Denise Holt, Chair of Council

This week (21 September) Chair of Council, Denise Holt, wrote to all students to update them on the VC recruitment process. You can read the email in full below.

Dear student,
 
Earlier this summer we announced that Adam Tickell will sadly be stepping down as Vice Chancellor from January.
 
Adam has been an outstanding leader for the University. The development and launch of the Sussex 2025 vision and strategic framework; our new commitments towards sustainability and our Sunday Times University of the Year award for student retention are all major milestones achieved during his inspiring tenure.
 
Now we want to understand what you think are important characteristics required in our next permanent Vice-Chancellor.
 
David Maguire will be joining Sussex as interim Vice Chancellor while we appoint a permanent successor.

In my role as Chair of Council (the University’s governing body), I have the job of overseeing the appointment of the next Vice Chancellor and I’m really keen to ensure that students have the opportunity to be a part of this important process.
 
The agency who are leading the recruitment process will benefit hugely from understanding what is important to you and your time at Sussex, to ensure we get the best candidate. 

There are several ways you can get involved.

Firstly, you can complete an online feedback form and answer the following three questions: 

• What are the challenges and opportunities facing the University of Sussex?
• What do you see as the strategic priorities for the next Vice-Chancellor?
• What key characteristics do you seek in your next Vice-Chancellor (essential and desirable skills, experience, and qualities)?

This online form will close on Wednesday 6 October at 5pm.

 Complete the online form

Secondly, we will be arranging a session with your Students’ Union to make sure we have captured their thoughts.

Thirdly, on Tuesday 5 October, there will be an opportunity to attend an in-person drop-in session, specifically for students to share their thoughts with the recruitment agency. You can book your place at one of the events now.

Further information is also available on our VC recruitment webpage where you can find out: 

• How to share your views on the kind of candidate we are looking for
• Timings for the recruitment process
• Information about the agency, Odgers and Berndtson
• The final candidate briefing pack (after 18 October)

There will be further opportunities over the coming months to get involved and I will update you as we move along the recruitment journey.
 
Finally, I would like to wish you all the very best for the start of term next week. I know this a huge step for so many and I will be thinking of you all.
 
With best wishes,
 
Dame Denise Holt
Chair of Council