The brief
Heriot-Watt University (HWU) asked Veredus to support the appointment of a new Chair of Council. This high-profile role required an individual with an exceptional strategic vision, senior leadership experience, and the ability to steer the university’s governing body toward achieving its mission and long-term strategic goals. The ideal candidate needed a proven track record as Chair or Deputy Chair in large, complex organisations, and a deep commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion (ED&I). Additionally, the candidate had to possess the gravitas, political acumen, and interpersonal skills necessary to foster relationships with diverse stakeholders across the UK and internationally.
The process
Understanding the significance of this appointment, Veredus engaged extensively with the university’s senior leadership, including the Chair of the Selection Committee, the Vice Chancellor, and key Council Members. Through a series of consultations, we gathered detailed insights into the university’s needs and created a comprehensive briefing document that became the foundation of our candidate outreach. This document captured the university’s strategic vision, culture, and the critical qualities required for the role.
One of the main challenges in this search was identifying candidates who could commit to the substantial time requirement of approximately 60 days per year, a considerable demand even for seasoned leaders. In addition, ED&I considerations were paramount in ensuring that the candidate pool reflected the university’s values. Veredus responded by conducting an inclusive and wide-reaching search, approaching candidates from a diverse range of professional and personal backgrounds. Notably, 59% of the candidates we approached were women, and 18% came from Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic (BAME) backgrounds. This approach ensured that our candidate pool was not only highly qualified but also diverse, aligning with the university’s commitment to ED&I.
The results
Our rigorous and targeted search elicited 15 high-calibre applications, six of whom were selected for preliminary interviews with Veredus. Based on our recommendations, four of these candidates were shortlisted for consideration by the university’s Selection Committee. Following further interviews, a preferred candidate—identified and engaged by Veredus—was selected and accepted the role of Chair of Council.
This appointment stands as a testament to Veredus’ expertise in recruiting for board leadership roles in the HE sector, including for institutions with complex governance and ambitious strategic aims. Our ability to attract top-tier candidates while maintaining a strong focus on diversity and inclusion showcases our capability to deliver results for even the most demanding executive searches.