Annex 10 - Dean of School appointment procedures

University Ordinance XXI

Appointment of Deans of School and Tenure of Office

Deans of Schools shall be appointed on the recommendation of a Joint Committee of Senate and Council chaired by the Vice-Chancellor in accordance with procedures approved by Council on the recommendation of the Senate. Deans shall hold office for such periods and on such terms and conditions and shall have such functions as the Council may from time to time determine, after receiving the advice of the Vice-Chancellor.

Procedure for Appointment of Dean of Schools

1. The Deans are appointed by Council on the recommendation of a joint committee appointed by the Senate and Council. Appointments are made for an initial period of between three and five years. Deans are eligible for re-appointment on an unlimited number of occasions in accordance with the procedure set out in paragraph 6 below.

2. Roles shall normally be advertised externally, although the Chair of Council has the discretion to proceed with an internal advertisement only, should he/she determine in consultation with the Vice-Chancellor that this is the appropriate course of action.

Committee for Appointment of Deans of Schools

3. For the appointment of Deans the joint committee appointed by the Senate and Council will be as follows:

  • Vice-Chancellor (Chair)
  • Provost and Deputy Vice-Chancellor
  • 1 lay member of Council nominated by the Chair of Council
  • 1 Dean from another School nominated by the Vice-Chancellor
  • At least 1 and no more than 2 individuals from the School nominated by the Vice-Chancellor following consultation with School appointed member(s) of Senate.


4. There shall be no all-male or all-female panels.

Interview, Consultation and Recommendation to Council

5. As part of the appointment process, the Secretary to Council or his/her nominee should undertake formal consultation with the School's Senior Management Team. A short list for interview will normally be drawn up by the Vice-Chancellor and Provost & Deputy Vice-Chancellor. These comments will generally be treated as strictly confidential to the Committee. However, if a candidate requests to see the comments received regarding his/her candidature, they will be released to a candidate in anonymised form (as far as possible).

After interviewing those shortlisted, the committee shall make its recommendation to Council.

Reappointment of Deans

6. Where a Dean is eligible for reappointment, the Provost & Deputy Vice-Chancellor may make a recommendation to the Vice-Chancellor for such a reappointment. Before making a recommendation to the Vice-Chancellor, the Provost & Deputy Vice-Chancellor will formally consult with members of the School's Senior Management Team. Where appropriate other colleagues may be consulted including other members of the School. The Vice-Chancellor may then determine to reappoint a Dean without recourse to the appointment process for new appointments. Where a recommendation for reappointment is not made or accepted then the normal process for new appointments will apply. Existing office holders are eligible to reapply in this circumstance.

7. Where there is a vacancy or a temporary absence or inability of a Dean, the Provost & Deputy Vice-Chancellor may make a recommendation to the Vice-Chancellor for the appointment of an acting Dean. The appointment of an acting Dean shall normally be for the duration of the vacancy in office or of the temporary absence or inability of the principal holder thereof.

The Vice-Chancellor may then approve the appointment of an acting Dean and the appointment will be reported to Senate and Council.