Head of Sustainability
Candidate Information Pack
Our University ..................................
Lancaster University is an international leader in the provision of inspiring teaching and research; we are consistently in the top 15 of the three main domestic league tables. Read more here Lancaster has won two major awards from The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide. We were named the International University of the Year in the 2020 guide, and the University of the Year in the 2018 edition. The 2021 Research Excellence Framework (REF) assesses the quality and impact of research in UK universities across all subjects. Lancaster is 21st overall out of 157 institutions ranked by Times Higher Education. This places Lancaster above eight Russell Group universities for research quality. 91% of Lancaster’s research has been independently rated as ‘internationally excellent’ or ‘world leading’ with 46% rated in the highest category of 4*. Sustainability At Lancaster, we recognise that sustainability, the climate emergency and our environment is the responsibility of our whole community. Our commitments are already leading the way; Lancaster University is the highest producer of renewable energy out of all UK Universities, and since 2005 we’ve reduced our electricity and heating emissions by 50%. We know there’s more we need to do, that’s why we’re committed to becoming carbon neutral by 2035. Beyond that, our community is committed to tackling the climate emergency by embedding sustainability into all areas of university life; our research in the field is future led, with many of our academics working on globally significant sustainability projects. Our curriculum continues to centre teaching around current events, and the ever- changing landscape that we live in, sustainability is a huge part of that. Day to day, we’re committed to evolving our working practices and environment to address the climate emergency from within. A major strength of Lancaster University is its thriving ecosystem of interdisciplinary research. This collaborative approach is fostered by its mixture of formal and informal structures - including Institutes and University Research Centres - bringing together experts from different disciplines to address regional, national, and global challenges. Sustainability Strategy QS Gold rated for Environmental Impact We have been awarded a Gold rating for Environmental Impact as part of the QS World University Rankings 2022. Assessing research related to six of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), the QS has awarded institutions around the world with medals based on their focus on ‘Environmental Impact’. The gold-rated SDGs are affordable and clean energy, sustainable cities and communities, responsible consumption and production, climate action, life below water and life on land. The University comprises 15,000 students and around 3,400 staff. Lancaster is one of only a handful of universities with a collegiate system which has helped to forge a strong sense of identity and loyalty, and continues to be a distinctive feature of Lancaster University life. More than £450 million has been invested into the Campus since 2003, creating new academic facilities, student social facilities, and improved teaching space. The University has invested more than £220 million in development projects since 2013 to build a campus that can support world-class teaching and research. Since the University declared a climate emergency in 2020, the capital development programme has been reshaped to dramatically reduce the impact that new-build developments have on the environment. As the University continues to grow, we are being smarter with space - repurposing existing spaces and adapting the way we work for the good of the planet. A 16.5MW photovoltaic solar farm that will generate enough energy to power the equivalent of more than 3000 homes has been awarded planning permission by Lancaster City Council. Find out more Five star ratings from QS Lancaster University has been awarded five stars for overall performance in a prestigious new QS rating. QS Stars is a rating system that assesses universities against best practices and was developed by leading higher education insight specialist QS Quacquarelli Symonds. Lancaster’s QS Stars evaluation features five-star ratings for all seven individual categories – teaching, employability, internationalisation, research, facilities, subject ranking and environmental impact. QS World Rankings.
Our strategy is to become a University that is globally significant – a leader in higher education that provides the highest quality research and teaching, and engages locally and internationally on the issues and debates of the day and of the future. Driven by research and stimulating learning, the globally significant University informs and changes practice and thinking worldwide. Our Strategic Plan is founded on three priorities of equal importance. Success across all three of these domains will be critical if we are to fully realise our strategic goals. In the rapidly changing context of UK higher education, the University community has identified that we now need to increase our engagement with third parties, enhance our reputation and continue to grow in scale. We have reviewed and updated our objectives to reflect these factors, and new or revised objectives are highlighted against each of our three overarching priorities. Our Strategy 2021 – 2026 ..........................................................
The priorities are: • Research that changes practice and thinking • Teaching that transforms society and the lives of people in it • To actively engage with students, businesses and our communities
A Global University
.................................. Lancaster University has a history of engagement with the regional agenda and works closely with its partners across the North West. Building on its partnership efforts in the region, Lancaster University has grown its network around the world. Students from over one hundred countries make up a thriving community at Bailrigg campus. Current connections extends the University’s reach far beyond the campus with research, teaching and student exchange partnerships with leading universities and institutions in dozens of countries around the world. In addition to numerous international research partnerships, Lancaster has four strategic partnerships teaching validated Lancaster degrees overseas in Ghana, China, Malaysia and, most recently, Germany: our overseas teaching partnerships.
Our People ..................................
Lancaster’s success depends on talented, creative and committed people who work hard to make this University so special and distinctive. Our vision for the future is to be a sustainable and an academically excellent institution recognised as one of the leading universities in the world. You will be joining a University which is amongst the best on any objective measure, but also modern, forward thinking, and quick and nimble in adopting the latest developments in teaching and research. Lancaster University is committed to attracting, developing and retaining the best staff, celebrating equality and diversity, and recognising how all staff contribute to and enhance the overall success of the University. Our People Strategy 2020 clearly articulates that the core strength of the University is our people.
About Lancaster and the UK .......................................................... For further information about working and living in Lancaster please visit: https://hr-jobs.lancs. ac.uk/display.aspx - ?id=1091&pid=0&tabId=230/
The City of Lancaster has a long and diverse history, having gained its first charter in 1193. In the heart of the city centre lies a 12th Century castle – one of the best preserved in Great Britain – which dominates the hill above the River Lune. Lancaster is small enough to explore on foot, but big enough to keep you entertained all day, and was recently ranked as one of the top ten most vibrant cities in the UK (the Experian Vibrancy Report), thanks to its established arts scene and student population. It offers excellent shopping, cinemas, theatres, and restaurants, with many well preserved older buildings. The area is also well served with state, grammar, private and church schools. Lancaster’s live music venues are home to regular guitar, electronic, folk, classical and jazz gigs. Fans of independent film and theatre have the choice of the city centre Dukes Theatre and Cinema, Grand Theatre, and Vue multiplex cinema, and the University’s own Nuffield Theatre and LU Cinema. Venues also regularly play host to major comedy and theatrical tours too. With a number of galleries and museums located in the city, there is plenty for lovers of the arts to get their teeth into. The latest listings can be found through the Lancaster Arts City app.
Lancaster itself is situated in a delightful part of North West England. The rural landscape is superb, with the Lakeland fells in full view across the expanse of Morecambe Bay. The River Lune runs along the edge of the Forest of Bowland, an area of outstanding natural beauty, past many villages, into Lancaster and to the sea. There are two National Parks, the Lake District and the Yorkshire Dales, which are within a 30-minute drive. Lancaster is just over two hours by fast train to London and it is less than one hour to Manchester airport, which offers direct flights to most European capitals, the Middle East, and North America and the Far East. Lancaster, and the local surrounding area, offers a unique combination of city, coast, and countryside. There is an excellent choice of accommodation in the ‘travel to’ area which stretches from the Lake District to Preston and east along the Lune valley, as well as Morecambe and Lancaster, offering a range of housing from city centre to rural environments. Housing is varied (from old townhouses to barn conversions and new builds) and is competitively priced, especially against similar properties in South East England. The University offers allowances for staff (Grade 6 and above) who have to move to join us.
The University is now seeking to make a key appointment to the post of Head of Sustainability to lead and coordinate the delivery of the University’s Climate Emergency and Sustainability agenda. The role holder will ensure the implementation of appropriate aspects of Sustainable Development including Climate Emergency, Energy Efficiency, Waste Reduction, Travel Plans, Biodiversity, Sustainable Construction and all purchased goods and services. This is key in delivering Lancaster University’s strategic projects to reach carbon net zero for carbon emissions from electricity and heating by 2030 (scope 1 & 2) and net zero from all other emissions by 2035 (scope 3). This includes improving sustainability performance, reducing environmental impacts and increase the social value of university activities, engaging with Faculties, Professional Services and internal teams, external partners, consultants, suppliers, and sustainability organisations The Role ............................
Key Responsibilities ........................................................... Job Title: Present Grade Department/College: Directly responsible to: Supervisory responsibility for: Head of Sustainability 9P Facilities - Estates Director of Capital Development & Estates Operations Supervisory responsibility for: Carbon Environment & Sustainability Manager & Sustainability Assistant. Leadership support for the Green Lancaster Manager and support the Sustainability Communications Officer.
Overall Purpose of Job:
The purpose of this role is to lead a coordinated delivery on the University’s Climate Emergency and Sustainability agenda. The role holder will lead all the different internal colleagues who have a remit that covers aspects of sustainability including Green Lancaster, through direct management and in a matrix structure. This includes high-level strategic advice and support to the University Executive Board, Green Lancaster Board, and Climate Emergency group, supporting the Pro-Vice Chancellor Global (Digital, International, Sustainability), taking responsibility for developing and implementing University environmental sustainability policy, strategy and objectives. The role holder will also ensure implementation of appropriate aspects of Sustainable Development including Climate Emergency, Energy Efficiency, Waste Reduction, Travel Plans, Biodiversity, Sustainable Construction and all purchased goods and services. The role will be key in delivering University strategic projects to reach carbon net zero for carbon emissions from electricity and heating by 2030 (scope 1 & 2) and net zero from all other emissions by 2035 (scope 3). This includes improving sustainability performance, reducing environmental impacts and increase the social value of University activities, engaging with Faculties, Professional Services and internal teams, external partners, consultants, suppliers and sustainability organisations. The Head of Sustainability will be a member of the Estates Leadership Team and the Facilities Leadership Team and report to the Director of Capital Development and Estates Operations. This role is responsible for: • Delivering the Climate Emergency Carbon Reduction Plan • Leading the University’s drive to improve its environmental performance across all of its activities; • Enhancing environmental sustainability, policy and strategy to deliver agreed targets; • Communicating and promoting awareness of sustainability matters across University staff, students and service providers to deliver cultural and behavior change; • Developing mutually supportive links with academia, and external partners.
Key Responsibilities, Accountabilities or Duties:
• To lead the development and implementation of the University’s strategy for Environmental Sustainability across all activities, consolidating different strands of sustainability work in order to achieve University objectives. • As strategic lead for University sustainability issues, integrate academic and operational sustainability, engaging with the University’s academic community to build relationships with key stakeholders in order to support and enhance University education and research on sustainability. • Responding to the Climate Emergency, develop an integrated Environmental Sustainability Plan to complement the University’s Climate Emergency Carbon Reduction Plan, outlining a clear pathway
........................................................... and ensuring key milestones and objectives are achieved, reporting on progress to senior stakeholders and to support delivery of the University’s net-zero carbon targets.
the delivery of targets within the area of responsibility. Benchmark the University’s performance within the sector and against similar organisations, using national and regional indices and report to the University Executive Board (UEB), Council, Professional Services Executive Group (PSEG) and other internal / external stakeholders as appropriate, to protect and enhance the University’s reputation and profile in relation to sustainability, ensuring that the University is visibly leading in relevant metrics. • To lead, support and develop staff with responsibility for aspects of (non-academic) environmental sustainability. As strategic lead, provide vision, direction and develop long- term strategy and robust action plans to meet University objectives. • To lead on the transfer of the sustainability strategy into University policy and operations through the development of the sustainability team vision and objectives. • Developing and maintaining effective relationships with all faculties and departments to ensure there is a wide understanding of the University’s sustainability impacts and lead action plans on improving the University’s environmental performance from the whole University community. • As a member of the Estates Leadership Team and the Facilities Leadership Team, collaborate with colleagues within the Service and the wider University, to develop and improve strategic planning. To be responsible for the development and oversight of policies, procedures and systems associated with the University’s environmental performance, enabling appropriate and timely action to be taken. • Support others with the Environmental, Social and Corporate Governance (ESG) agenda and targets of the University, specifically in relation to environmental sustainability. • Promote and demonstrate a personal commitment to the Facilities and University values. • To undertake other duties commensurate with the grade as requested.
• To develop business cases for investment in sustainability, securing internal funding and horizon scanning for external funding to support achievement of objectives and targets. • To develop robust carbon counting and budgeting systems and reflect carbon considerations in to University decision making. Work collaboratively with the Finance Directorate Purchasing Team on policies and strategies to reduce carbon in the procurement of goods and services. • To develop a clear sustainability governance structure reflecting the relevance of all issues to all parts of the University community and its stakeholders: • Chair and facilitate consultative groups on sustainability issues. • Advise on sustainability issues at University committees. • Facilitating cohesion of the University sustainability network. • Represent the University externally with groups such as EAUC. • Manage relationships with neighbours, local authorities (councils), statutory bodies, partner organisations and other HE institutions. • Work collaboratively with the Capital Development Team to ensure best practice and appropriate design solutions for all projects. Develop and implement a coherent energy and sustainability strategy for the University estate, aligning opportunities with the Estate Strategy and with the carbon reduction plan for the estate, all set in the environmental performance of the University, working together with Faculties, Schools and Services, ensuring continued certification to recognised standards including ISO14001. Manage internal and external audits of the system and arranging senior management review specifically for the environmental aspects. • To be responsible for developing appropriate performance indicators, monitoring, benchmarking and reporting on performance and managing context of increasing student numbers. • To lead the continual improvement in
Annual Report on Widening Participation and Outreach (WP&O) | 2013–14
........................................................... Person Specification
Criteria
Essential / Desirable
*Application Form/ Supporting Statements/ Interview
Degree or equivalent in an appropriate environmental and/ or property related discipline i.e. Sustainability, Energy Engineering, Energy/ Environmental Management, Building Services and at least five years work experience working at a senior level in a sustainability related role. Experience of shaping, planning and delivering a strategic vision for enhancing the University’s carbon, energy and sustainability performance. Strategic management and strong leadership skills with the ability to influence and to develop and motivate others and coordinate project teams and stakeholder groups Planning and project management skills and the ability to set achievable targets and milestones. Change management skills and experience of delivering an institutional change programme. Up to date knowledge and understanding of: government strategy, and legislation & best practice in areas of sustainability, energy, carbon and environmental management. Knowledge of funding mechanisms that support sustainability initiatives, including Government grants Committed about sustainability issues and able to engage, inspire and persuade a wide range of stakeholders (e.g. colleagues, senior managers, students, etc.) and build up strong relationships and networks. Excellent written and oral communication skills with the ability to produce well-articulated reports, business cases and delivery plans. An inspiring leader who is approachable and personable with a customer focused approach.
Essential
Application Form
Essential
Application Form / Interview
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Application Form / Interview
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Application Form / Interview Application Form / Interview Application Form / Interview Application Form / Interview Application Form / Interview
Essential
Essential
Desirable
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Highly developed numeracy, budget management and IT skills to support the business.
Essential
Application Form / Interview
• Postgraduate qualification in any environmental science • Membership of an appropriate professional body • Evidence of relevant ongoing CPD training (with particular focus on sustainability and environmental management).
Desirable
Application Form / Interview
• Application Form – assessed against the application form, curriculum vitae and letter of support. Applicants will not be asked to answer a specific supporting statement. Normally used to evaluate factual evidence eg award of a qualification. Will be “scored” as part of the shortlisting process. • Supporting Statements - applicants are asked to provide a statement to demonstrate how they meet the criteria. The response will be “scored” as part of the shortlisting process. • Interview – assessed during the interview process by either competency based interview questions, tests, presentation etc.
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Employee Benefits and Reward Package ..........................................................
Remuneration The role attracts a highly competitive starting salary. Further salary progression and enhancements will also be achievable, based on a combination of performance in role and regular salary benchmarking. Pension For this role the University offers the opportunity to join the Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS).
Relocation For those relocating nationally or internationally a relocation package is available. Flexible Benefits All staff are eligible to participate in the University’s sector-leading flexible benefits scheme. The scheme provides staff with the opportunity to purchase benefits at discounted rates and also to take advantage of tax and national insurance savings on
some of the benefits chosen. The current benefits include: • Childcare Vouchers • Pre-School Centre • Cycle to Work scheme
• Season Ticket Loan • Low Emission Cars • Charitable giving • Shopping discounts
• Dental insurance • Health cash plan • Sports Centre membership • Lancaster and external courses • Professional Bodies’ membership fees • Car parking
• Subsidised annual bus pass • Discounted staff dining card • Local retail discount card • Theatre membership • Home technology • Additional annual leave
For a confidential discussion please contact our advisor, David Craven (david.craven@mrgpeople.co.uk) of The Management Recruitment Group. Applications should consist of a comprehensive CV (of not more than 4 pages) and a covering letter (of not more than 2 pages). Applications should be sent to: David Craven david.craven@mrgpeople.co.uk 07932 717438 The closing date for applications is Sunday 16th October 2022. MRG longlist interviews will take place during the weeks commencing 17th October 2022. Assessment interviews will be held at Lancaster University in November. Equality, diversity and inclusion lie at the heart of all Lancaster University activity, and we are very proud of our work in this area. For more information on our aims, please read the institutional Strategic Plan. An appointment will be made subject to satisfactory references, in line with the usual terms and conditions of employment at the University. Application Process ..........................................................
We are an international recruiter of senior management professionals across real estate, facilities and development. Our success is built on our people, process and expertise. Our people have unrivalled experience, our process is rigorous and designed in-house, and we have meaningful sector expertise.
We are MRG and we are different by design.
www.mrgpeople.co.uk
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