University of the Arts London

University of the Arts London (UAL) is a global leader in creative education, ranked among the world’s top universities for art and design. We unite six renowned Colleges with a shared purpose: transforming the world through creativity.

‍Dear candidate
I am delighted that you are considering an opportunity to join University of the Arts London (UAL) at a pivotal moment in our journey.
UAL is the UK’s largest specialist art and design university and one of the world’s leading creative institutions, home to over 20,000 students from over 130 countries and a diverse community of staff.
We are proud of our global reputation and of our creative network of staff, students and alumni, who influence learning, culture, industry and society on an international scale. We work closely with government and some of the world’s most innovative businesses to create opportunities for graduates across the creative industries and beyond.
We are formed of 6 Colleges with unique histories and identities; Camberwell College of Arts, Central Saint Martins, Chelsea College of Arts, London College of Communication, London College of Fashion and Wimbledon College of Arts. With sites across the city, London is core to who we are, a place where we meet and share ideas with people from different backgrounds and cultures.
I took up the role as Vice-Chancellor in 2024 and have been proud to help drive our ambition to shape cultural, economic and social futures through creativity, innovation and inclusive leadership. Our long term vision is set out in our Strategy 2032. It is built around five strategic pillars that place students, innovation, and global impact at the centre of our mission.
Last year, we introduced a refreshed Executive Board structure. The structure aims to strengthen leadership focus, enhance collaboration across professional services and academic functions, and accelerate delivery of our refreshed strategy. As part of this evolution, we established two senior leadership roles, Chief Finance Officer and Chief People Officer, reflecting our commitment to financial sustainability, organisational resilience and an outstanding experience for both students and staff.
These roles are central to how we realise UAL’s ambitions. As members of the Executive Board, both postholders will play a critical role in shaping the future direction of the University, working in close partnership with me and with colleagues across our Colleges and professional services.
Like much of the higher education sector, UAL is operating within a challenging financial environment. The introduction of the student levy on international fees, combined with our student recruitment targets and continued investment in education and provision, demand thoughtful, disciplined and imaginative financial leadership. The Chief Finance Officer will lead the development of a sustainable financial strategy that ensures robust stewardship while enabling innovation and long-term value.
Equally, the success of our strategy depends on the strength, capability and wellbeing of our people. Our approach places people-centred leadership and inclusive practice at its core, supported by high-quality services that underpin an excellent student experience. The Chief People Officer will provide strategic leadership for People and Culture, and Health and Safety, championing equality, diversity and inclusion, and strengthening frameworks that support wellbeing, performance and leadership across the University.
We are seeking leaders who bring strategic judgement and operational credibility, value collaboration and partnership and are confident navigating with integrity and purpose. We welcome applications from candidates within and beyond the Higher Education sector and value diversity of experience, perspective and background.
At UAL, you will join a community that is ambitious, intellectually curious, and deeply committed to creativity as a catalyst for change. We are excited by the opportunities ahead within the University and across the wider cultural and educational landscape.
Thank you for your interest in UAL. I very much look forward to reading your application and to the possibility of welcoming you to our community.
With best wishes,
Professor Karen Stanton
Vice-Chancellor
University of the Arts London
Please click below to view the Job Descriptions and Person Specifications:
Chief Finance Officer
Chief People Officer
All applications must include:
- A full curriculum vitae/resume
- Quoting the relevant role reference number:
  - Chief Financial Officer - A041635
  - Chief People Officer - A041637
- A covering letter highlighting the aspects of the job description and the University of the Arts London that particularly attract you to the post (Microsoft Word document)
- Contact details for two referees, these will not be contacted without your permission. (References should validate a minimum period of two 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 the University of the Arts London’s objectives is 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, Director or Beth Stickney, Principal Researcher whose details 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: 9th March 2026
Interview panels
Chief People Officer: Monday 13 April 2026
Chief Financial Officer: Tuesday 14 April 2026
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.