Chair of the Supervisory Board

This unique university of applied sciences has a particularly unique vacancy: that of Chair of the Board of Trustees. The current Chair of the Board of Trustees will step down in August 2023 upon the expiration of his two terms. HU is therefore seeking a new Chair of the Board of Trustees: a dynamic, unifying leader and ambassador who will maximize the value of diversity.

The new chair will initially be appointed as a member/incoming chair and will have the opportunity to work alongside the current chair until August 1, 2023, to prepare for the chairmanship. The Council aims to appoint the new member/incoming chair by April 2023 at the latest.

About Utrecht University of Applied Sciences

HU has a long history and strong ties to the city and province. HU has over 37,000 students and more than 4,000 staff members. The university offers bachelor’s programs, post-secondary education, master’s programs, associate degrees, and courses in Utrecht and Amersfoort.

The Ambition Plan: HU in 2026 (link) shows that HU brings together disciplines and perspectives—particularly in the fields of education, healthcare, technology, and digitalization—to make a significant contribution, together with students and the professional community, to the quality of life and community in our urban environment.

With this, HU has chosen a clear strategic positioning, value proposition, and identity: it trains professionals with the ability to innovate, enabling them to provide lasting value to their communities and to society.

The Supervisory Board

The Supervisory Board of HU oversees the implementation of the Ambition Plan, the Executive Board’s strategic (long-term) policy, and the general state of affairs within the institution. In addition, the Supervisory Board advises the Executive Board and serves as a sounding board for the Executive Board. The Supervisory Board is also the employer of the members of the Executive Board. The Supervisory Board currently consists of eight members (https://www.hu.nl/raad-van-toezicht).

General Profile of Members of the HU Supervisory Board

The HU Supervisory Board carries out its duties with a strong commitment to the university.
General profile of Supervisory Board members

• Has a passion for HU’s unique character and social mission and endorses the university’s strategic direction as outlined in the HU 2026 Ambition Plan.
• Is capable of and willing to actively engage in dialogue and form an independent judgment on (social) issues, in order to critically examine them and provide advice on them.
• As an advisor to the board, know how to strike the right balance between involvement and detachment.
• Find the right balance between ensuring continuity and maintaining flexibility in thinking; is able to let go of existing habits when the situation calls for it.
• In fulfilling its supervisory role, it focuses not only on the past, but increasingly on learning for the future. In doing so, it exercises restraint in its desire for information, distinguishing between “need to know” and “nice to know.”
• Operates based on values and is willing to be openly accountable for them.
• Is a team player who seeks collaboration within the HU community and builds open relationships with colleagues and others. Is aware of the importance of trust as the foundation for this collaboration.
• Is willing to compare their views with those of others. Invests in personal development and self-reflection.

Profile of the Chair of the Supervisory Board

• Is an experienced regulator who has demonstrated a strong commitment to social responsibility, a forward-looking vision, a focus on internal and external collaboration, and a commitment to a just and inclusive society as key personal and professional values.
• Is an autonomous and independent thinker who combines his or her stature with curiosity, commitment, and genuine interest in HU’s social mission.
• Ensures that the diversity represented on the Supervisory Board and the Executive Board contributes to a dynamic exchange of ideas and high-quality decision-making. Maintains a sense of connection even when there are differences of opinion.
• Is forward-thinking and innovative: is able to lead meetings in such a way that modern, up-to-date, and future-proof decisions are made regarding (critical) developments, challenges, and opportunities.
• Is visible within and engaged with theorganization, the students, and the University Council, and encourages this active, engaged approach to oversight.
• Thanks to his or her broad internal and external perspective, he or she can lead the dialogue on the balance between ambition and organizational feasibility in a focused and well-reasoned manner.
• As an ambassador for HU, they promote HU within relevant regional and national networks, thereby setting an example for others to follow.
• He is an inspiring, engaging person with a great sense of humor.
• Demonstrates an affinity for developing people in various contexts (including networks) and understands what this requires of a university of applied sciences.

Experience as chair of a supervisory board is not required, but candidates must have experience in a position of ultimate managerial responsibility.

In selecting candidates for this position, the Supervisory Board is explicitly seeking to increase diversity within the Board, particularly with regard to cultural background and connections to younger generations.

Compensation

When determining the remuneration of members of the Supervisory Board, the laws and regulations governing the compensation of senior executives in the (semi-)public sector and the Industry Code are taken into account. The Chair of the Supervisory Board receives an annual remuneration of €17,582, which is adjusted annually for inflation.

Screening

HU will conduct a screening for conflicts of interest in accordance with the articles of incorporation of the HU Foundation and the Code of Good Governance for Universities of Applied Sciences.

Procedure

The HU Supervisory Board is working with the executive search firm Colourful People to recruit and select the Chair of the Supervisory Board. For more information about HU, the Supervisory Board, and the position of Chair, please contact Sandra Lutchman, Esq., a partner at Colourful People (06 4074 4074). You can express your interest by submitting your cover letter and resume no later than November 18 via the application button on the Colourful People website. The preliminary interviews with Sandra Lutchman are scheduled for November 22 and 24. The final interviews will take place on a date to be determined in January 2023.