Dean – School of Health and Life Sciences

Dean – School of Health and Life Sciences

Candidate Brief

Contents

The University ......................................................................................................................... 1

School of Health and Life Sciences .......................................................................................... 2

The Opportunity ..................................................................................................................... 4

The Role .................................................................................................................................. 5

Person Specification ............................................................................................................... 6

Living & Working in Glasgow .................................................................................................. 7

Selection Process .................................................................................................................... 9

The University

Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU) delivers academic excellence to 20,000 students with the support of 1600 staff and a distinct commitment to work For the Common Good that challenges social injustice at home and overseas. The University’s commitment to creating social benefit is underpinned by high quality learning and teaching and a strong result in the recent Research Excellence Framework. This noted that the University is now the top modern University in Scotland for research power. GCU’s internationally excellent and world-leading research (3* and 4*) places the University in the top 20 in the UK for allied health subjects and also for built environment research impact.

GCU received excellent results following an Enhancement-Led Institutional Review (ELIR) panel visit, which looks at how well institutions work to improve the student learning experience. The University received the highest judgement an ELIR panel can confer.

The University is a co-founder of the award-winning Grameen Caledonian College of Nursing in Bangladesh, which helps to raise nursing education standards and offers academic opportunities for young women. In South Africa, the University is helping to upskill railway workers through the co-creation and delivery of a railway operations management degree programme, in partnership with Transnet Freight Rail, the University of Johannesburg and the Institution of Railway Operators. The University’s award-winning Caledonian Club works with children and their families in Glasgow and London to inspire academic ambition. Many of them would never consider applying for university without the strategies delivered by GCU and introduced when the children are just three years old.

GCU is the top performing modern university in Scotland for UK full-time students completing their first degree.

A signatory to the United Nations PRME initiative (Principles for Responsible Management Education), GCU is one the first UK universities to join the UN Global Compact, the world’s largest voluntary corporate responsible management programme. GCU is also an Ashoka U Changemaker Campus in recognition of its commitment to socially innovative initiatives, and is a member of a prestigious university network which includes Cornell, Brown and Johns Hopkins Universities.

In line with its commitment to the common good, and to its staff, GCU is proud to be the first university in Scotland to achieve accreditation by the Living Wage Foundation.

Our studentsThe University attracts students from a wide range of backgrounds, from local school leavers to PhD students from all over the world. We pride ourselves on providing a friendly, modern and effective learning environment for all of our students, and are a national leader in widening participation in Higher Education with more than 32% of our students coming from disadvantaged backgrounds. The University’s international students come from more than 100 different countries and the diversity and enthusiasm they bring undoubtedly helps enrich the GCU experience for everyone.

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The University’s award winning Saltire Centre is home to the University library and The Base support services hub. This is the heart of GCU: the building provides one of the most ambitious and innovative learning environments in the UK, prompting the Guardian newspaper to describe is as a “futuristic, people-friendly learning space” that is “paving the way for the universities of tomorrow”. The £30million redevelopment programme, which focuses on the ‘Heart of the Campus’, will further enhance the University’s learning and social environment.

Putting employabil ity first

The University offers a wide range of programmes, all of which have a strong focus on ensuring that graduates are ‘job-ready’ and have the opportunity to enter a successful career in their chosen discipline. This strong careers focus is illustrated by the fact that 95% of GCU graduates go on to employment or further study within six months of graduating.

Industry links

GCU has been extremely successful in building strong links with industry and many of the companies we deal with are world leaders in their field. These relationships benefit the University and its students in many ways. Not only do these companies employ GCU graduates and take on student placements, they also work closely with the University on research and consultancy projects and have a strong input into the design and structure of our programmes in a process of co-creation, which we strongly support.

School of Health and Life Sciences

The School of Health and Life Sciences (SoHLS) was formed on 1 August 2011 bringing together the departments of Life Sciences, Nursing and Community Health, and Psychology, Social Work and Allied Health Sciences. It is one of the largest providers of health and life science education in Scotland, employing approximately 400 staff and serving over 5,500 students. Working in partnership with our staff, students and external stakeholders, the School has created a unifying vision designed to meet the 2020 University Strategy, embedding excellence, engagement and energy into every aspect of School life. The School is committed to the pursuit of excellence in teaching, research and knowledge transfer across its wide range of disciplines as it continues to further its reputation for world leading research, interprofessional education and simulated learning with direct relevance to and impact on policy and practice.

The School’s undergraduate portfolio of over 25 courses is developed around Nursing, Allied Health Sciences, Social Work, Biological & Biomedical Sciences, Vision Sciences and Psychology. The majority of the portfolio consists of professional programmes accredited by the relevant discipline’s professional, statutory and regulatory body (PSRB). The recognition programmes receive from the appropriate PSRB enables our graduates to apply for appropriate professional registration on completion of their study.

Excellent National Student Survey (NSS) results place the majority of subject areas above competitors for student satisfaction. The School’s Learning Development Centre offers support to all students by providing face-to-face and online academic support to enable them to develop the skills required to succeed at university. Working with professional partners the school endeavours to provide the experience and knowledge for graduates to become ‘agents of change’ in their chosen profession in a local, national and international context.

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The School’s taught postgraduate portfolio includes professional Doctoral programmes, two frameworks; a Health Masters Framework, designed for global health and social work professionals to advance their practice, and a Life Sciences framework designed to enhance scientific lab-based practice and the careers of Life Sciences professionals. In addition, the School hosts a suite of accelerated masters’ programmes enabling graduates to undertake pre-registration Masters programmes that allow them, on successful completion, to practice as registered professional in Social Work, Dietetics, Occupational Therapy or Physiotherapy.

Our programmes attract students from around the globe, including Canada, North America, Hong Kong, Singapore, Bangladesh, Saudi Arabia, Oman and Myanmar. Collaborations and links with organisations such as the Phelophepa Train of Hope in South Africa and Grameen Caledonian College of Nursing in Bangladesh, as well as multiple institutions across Europe and the rest of the world, offer international opportunities for the school’s students and staff.

The University’s commitment to the Common Good is realised in applied research which addresses three major societal challenges, enabling communities in the UK and internationally to build Inclusive Societies and live Healthy Lives in Sustainable Environments. To best meet these societal challenges the School’s research excellence contribution is aligned with two main research programmes, namely, Public Health and Long-term Conditions. This is conducted by research groups in the areas of Diabetes and Biomedical Sciences, Musculoskeletal Health, Active Living and Healthy Ageing, Parenting and Family Support, Substance Use and Misuse, Sexual Health and Blood Borne Viruses, Healthcare Associated Infection, Living with Stroke, and Applied Vision. Overall, the University is ranked in the top 20 in the UK for health research with eighty nine percent of its recent REF 2014 submission recognised as being of world-leading or international standard. All of the University’s impact submission for Allied Health Professions was judged to be in the highest categories, ranking GCU as one of the leading universities in the UK for the societal impact of its applied research in health. Research in areas including increasing HIV testing among vulnerable populations; healthcare associated infections; effective treatments for women with prolapse; and personalised foot orthoses highlight GCU’s significant impacts on health policy and services, commercial organisations and patients.

The School’s laboratories and clinical simulation facilities have benefited from significant recent investment, and offer students and businesses access to state-of-the-art learning and research facilities across all our departments. We have a range of unique facilities and expertise for experimental work, testing, analysis and professional training.

Eye Clinic

The Eye Clinic trains Optometrists, Dispensing Opticians and Orthoptists – the only institution in the UK to do so. GCU has the facilities for specialised testing that is otherwise available only in hospitals. During teaching trimesters patients are examined by students under the direct supervision of experienced and qualified clinical staff. In addition, the Clinical Optometrist provides a full range of eye examination services throughout the year.

Interprofessional Clinical Simulation Centre

Our Interprofessional Simulation Centre provides simulation based education for GCU allied health professions, nursing, social care and Scottish Ambulance Academy students. Utilising the latest technologies to support health and social care practitioners with their learning and development, learning opportunities extend from communication and non-technical skills, through fundamental assessment and examination techniques and on to advanced interprofessional scenarios. Delivered

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within a non-threatening environment, away from the pressure and anxieties related to actual patient/service user contact, it enables the development of safe and confident practitioners in preparation for entering the workplace. In addition to pre-registration education, the facilities are also utilised for post-registration qualifications, CPD and research.

Operating Theatre

Within the Simulation Centre, the School hosts a simulated operating theatre to support degree level Operating Department Practitioner (ODP) education (GCU is the only Scottish provider of such provision). The lab contains a scrub sink, operating table and a range of anaesthetic and surgical equipment, including an anaesthetic machine and high-tech mannequins that can be programmed by the lecturing team to challenge students in a variety of everyday scenarios and assess their performance in situations where the patient’s condition starts to deteriorate.

Human Performance Laboratories

Human performance laboratories with capability to measure functional performance and activities of living in controlled and free-living conditions, including 3-D motion capture, ultrasound techniques, force and pressure analysis, muscle function and strength, metabolic and physical activity monitoring. Additionally, we have capacity for computer-aided design and manufacture (rapid prototyping) of novel orthotic devices.

Biological and Biomedical Sciences Analysis

Laboratory facilities offering access to the latest technology in DNA sequencing. Capacity for cell and molecular biology to investigate a number of common diseases and toxic responses to drug and other xenobiotics. Additionally, there is capacity to develop zebra-fish models of human disease condition and as screening tools for potential therapeutic agents.

Food Sciences Lab

World class expertise in the microbiology, safety, chemistry and structure of food at Glasgow Caledonian University is regularly called on by corporate and public sector organisations. GCU is the only university in the UK to have a United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) accredited laboratory. Specialist equipment includes dedicated instrumentation which allows for the rapid detection and classification of bacteria relevant to food safety. In addition to consultancy and research work, the department provides professional courses in food safety for companies, leading to certification from the Royal Environmental Health Institute of Scotland (REHIS).

The Opportunity

The University is seeking to appoint a Dean to the School of Health and Life Sciences (SoHLS). This will be an open-ended appointment. The successful applicant will report to the Deputy Vice Chancellor, working closely with colleagues across the University (including London and New York) and leading the school senior management team.

This is a key leadership role. The Dean will work closely with the University’s management team to articulate a clear academic vision for the School around the University’s core values of responsible management and utilising modern technologies of educational delivery. As the academic lead of the School, the Dean has ultimate responsibility for the quality and standards of the School’s teaching, research and knowledge transfer, and will be expected to contribute to strategic policy-making and

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decision-making in the wider University, working closely with colleagues to help formulate, promote and deliver the strategic aims of the University.

The Role

The Deans are accountable for providing strategic and academic leadership to the Schools, to drive enhancements to its national and international profile in both education and research, and to develop the School’s ability to work in creative partnerships with key stakeholders, both internally and externally. The Deans will forge strong partnerships with industry both within the UK and internationally to identify, optimise and realise opportunities for growth. S/he will champion the transformational impact that education and knowledge can have on individuals, communities and society, and ensure that the University’s mission ‘For the Common Good’ lies at the heart of School activities.

Key responsibilities include:

1. To translate the mission and long-term strategy of the University into student-centred activities, research-led initiatives, and business development opportunities that achieve sustainable success for the School.

2. To ensure that strategies for the diversification of income through channels such as student recruitment, research activities, grant funding and commercial activities deliver financial targets.

3. To undertake regular and effective horizon scanning of the sector to identify opportunities and challenges in developing the School’s portfolio of CPD, research activity and consultancy services.

4. To develop and maintain key strategic regional, national and international partnerships and to represent the University, as and when required, with a wide range of external stakeholders and organisations.

5. To oversee the strategic management of the school’s teaching, research and knowledge transfer activities.

6. To oversee academic staff recruitment and academic staff professional development activities, undertaking Professional Development and review processes for the School Management team.

7. To work with the School Management Team to drive the leadership of academic development within the School.

8. To drive the improvement of service delivery and support through the innovative use of learning and information technologies, whilst maintaining quality and academic standards.

9. To ensure that the University’s values are upheld, and its commitment to The Common Good is central to the School’s activities.

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Person Specification

The role holder will be educated to at least Master’s Degree level and preferably hold a Doctorate degree in a relevant field.

The role holder will have the ability to inspire and motivate others and will be an excellent communicator with the ability to engage individuals from diverse backgrounds. With an outcome- driven approach, and a steadfast ability to make brave and difficult decisions, the role holder will be impact focused, and will demonstrate drive, commitment, stamina and integrity in line with the values of the University. Finally, the role holder will use leadership in coaching, empowering and managing the performance of people in order to realise potential, and will be capable of forging positive relationships with senior members of academia, government and industry.

Experience, Knowledge and Competencies:

Strategic leadership experience, with a proven track record of delivering change management in a complex environment.

Experience of providing academic leadership and the ability to command the respect of a diverse academic community.

Experience of managing within academic governance and quality assurance frameworks.

A proven track record of successfully and effectively managing, physical, information and financial resources.

Recognised within their academic discipline.

Excellent leadership, motivational and people management skills with a track record of building high performing teams.

Experience of developing and managing relationships with a wide range of external partners including professional bodies, government, funders, business and other education providers.

Evidence of strong intellectual capability; able to operate within a complex, structured yet challenging environment and motivate highly skilled and qualified individuals.

Outstanding vision, with the ability to translate this into tangible strategy; able to take tough decisions and can demonstrate the resilience necessary to overcome setbacks.

A track record of research, knowledge transfer and consultancy activity, with experience of achieving sustained levels of external income generation

Proven people development capability; strong orientation towards the pursuit of continuous professional self-development.

Highly motivated and driven personality; an entrepreneurial self-starter who can proactively identify new opportunities; able to develop creative solutions.

Excellent interpersonal, communication, negotiating and influencing skills; high level of professional credibility and gravitas with ability to build rapport and develop strong relationships at all levels, both internally and externally.

Energetic with genuine enthusiasm for the role; ambitious and driven in his/her approach.

Remuneration package

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An attractive remuneration package is offered, including a salary which reflects the experience that the successful candidate is able to bring to the role and an annual performance related payment of up to 10% of annual salary.

Location

The main location will be the University’s Glasgow campus. However, depending upon University needs/business requirements, there may be a requirement to work at any other location (which may involve UK and International travel).

Annual Leave/Occupational Sick Pay Entitlement

Annual leave entitlement is 30 days plus 14 public holidays. Occupational sick pay will be paid (subject to length of service).

Benefits

The University offers a range of benefits to staff in addition to the basic remuneration package, including:

• Child Care Vouchers

• Occupational Health – access to an OH Nurse or Physician

• Day nursery on site

• On-site gym ( membership payable on an individual basis)

• Staff Library resource

• Preferred pricing for Dell and Apple computers

Relocation

Individuals who need to move in order to take up their post may be eligible for relocation expenses.

Pension Scheme

Individuals can opt to join either the Universities Superannuation Scheme or the Scottish Public Pension Agency scheme. Remuneration will be subject to personal contributions and employer contributions. Individuals are automatically entered into a scheme unless a written declaration to opt out is made.

Living & Working in Glasgow

If you live outside Glasgow or even Scotland, a move to Glasgow could be an enriching experience for you and your family.

A modern, forward-thinking and creative city, Glasgow is one of the UK's leading metropolitan centres with a lively culture, leisure and sports scene. Various respected travel guides have voted Glasgow one of the world’s top tourist destinations, noting the warmth and friendliness of its people as one of its key attractions. It has the buzz and cosmopolitan feel of a great international city, while being within easy reach of some of the most spectacular countryside and scenery Scotland has to offer.

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In 2014, Glasgow played host to the XX Commonwealth Games, an unforgettable celebration of sport and culture, hailed as the “best-ever” Games, which has left a lasting legacy for young people, business and communities.

The City

The city of Glasgow has plenty to see and do for people of all ages and backgrounds. The largest and most cosmopolitan shopping centre in the UK outside of London, it is supported by a fabulous range of cafés, restaurants, bars and clubs to suit all tastes, all within easy access of the University.

Culturally, Glasgow has enhanced its reputation in recent years by winning the titles of ‘European City of Culture’ and ‘UK City of Architecture and Design’. Glasgow is home to Scottish Ballet, Scottish Opera, the Royal Scottish National Orchestra and the impressive Glasgow Royal Concert Hall. Free galleries and museums add to a stimulating environment in which the influence of Charles Rennie Mackintosh, the world-famous Art Nouveau designer and architect, is often seen. 2014 also saw the opening of the SSE Hydro, one of the largest and busiest entertainment venues in the UK, which played a central role in the Commonwealth Games and will host around 140 events each year. It is set to rank among the top five busiest indoor entertainment arenas in the world alongside such iconic venues as Madison Square Gardens in New York and The O2 in London.

Glasgow is home to people from many nationalities that enrich the experience of life in the city, resulting in a tolerant, cosmopolitan city attuned to the needs of its communities. The city’s many centres of worship reflect its multi-faith society, and this is mirrored on the Glasgow campus where there is a faith and belief centre for students and staff.

Travel

The Clyde Valley offers a range of rural and urban locations and travel to work times and distances are relatively short. Congestion is rare, with the area well served by the largest suburban rail network outside London. A comprehensive motorway system, the M74/M6 gives direct access to the South and the West Coast main line provides direct, fast rail services to London and major English cities. There’s also a fast rail link from Glasgow to Edinburgh every 15 minutes. The city is served by a major international airport, only a 15 minute drive from the city centre.

The rest of Scotland is, quite literally, on your doorstep. For business or pleasure cities such as Edinburgh, Stirling, Perth, the majestic Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, Ayrshire and the Clyde Coast are all less than an hour away. Journey times by train from Glasgow City Centre:

Edinburgh 50 minutesStirling 30 minutesPerth 60 minutesLoch Lomond 45 minutesClyde Coast 45 minutes

Living

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The area offers excellent opportunities in both rural and city living. The countryside is never more than a few miles away while the city has a unique buzz and friendly vibe. With its central Scottish location, there is easy access to the whole of Scotland and North of England.

Whether you’re looking for modern or traditional housing styles, city or village location, the area offers a wide range of housing types and prices. The housing market remains strong, but prices are substantially lower than almost any part of England. The University is ideally located in Glasgow’s city centre, which has excellent car, bus and rail links as well as superb local amenities.

Glasgow has its own underground train service which runs on a dual-circle line through the city’s centre, west end and south side of the River Clyde. Two of the underground stations, Buchanan St and Cowcaddens, are within easy walking distance of the university.

Selection Process

The following selection approach will be undertaken:

Stage 1 – Application

It is important that you demonstrate evidence of your experience of the criteria for the role in order to give you the best chance of being shortlisted. Applicants should complete an application form and submit a CV (of no more than 2 pages in no less than font size 12). You will also be asked to complete an Equal Opportunities Form that will be used for monitoring purposes.

To apply for this post, please submit your completed application form to recruitment@gcu.ac.uk by the closing date of Thursday 11 June 2015 at 5pm.

Stage 2 – School Visit/Presentation (Wednesday 24 June 2015)

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to give a presentation to selected members of the School. The topic will be confirmed once the shortlisting has been finalised. This will then be followed by an opportunity for a tour of the Glasgow campus.

Stage 3 - Assessment Stage (Thursday 25 June 2015)

An abridged version of the School presentation will be delivered to the appointment committee and this will be followed by a competency-based interview.

Stage 4 – Employment Offer

Prior to issuing an offer of employment, the University will seek references for the preferred candidate. The employment offer will be subject to Occupational Health Clearance and any necessary pre-employment checks.

For more information about this opportunity please contact Fiona Campbell, Head of Business Partnering at Fiona.campbell@gcu.ac.uk or 0141-331-8854.

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