with our Governors and senior leadership team to ensure the University operates with integrity, confidence and clarity of purpose. You will lead on the provision of legal and governance advice across a wide range of areas, helping us to navigate an increasingly complex regulatory environment while safeguarding our autonomy, values and reputation. Your counsel will directly shape the way we govern ourselves and the way we continue to serve our students, staff and communities.
We are seeking not only a legal professional of the highest calibre, but also someone who will share our values and ethos: a collaborative colleague who will work in partnership across the University, a leader who can influence with authority and empathy, and a champion of inclusion, fairness and accountability. This is a role where your expertise will have a genuine impact, ensuring that Chichester remains a place where governance is not only effective, but also aligned to the principles of community, care and ambition that define us.
If you are inspired by the opportunity to contribute to our mission and excited by the chance to shape governance and legal practice at the very heart of our institution, I warmly encourage you to explore this opportunity further.
I look forward to the possibility of welcoming you to the University of Chichester community.
Warm regards,
Professor Symeon Dagkas
Vice-Chancellor
University of Chichester
Please click here to read the Job description
All applications must include:
• A full curriculum vitae/resume
• Quoting the relevant role reference number: A041092
• A covering letter highlighting the aspects of the job description and the University of Chichester that particularly attract you to the post (Microsoft Word document)
• Contact details for three referees, these will not be contacted without your permission. (References should validate a minimum period of six years employment)
• A completed Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form (which you will be redirected to once you have submitted your application) *
Right to work checks
If you are successfully shortlisted, our partner, Yoti, will contact you to complete an online right to work check. This is a quick and secure process, ensuring that all necessary legal requirements are met before proceeding further in the recruitment process.
Monitoring
One of Alumni Global’s and The University of Chichester’s objectives are to ensure that its workforce is reflective of the local community and therefore we actively encourage applications from under-represented groups. So that we can successfully achieve these aims, while it is not mandatory we would encourage every applicant to complete the “Equal Opportunities Monitoring form” so that we can measure the effectiveness of our efforts. The Recruiting Manager does not have access to the Monitoring Information Sections of the application form at any stage of the process and the information provided will be kept entirely confidential.
For a confidential discussion on this role please contact Owen Francis or Rabiya Ali, details of whom can be found at the bottom of this microsite.
Candidate adjustment
If you require any reasonable adjustments to be made as part of the recruitment process please can you advise us so that we can ensure this is accommodated.
Closing date: 19th September 2025
Stakeholder Sessions: TBC
Final Interviews: w/c 29th September 2025 - TBC
Please ensure you have made a note of the final interview date(s). We recommend that you bookmark this microsite, as any potential updates regarding the role will be posted online.