The Glasgow School of Art
The Glasgow School of Art

Charity registered in Scotland SC012490

The GSA is internationally recognised as one of Europe's leading higher education institutions for education and research in the visual creative disciplines.

Current vacancies

Independent Governors

  • Management Board
  • Unpaid
  • On site: Glasgow
  • Closing 19th June 2026

Following a successful round of recruitment in the 2024/25 academic session, the GSA is now seeking to appoint additional Independent Governors particularly with skills and experience in arts and creative cultures; legal knowledge and understanding; accounting and finance; strategy, innovation and commercial awareness; and digital futures.

Applications would be particularly welcomed from individuals from protected characteristic groups currently underrepresented on the Board, as are applications from the GSA’s local and wider communities, including GSA alumni. Reasonable adjustments for disability will be implemented for those who may require them.

The GSA wishes to appoint new external Independent Governors who share the commitment to the institution’s ambition and values. The institution is seeking Independent Governors who will play an active role in helping the GSA to realise its potential, extend its impact and achieve its goals. Working with the Board, the Director and the Senior Leadership Group, you will help the GSA to maintain strong governance in support of the delivery of both the core business and the GSA’s strategic ambitions.

The Board of Governors is the GSA’s governing authority – among its responsibilities is approval of the mission and strategic vision of the institution, together with oversight of the GSA’s governance and finances. The Statement of Primary Responsibilities is set out together with full details of the GSA’s constitution and governance in the annually

updated Statement of Corporate Governance.

The majority of the GSA’s Governors are independent members – Independent Governors – and provide constructive and independent advice and guidance, informed by expertise, across a range of creative and professional backgrounds.

The Board has the following committees: Audit and Risk; Finance and Resources; Governance and Nominations; People and Culture; and Remuneration.

All of these committees are formally constituted with terms of reference and all are convened by Independent members of the Board. On appointment, and dependent upon relevant experience and areas of expertise, Independent Governors may be invited to become a member of specific Board committees.

TIME COMMITMENT

Based on a standard year, members of the Board will usually attend:

  • Four meetings of the Board each year which are normally held in October, December, March and June.
  • An annual away-day which focuses on strategic matters (generally held in October).
  • The GSA’s graduation ceremonies, taking place in June and December, and the GSA’s Degree Shows, which are held in June and September.
  • The GSA’s Annual Stakeholder Meeting.
  • Independent Governors may also be invited to become members of specific Board committees which normally meet three times per year between November and May. These meetings will normally be held via video-conference.
  • Members of the Board are encouraged to take a full part in the GSA’s rich internal and external life and may also be invited to attend lectures, exhibitions, dinners and other social events, which may take place throughout the year.
Shortlist