HEAD OF SUSTAINABILITY CANDIDATE INFORMATION PACK
INTRODUCTION FROM THE VICE CHANCELLOR
outside the classroom. This is reflected in us coming joint 1st in the People & Planet league table in 22/23, in the category of Education for Sustainable Development. Sussex is also a world-leading research university, and we are proud of the contribution our research makes, not only to Environmental Sustainability, but also broader issues relating to the UN Sustainable Development Goals. We are particularly strong in areas such as the eradication of poverty, the creation of sustainable cities and communities, and the promotion of peaceful and inclusive societies. I am proud that our research reflects so strongly the values of the institution, and that we are playing our part in creating a better world for ourselves and for future generations. When I joined the University in August 2022, I recognised that we have an incredible opportunity to make a difference, and I committed at an early stage to making Environmental Sustainability a major priority in our new University strategy. A year into my tenure as Vice-Chancellor, I am more convinced than ever that Sussex can and will be a major player in the transition to a more equitable, environmentally sustainable, post-carbon world. The Head of Sustainability will be the first in a number of new roles that will make a step-change in the University of Sussex’s work on Environmental Sustainability. I am delighted that you are interested in being part of this major move to increase our capacity and capability in tackling climate change and other threats to the planet, and I encourage you to apply if you think you have the skills, experience and passion that we are seeking.
Dear Candidate
Thank you for expressing an interest in joining the University of Sussex as we embark on the next chapter of our mission to be sector-leading in the critical area of Environmental Sustainability. We are already ranked in the top 50 universities in the world* for our contribution to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, but there is much more that we can do and need to do. Climate change is posing enormous challenges to the planet, and the University of Sussex urgently needs to face into these challenges. On our own estate, we have much to do in order to improve our energy efficiency, reduce our utilities consumption and decarbonise our heating systems. In our operations, we can control our water usage better and reduce waste, and where that isn’t possible, we must recycle more. We can make choices: when and how we travel; in the products and services we buy; in how we use our campus. To reach our goal of being Net Zero by 2035, we have to do all of this – and much more. But universities can do more than ‘just’ look after our own buildings and operations. We are privileged to teach nearly twenty thousand energetic and inquiring students each year who, when they leave us, will go out into the world to take up positions of influence and responsibility across all walks of life. It is our job to prepare them to make their own contribution to the major issues facing society, of which climate change and environmental degradation are amongst the most important. We are fortunate at Sussex that so many of our students are incredibly passionate about the environment and engage with our sustainability-related modules, as well as being activists and environmental citizens
CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION FROM THE VICE CHANCELLOR ABOUT SUSSEX SUSTAINABLE SUSSEX THE SUSSEX CAMPUS THE ROLE PERSON SPECIFICATIONS WORKING AT THE UNIVERSITY OF SUSSEX BRIGHTON AND THE LOCAL AREA HOW TO APPLY AND APPOINTMENT PROCESS
Professor Sasha Roseneil FAcSS PFHEA Vice-Chancellor and President
*Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2023
ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF SUSSEX
From the very start, Sussex was intended to be a new kind of university: challenging convention and fostering critical thinking. It set out to disrupt traditions, create new ‘interdisciplinary’ pathways, and redraw the map of learning. Today, our courses, research and culture aim to stimulate, excite, and challenge. So, from scientific discovery to global policy, from student welfare to career development, Sussex innovates and takes a lead. And today, in every part of society and across the world, you will find someone from Sussex making an original and valuable contribution to positive social change. Now in our 61st year, we have grown to more than 18,500 students, and we have established a global reputation, with twelve subjects rated in the top 20 in the UK in the QS World University Rankings (2023) and the same number in the global top 200, of which six are in the top 100. We are especially proud to be ranked 1st in the world for Development Studies for the seventh consecutive year in the QS World University Rankings (2023), reflecting the radically global orientation of our research and education, and the deep-rooted commitment of the University and our on-site partner, the Institute of Development Studies, to impactful research for global social justice. More than 89 per cent of our research was recognised as world leading or internationally excellent in REF2021 and we are in the top 50 of universities globally delivering on the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. We particularly value our strong sense of campus community, as demonstrated by our outstanding record for student retention, and we nurture our students to give them the best life chances beyond university. We also maintain fantastic connections with our alumni from more than 150 countries, who are proudly associated with the University and who frequently tell us how their time at Sussex fundamentally shaped their lives and careers, giving them the courage to stand up for their beliefs. Their continuing support enables us to provide bursaries and scholarships for a wide range of disadvantaged students, as well as networking and mentoring opportunities. Looking to the future, we aim to build on our strengths and remain committed to Sussex providing high-quality education, excellence in academic research, and fruitful engagement with our international partners and local communities.
The University of Sussex received its Royal Charter in 1961 and immediately set about offering an alternative to the traditional higher-education landscape.
In 2021, we published our Sustainable Sussex strategy, which sets out our ambition to be one of the most sustainable universities in the world. You can find out more about our strategy here. SUSTAINABLE SUSSEX
We have four key objectives within the strategy, each with key aims:
ETHICAL EDUCATORS We will embed sustainability into all aspects of student learning and experience
DECARBONISING THE ECONOMY W e will reach net zero by 2035 through our action plan for achieving this
Students as partners and innovators
Sustainable supply chain
Sustainability taught within all degrees
Active and sustainable commuting
THE SUSTAINABILITY PROGRAMME The Sustainability Programme represents an exciting next chapter in the University’s journey towards Net Zero. We have committed almost £5m of funding to help us build our capacity and capability, and to ensure that we have a robust and realistic plan to reach our goal. The Head of Sustainability is one of a number of roles funded through this Programme, which is led by Allan Spencer, Director of Finance, and Chris Harrison, Deputy Director of Estates.
Sustainable research practices
Better business travel
Supporting equality, diversity and inclusion
Community and voluntary impact
CIVIC LEADERS AND PARTNERS W e will positively impact the community through a sustainable supply chain, social responsibility and low transport emissions
ENVIRONMENTAL CHAMPIONS W e will promote biodiversity and sustainable food, waste and water consumption and recycling.
We anticipate that the Programme will be delivered in three Tranches, with Tranche One being primarily around information gathering, planning and capacity building. In this Tranche we will: • Create a new Net Zero Pathway • Improve and increase our metering • Provide short term funding to supplement our existing operations • Grow our organisational leadership and capacity, both in relation to Net Zero and the other objectives that form Sustainable Sussex • Explore ‘quick wins’ to reduce energy consumption or carbon emissions, or to support sustainable choices
Delivery of the above objectives will ultimately enable us to provide a comprehensive business case by October 2024 which will be considered by the University as part of the Term One committee cycle, and will set out a plan and accompanying resource requirements to achieve Net Zero and deliver on the commitments of the Sustainable Sussex strategy.
Net zero by 2035
50% of waste recycled by 2025
Excellent carbon accounting
Responsible food and water production and consumption
Decarbonised energy infrastructure
Biodiverse campus
Behaviour changers
RANKINGS
THE SUSTAINABILITY TEAM Whilst we see Sustainability as something in which everyone in the University community can play a part, there is a team of dedicated, hard- working professionals whose job it is to help us fulfil the Sustainable Sussex strategy. Hopefully you’re reading this brochure because you are thinking of joining us.
The roles in blue are new and funded through the Sustainability Programme. The Head of Sustainability will have the opportunity to influence the recruitment of these posts and any future structural changes
JOINT 1 ST for Education for Sustainable Development
49 TH IN THE WORLD and 10th in the UK
(Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2023)
(People & Planet 22/23)
JOINT 1 ST for Sustainable Food
3 RD IN THE UK for sustainable institutions
Deputy Director of Estates
(People & Planet 22/23)
(QS Sustainability Rankings 2023)
Sustainability Administrator
Head of Sustainability
1 ST IN THE WORLD for Development Studies
(QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023)
Senior Sustainability Policy and Performance Manager
Senior Decarbonisation Policy Manager
FACTS AND FIGURES (All figures shown are from 21/22)
Energy and Utilities Manager (provided by Mitie)
Sustainability Change Manager
Sustainable Travel Manager
Sustainability Programme Manager
SCOPE 2
SCOPE 3
SCOPE 1
Senior Data Analyst and Performance Officer
1 ST
Engagement and Change Co-ordinator
Senior Decarbonisation Officer
UNIVERSITY to have an anaerobic digester for food waste
Senior Sustainable Procurement Manager
Graduate Associate
Graduate Associate
Sustainability Campaigns Manager
Scope 1 and 2 carbon emissions 11,671 T CO2E
Scope 3 carbon emissions 120,027 T CO2E
Over 3000 Photovoltaic panels
58.48M KWH Non-residential energy consumption
7.44M KWH Residential energy consumption
THE ROLE Job Title:
PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES
• Set the departmental direction and vision ensuring service and departmental culture are in strategic alignment with the institution. • Support the development of others, providing leadership and coaching in area of expertise. • Foster an ethos of continuous improvement. 2. Service Delivery • Working within overall University policy and procedure, ensure the effective management of responsibilities in the area of expertise. Plan and allocate resources to support the achievement of departmental targets and objectives. • Development of departmental/functional strategic plans. • Ensure effective service delivery within area of responsibility. • Provide reports and other communication media internally and externally as appropriate. To Undertake analysis, interpretation and presentation of complex and conflicting information to inform decisions related to subject area. • Identify critical issues when resolving problems particularly where there is complex or competing information and use University strategy and objectives to make decisions. 3. Strategy and Planning • Based on a broad and deep set of knowledge and experience, set strategic direction in areas of responsibility. • Shape policy development and provide guidance on strategic agenda. • Ensure appropriate governance is in place for area of expertise. • Ensure that policies, standards and design guides are maintained in line with legislation and best practice. • Ensure that the University is in a position to benefit from external funding opportunities relating to Sustainability through the timely preparation of grant applications.
Head of Sustainability
4. Customers and Stakeholders • Proactively engage with internal and external stakeholders, colleagues or students to ensure the effective delivery of strategic objectives, initiate and develop relationships, providing analysis of data and information to inform decisions as necessary, showing appropriate sensitivity when needed. • Persuade, influence and negotiate as appropriate to further the objectives of the University. • Create and lead a community-facing approach to Sustainability related initiatives. This will include developing and implementing mutually beneficial activities and representing the University on a variety of external boards, organisations, associations and conferences, raising the profile and reputation of the University. 5. Reporting • Lead the University’s reporting of Sustainability metrics including the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings, QS Sustainability Rankings, People and Planet League, Sustainable Leadership Score Card and have editorial responsibility for the production of the University’s annual sustainability report. • Report to official University groups related to Sustainability, including University Executive Team and subordinate committees, and the Sustainability Programme Steering Group. To carry out any other duties that are within the employee’s skills and abilities whenever reasonably instructed.
G9
• Provide leadership to a number of teams, promote and maintain a high-quality Professional Services department, engendering a culture of continuous improvement. • Responsible for setting the standards of delivery in areas of responsibility and ensuring appropriate resources are available. • Set direction and vision for departments ensuring resulting policies are in alignment with strategic objectives. • Work in partnership with other internal and external stakeholders to ensure strategic alignment of service. • Lead the development, review and delivery of the Sustainability Strategy. • Lead the implementation of the Carbon Management Plan. • Provide expert advice to the University Executive Team and other key stakeholders on matters of policy and strategy relating to Sustainability. • Act as the operational lead on all aspects of stakeholder engagement on sustainability including behaviour, culture and business change programmes and collaborating closely with communications and marketing colleagues to promote sustainability in all forms of media, marketing and promotional materials.
Grade:
Estates, Facilities & Commercial Services
School/Division:
Bramber House
Location:
Deputy Director of Estates
Responsible to:
Responsible for: Sustainability Engagement Officer, Interim Net Zero Policy Officer, Senior Sustainability Performance Officer, Graduate Associates x 2, Additional posts to be recruited as part of the Sustainability Programme Role description: The Head of Sustainability will be responsible for providing strategic direction to the University on “full-service” sustainability (social, community, environmental and economic as defined by the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals) and for implementing the Sustainability Strategy, including decarbonisation and energy reduction, environmental management and Scope 3 emissions, as well as sustainable education and research. This role will oversee the development of a front facing team that will offer expert advice, co-ordination and stakeholder engagement, and business and behavioural change across the University from environmental issues within Estates to embedding social impact and sustainability within teaching, learning, operations and research, as well as engaging and developing joint Sustainability proposals with external bodies.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Departmental Leadership • Provide leadership across a number of teams, setting standards of service, targets and objectives. • Ensure the appropriate allocation of resources to achieve targets and objectives including the selection, induction, performance management and development of all members of the department.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
ESSENTIAL CRITERIA • Educated to degree level, or with an equivalent level of experience commensurate with the seniority of the post • Proficiency in Sustainability, with broad and deep knowledge and understanding of field and the relationship between different fields. • Highly effective leadership skills with the ability to motivate others to achieve. • Excellent oral and written communication skills with the ability to present concepts, vision and strategy in a way that can be understood by the audience. • Well developed planning and organisational skills, including project management with the ability to delegate to team members. • Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to effectively influence, persuade and negotiate in area of expertise, effectively contribute to team working to build and develop working relationships. • Well developed analytical skills with the ability to generate effective solutions from concepts and vision and make
INDICATIVE PERFORMANCE CRITERIA
• Leading a team of ten staff • Manage an operational budget of £100K per annum and any associated draw down from the Capital Plan • Responsible for the achievement of our KPI for Council of being net zero by 2035 and any future KPIs related to the implementation of the Sustainable Sussex Strategy • The post holder reports to the Deputy Director of Estates, Facilities and Commercial Services, but enjoys a defined level of autonomy and responsibility to enable the post holder to manage their own work and that of their reporting managers to achieve their agreed objectives. The role holder also supports the senior leadership team of their Division to achieve the strategic and operational goals of the University, Professional Services & their Division. The post holder is expected to work collaboratively across the University and with key stakeholders to deliver single team working that efficiently and effectively supports the achievement of those goals and objectives. • Support achievement of the Division’s compliance with all applicable statutory and regulatory compliance obligations, including (but not limited to): UKVI, Health & Safety, the Prevent Duty, data protection, Competition and Markets Authority requirements and equal opportunities, as appropriate to the grade and role. Additionally, to promote good practice in relation to University policy, procedure and guidance in relation to those compliance matters in respect of students, staff and other relevant parties. • Balance effectiveness and cost-efficiency in the management of the budgets you are accountable for, demonstrating compliance with Value for Money and Return on Investment principles to support the University’s strategic aim to achieve a world-class standard of teaching and research by managing our resources effectively and efficiently
effective decisions to deliver vision • Effective IT skills on MS platform.
• Exceptional experience in the management of change. • Experience of working in a multi-agency environment, involving public, private and voluntary sector bodies. ESSENTIAL ROLE-SPECIFIC CRITERIA • Experience of creating and delivering Sustainability strategies. • Experience of creating policies, standards and design guides that relate back to strategy. • Excellent knowledge of trends and best practice in all branches of Sustainability. • Experience of preparing funding bids and grant applications, particularly in respect of energy efficiency, decarbonisation or sustainable travel. • Ability to communicate complex issues relating to Sustainability via reports, presentations, media content and in-person briefings. • Strong track record in event management and facilitation . DESIRABLE CRITERIA • Knowledge of the Higher Education sector. • Sound knowledge of systems related to Sustainability (EMS, BMS and other tools). • Membership, and active involvement in, relevant professional body. • Knowledge and experience of delivering behaviour change campaigns – preferably using the Government’s EAST framework
WORKING AT SUSSEX
There are a range of staff benefits at Sussex, including generous annual leave entitlement and pension schemes, access to world-class resources, discounted gym and sports memberships, interest-free season ticket loan and staff activities throughout the year.
SUSSEX LECTURES All staff are welcome to attend professorial lectures by Sussex academics and other talks by visiting lecturers and speakers. ATTENBOROUGH CENTRE FOR THE CREATIVE ARTS The Attenborough Centre is a state-of-the-art
birthday and sports parties from age two upwards and a full programme of sports camps and activities in the school holidays for children aged five–16 years. SUSSEX CENTRE FOR LANGUAGE STUDIES The Sussex Centre for Language Studies provides a range of courses throughout the calendar year in English Language and Modern Languages that are open to staff as well as students. You can also use the Language Learning Centre to study over 50 world languages. CATERING AND CONFERENCES Sussexfood offers extensive catering facilities in Bramber House as well as cafés across campus. There are also conference and hospitality services. You can also use the Students’ Union bars and shop.
CHILDCARE There is a nursery on campus for children aged three months to five years, operated by The Cooperative Childcare. It is open daily from7.30am–6.30pm.
RETAIL There is a supermarket and post office, the Students’ Union shop, a pharmacy and a bank on campus. In term time, there is also a weekly outdoor market. SPORT Sports facilities include sports halls, fitness rooms, a dance studio, squash courts and outdoor pitches. There is an extensive drop- in group exercise and courses programme including yoga, dance, Pilates, trapeze, circuit training and aerobics. Sussexsport holds an annual boundary walk and boundary run for staff and students around the Sussex campus. It also offers children’s
performance and display space that reopened in 2016 after extensive
LIBRARY Library facilities are available to all
refurbishment. The Attenborough Centre has a growing programme of performances and events and is a Brighton Festival venue. TEACHING AND LEARNING The University of Sussex has more than 18,500 students, of whom 4,500 are postgraduates.
members of staff. The Library is open around the clock during term time. The Library’s special collections, now housed at The Keep, include the papers of Rudyard Kipling, the New Statesman Archive, Virginia Woolf’s Monks House Papers, many of Lord Richard Attenborough’s scripts and papers, and the Mass Observation Archive.
BRIGHTON AND THE LOCAL AREA THE UNIVERSITY’S LOCATION The University campus is located at Falmer, on the outskirts of Brighton & Hove, and is just 55 miles (90 km) from London. Frequent trains from central London take as little as 50 minutes to Brighton & Hove, with a quick nine-minute connection to Falmer to reach campus. London Gatwick airport is only 30 minutes from Brighton, and London Heathrow is just over an hour’s drive away. BRIGHTON AND THE WIDER REGION The city of Brighton & Hove has much to offer students, and also offers a quality of life for young families that is hard to match. As well as a fabulous variety of shops, restaurants and pubs, the city also has a range of good schools and a very relaxed and tolerant atmosphere. Brighton has a truly diverse cultural scene with a wealth of theatres, cinemas and galleries. From pre-West End premieres at the Theatre Royal to the variety of experimental fringe productions staged throughout the year, and with the famous Brighton Festival every May, there is plenty on offer. The historic market town of Lewes is also close to campus, and many members of staff choose to live there because of its wide choice of housing and excellent schools.
HOW TO APPLY
The University is being supported on this recruitment campaign by the search consultancy The Management Recruitment Group (MRG). To arrange a confidential briefing conversation please contact our advisors:
CRAIG DOUGLAS craig.douglas@mrgglobal.com
BEN DUFFILL ben.duffill@mrgglobal.com
Applications should consist of a comprehensive CV (no more than four pages) and a covering letter (no more than two pages). Applications should be sent to Craig Douglas and Ben Duffill.
Closing date for applications is: Sunday 3rd December 2023
Interviews to take place on campus: Monday 18th December 2023
TERMS OF APPOINTMENT The appointment will be subject to: • Confirmation of the right to work within the UK • Higher level qualifications • Satisfactory health clearance and satisfactory references.
EQUALITY AND DIVERSITY The University values diversity and welcomes applications from all sections of society. It is committed to promoting equality and diversity, providing an inclusive and supportive environment for all. The University aims to ensure that job applicants and members of staff are treated solely on the basis of abilities and potential, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, trade union membership or non-membership, socioeconomic background or any other inappropriate distinction. In order to ensure the effectiveness of this policy, it is necessary to collect information from all applicants on factors which relate to equal opportunity in employment and applicants are therefore asked to submit a completed version of the enclosed form alongside their CV and letter of application. The information provided will be handled in strictest confidence and will only be used for statistical monitoring purposes.
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