1The professional University

APPOINTMENT OF THE HEAD OF SCHOOL OF PHARMACY AND LIFE SCIENCES

www.rgu.ac.uk

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CONTENTS OPPORTUNITY 4

FACULTY OF HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE 6

SCHOOL OF PHARMACY AND LIFE SCIENCES 8

A CLEAR FUTURE 12

THE PROFESSIONAL UNIVERSITY 14

TRACK RECORD 18

One Campus, One Vision , GarthdeE 2020 20

ROLE PROFILE 22

person PROFILE 24

CITY OF ABERDEEN 26

CORPORATE MANAGEMENT ARRANGEMENTS 28

ORGANISATION CHART 30

SUMMARY OF TERMS AND CONDITIONS 32

HOW TO APPLY 34

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’THE TOP MODERN UNIVERSITY IN THE UK’ IN ‘THE TIMES GOOD UNIVERSITY GUIDE’ - THREE YEARS IN A ROW

THE OPPORTUNITY

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The University prides itself in producing highly

valued graduates for the health professions

and wider industry. Indeed, our clear focus on

professional education coupled with strong links

to industry and the public sector means the

University has one of the UK’s best graduate

employment records.

You will be joining us at a pivotal time when we are ready to

make the next step change in becoming a great University

rather than just the best University of our kind. By 2012 our

“Estates Master Plan” will have provided us with the best

riverside campus in Europe. This, together with our Virtual

Learning Environment, will assure continued provision of a

first class learning experience for all our students, both on

and off campus.

We are seeking to build upon our reputation for excellence

in Pharmacy and Life Sciences education, research and

“business interaction”. As Head of School, you’ll be

at the heart of this, seeking to accelerate the pace of

change, focusing on strategy and responding to the

educational needs of the workforce, locally, nationally and

internationally.

This is a superb opportunity for a respected, ambitious

leader, with the appropriate professional qualifications.

’THE TOP MODERN UNIVERSITY IN THE UK’ IN ‘THE TIMES GOOD UNIVERSITY GUIDE’ - THREE YEARS IN A ROW

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The Faculty is one of the leading providers of applied, practitioner focused education for science, health and social care. Currently there are approximately 3,500 undergraduate and post graduate students studying across the Faculty in the Schools of Applied Social Studies, Health Sciences, Nursing and Midwifery and Pharmacy and Life Sciences.

The Schools offer a wide range of undergraduate and post graduate professional qualifying courses, the majority of which are approved by professional and statutory regulatory bodies. These include the Royal Pharmaceutical Society of GB, the Health Professionals Council, as well as the British Dietetics Association, the Nutrition Society and the Forensic Science Society.

The Faculty takes pride in preparing students to meet the advances

in laboratory science and the ever changing needs of the health and

social care sectors, so that as graduates, they can make a contribution

to meeting the needs and expectations of patients and clients, as well

as supporting our local communities and the wider population.

Inter-professional learning is a key component in the majority of our

courses. Working in interdisciplinary teams and learning alongside

a range of other professionals provides students with an invaluable

experience that reflects the workplace of today. We continue to work

in partnership with the University of Aberdeen’s Medical School and

our reputation as a key player in this area continues to grow both

nationally and internationally through partnerships and conference

presentations.

The Clinical Skills and the Pharmacy Practice Centres also play a key

role in preparing students for placement and future practice. These

Centres are recognised as leading the field in simulation and offers

students the opportunity for the development of professional skills.

FACULTY OF HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE

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The use of the Volunteer Patients further enhances the fidelity of this

learning experience. The strong practice focus of all of the courses

ensures that all our graduates are fit for purpose when they enter the

work place. As a result the Faculty enjoys an excellent reputation for

the quality of its graduates who are in high demand by employers both

in the UK and increasingly internationally.

Working in partnership with our stakeholders, a range of courses have

been developed and delivered to meet the needs of the public sector

for role development, service redesign and continuing professional

development. Examples are the courses for assistant practitioners

in Radiography and Children’s and Young People’s Health and Well

Being as well as prescribing courses for pharmacists and other health

professionals. These courses have been developed in partnership with

the NHS Education for Scotland.

Building on the Faculty’s outstanding performance in the 2008

Research Assessment Exercise, the Institute for Health and Welfare

Research is now established and continues the development of the

multidisciplinary research groups. Staff continue to be successful

in attracting research grants from a range of funding bodies and

organisations including the Chief Scientist’s Office, the Scottish

Government Health Department, the Ministry of Defence and the

National Institute of Health Research with a recent award from Lighter

Life of £300,000. Two further successes this session have been the

Praxis-unico Impact Award won by the Counterweight Programme

which focuses on the management of obesity, while a multidisciplinary

team from the Institute was selected out of 120 submissions to

exhibit in the 350th anniversary of the Royal Society Summer Science

Exhibition.

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THE SCHOOL

The School of Pharmacy and Life Sciences (PALS) was created on 1st January 2008 by a merger of the School of Pharmacy with the School of Life Sciences both located on the University’s city centre site (Schoolhill and St Andrew Street). The School has access to 20 well maintained laboratories as well as a range of lecture and teaching rooms across both sites. In 2012 the School will move to new purpose built accommodation that is part of the University’s £100 million investment to bring all the academic units onto the Garthdee Campus.

The combined School covers the following subject areas: Pharmacy,

Forensic and Analytical Science, Bioscience and Nutrition and

Dietetics. The Schoolhill site offers courses in Pharmacy including

Master of Pharmacy (MPharm), postgraduate Masters in Clinical

Pharmacy and Prescribing Sciences as well as a short accredited

course in Independent Prescribing (and a conversion course for

Supplementary Prescribers). In addition there is a PgDip Overseas

Pharmacist Accreditation Programme (OSPAP), re-accredited by

RPSGB in 2009 and currently the only such course in Scotland. The

School has also recently embarked on an initiative with NHS Education

for Scotland (NES) to deliver short CPD courses to pharmacists in

Scotland.

SCHOOL OF PHARMACY AND LIFE SCIENCES

Teaching of postgraduate Analytical Science and undergraduate

Forensic Science, Biosciences, Biomedical Science and Nutrition and

Dietetics courses takes place on the St Andrew Street site. Facilities

are available within the School for studies leading to the degrees of

Master of Science, Master of Philosophy and Doctor of Philosophy

on a full time or a part time basis. These courses are offered in

conjunction with the Institute of Health and Welfare Research (IHWR),

one of three research institutes established by the University in 2009

to support and direct research effort across the University.

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The School has invested heavily in recent years to convert a

substantial tranche of undergraduate and postgraduate delivery to

an e-learning format. In particular, all postgraduate courses in Clinical

Pharmacy and Prescribing Science have been converted to e-learning

and Robert Gordon University now enjoys a UK-wide reputation for

excellence in online course delivery (Robert Gordon University is

second only to the Open University in this area). Experience gained

on the delivery of online postgraduate courses (e.g. use of e-tutors,

module chat rooms and drop boxes, text messaging and podcasts) has

been adopted across the undergraduate courses and is now regarded

as an important adjuvant to traditional course delivery.

The School is also heavily committed to Inter-Professional Education

(IPE). The underpinning philosophy for IPE is to achieve the goal of

developing practitioners who are confident and comfortable with their

uni-professional identity and capable of embracing interprofessional

collaboration and team working for the benefit of quality patient care.

The main stakeholders of the Aberdeen IPE initiative are the Faculty

of Health and Social Care at Robert Gordon University including the

Schools of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, Health Sciences, Nursing and

Midwifery and Applied Social Studies and the School of Medicine

and Dentistry, University of Aberdeen. Ten disciplines are involved:

Diagnostic Radiography; Dietetics; Medicine; Midwifery; Nursing;

Nutrition; Occupational Therapy; Pharmacy; Physiotherapy and Social

Work. The overall Aberdeen IPE strategy builds on evidence from the

evaluation and encompasses a multi-perspective approach to IPE for the

future. Promoting IPE in Practice is an important priority within this.

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UNDERGRADUATE AND POST GRADUATE PROGRAMMES

The School of Pharmacy and Life Sciences offers an integrated suite of

accredited courses in the following areas:

• MPharm degree in Pharmacy

• PGDiP Overseas Pharmacist Assessment Programme

• Postgraduate courses in Clinical Pharmacy, Independent

Prescribing and Specialised Care

• BSc (Hons) in Nutrition and Dietetics and in Nutrition

• BSc (Hons) Nutrition

• BSc (Hons) in Applied Biomedical Science

• BSc in Forensic Science

• MSc in Instrumental Analysis (with options in Environmental

Analysis, Oilfield Chemicals, DNA, Metabolomics and Forensic

Analysis

There are 813 students studying undergraduate and prequalifying

masters courses and 330 studying for post graduate awards.

RESEARCH

The Institute for Health and Welfare Research is the overarching

structure for the conduction and delivery of world class, multidisciplinary

programmes of research in focused areas of expertise. The institute

draws on the research skills of academic staff in the four schools:

• Applied Social Studies

• Health Sciences

• Nursing and Midwifery

• Pharmacy and Life Sciences

and the three research centres in the Faculty of Health & Social Care:

• Centre for Obesity Research and Epidemiology (CORE)

• Aberdeen Centre for Trauma Research (ACTR)

• Alliance for Self Care Research (ASCR)

THEMATIC AREAS• Cardiovascular & Metabolic Disease

• Environmental & Occupational

• Neurological and Mental Health

A significant number of staff from the School are seconded to

either The Institute of Health and Welfare Research (IHWR) or

Institute for Innovation, Design and Sustainabilty Research. These

staff are at the forefront of applied research in key areas including

pharmacist prescribing, medicinal chemistry, environmental sensing,

environmental remediation, drug formulation, forensic science and

biomedical sciences. The School is well equipped with SRIF funded

analytical equipment (high field NMR, LC-MS and GC-MS) as well as

state of the art facilities in cell culture.

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STAFF RESOURCES

The School is managed by the Head of School and 2 Associate

Heads. The Line Management of the School’s academic staff is the

responsibility of seven Teaching Group Leaders (TGLs) in the thematic

areas of

• Pharmaceutical Science

• Biomedical Sciences

• Clinical Pharmacy

• Pharmacy Practice

• Forensic Science Analytical Science

• Biosciences

• Nutrition and Dietetics

Administrative and support staff report to the School Administration

Manager and Technical Staff are managed by 2 Technical Services

Managers. The staff complement comprises seven senior lecturers,

the Chair in Pharmacy Practice, 45 Academic Staff, 28 Support staff

and 9 Administrative staff.

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A CLEAR FUTURE

ROBERT GORDON UNIVERSITY HAS A VERY CLEAR FUTURE, SET OUT IN OUR STRATEGIC PLAN. BUILDING ON OUR STRENGTHS AND OUR PROGRESS TO DATE, WE ARE ONE OF THE BEST MODERN UNIVERSITIES IN THE UK, IN AN INCREASINGLY CHALLENGING ENVIRONMENT.

In achieving our objectives, we will be clear about the markets which

we serve and the services we deliver. We will be responsive to the

changing environment and developments in the economy and society.

Ongoing development and continuous improvement will help to

ensure that we set the benchmark for quality in all aspects of our work.

OUR STRATEGIC PRIORITIES • Student experience: Enrich the all-round experience of our

students through their engagement with the University

• Teaching and learning: Enhance the quality and relevance of

our taught provision

• Access for all: Increase the diversification of our student

population

• Learning through life: Expand our provision of corporate

programmes and life-long learning opportunities

• Research and commercialisation: Grow our internationally

excellent research and knowledge exchange activities and

reputation

• A sustainable future: Secure our economic and

environmental sustainability

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KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORSIn order to monitor progress at Board of Governors’ level, a set of six

key high level performance indicators (KPI) has been agreed. These

monitor the impact of our success or otherwise in relation to our key

strategic objectives and against the critical success factors indentified

above.

• Level of total SFC teaching funding and proportion of total

SFC teaching allocation compared with previous years

• Level and geographical sources of income from international

students compared with previous years

• Net financial contribution from business interaction over

time

• Level of research grant and contract income and % full

economic cost recovery over time

• Net surplus, current ratio and borrowing over time

• Consistent high performance within the modern university

sector in national league tables

CRITICAL SUCCESS FACTORSWe have assessed the factors which will be critical to our success as

follows:

• Sustain our Scottish Funding Council and international

student numbers in a more challenging competitive

environment

• Generate a major revenue stream from business interaction

activities for the value that we add

• A relentless focus on quality which will help to maintain and

develop our reputation – an excellent student experience

from first point of contact through every interface we have

with students

• A focused research portfolio which underpins teaching, is of

international standing and is financially sustainable

• A workforce which is committed, resourceful and effective

• Continued financial health

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THE PROFESSIONAL UNIVERSITY

“Robert Gordon’s branding as ‘the professional university’ couldn’t be more appropriate.It beats every other university in the most recent employment figures.”Sunday Times

“The outstanding reputation associated with pharmacy at Robert Gordon University helped me to decide to study here.

I am beginning my pre-registration year in a hospital-based pharmacy at the Chelsea and Westminster NHS Foundation Trust, London.”Ronan Sheridan.

Recently graduated with a Masters in Pharmacy with Distinction.

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OUR HERITAGEThe name Robert Gordon has been synonymous with education in

Aberdeen since 1750 when the original college was founded from

his bequest. With the addition of Gray’s School of Art in 1885, the

School of Pharmacy in 1898 and the Scott Sutherland School of

Architecture in 1957, the original college has evolved over the years

into a substantial university – a leading institution of learning still able

to draw upon this rich heritage.

THE UNIVERSITY TODAYThe University generates an annual group income of around £92

million through corporate programmes, consultancy and other

business engagement, research income and fee paying or funded

students.

We currently employ approximately 1600 members of staff and deliver

courses to around 15,500 students.

OF THE 15,500 STUDENTS:

22% are engaged in distance learning and corporate courses

65% Full time and 35% Part time

64% Undergraduate and 34% Postgraduate students

OF THE UNDERGRADUATES:

23% attend Aberdeen Business School

28% enrolled in Design and Technology courses

49% enrolled in Health and Social Care courses

OF THE POSTGRADUATES:

23% in Aberdeen Business School

28% in Design and Technology courses

49% in Health and Social Care courses

We offer an impressive range of professionally focused courses across

the arts and design, management, engineering and computing, health

and social care and the applied sciences and technology. We are

particularly focused on developing our key areas of strength – energy,

health and social care, the creative industries and the knowledge

economy.

‘PROFESSIONAL’ IS OUR WATCHWORD FOR THE WAY WE TREAT ALL OUR STAKEHOLDERS, INCLUDING AND ESPECIALLY OUR STUDENTS. IT GUIDES THE WAY WE WORK TOGETHER, AND DEFINES WHAT WE EXPECT FROM EACH OTHER.

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THE VIRTUAL CAMPUS The University has established a significant e-Learning capability,

based around the ‘Model’ virtual learning environment. This is used

to support an extensive range of distance learning courses and to

support the learning of on-campus students in blended approaches.

Effective use of appropriate technologies is a key element of the

University’s plans to extend distance learning provision, including

corporate learning, and to enhance the learning experience of all

students. We are, we believe, the largest provider of online, distance

learning in the UK after the Open University. With this in mind, we are

currently reviewing our provision, marketing and corporate branding

to ensure we are capitalising on this USP.

INTERNATIONALOur strategy is of ‘internationalisation’ of the total student

experience for all students. This includes the curriculum, work

placements and the wider experience they have interacting with

our staff and the community. International students have long been

attracted to Robert Gordon University and contributed much to

our cultural fabric. Indeed, in recent years, increasing numbers

of international students have made ours a truly international

campus. 19% of the total student population come from outside

the EU. Expanding our cultural and commercial links with overseas

organisations has helped to create many exciting opportunities for

our staff and students to work abroad.

Our commitment to internationalisation is evident in the

establishment of an International College at the University in

partnership with Navitas. Following the launch of the College in

September 2011, we expect to significantly increase our recruitment

of international undergraduate students at a time when our

recruitment of international postgraduate students is coming under

greater pressure.

ABERDEEN COLLEGE – AN ASSOCIATE COLLEGEThe strength of our regional commitment and also our understanding of

the social inclusion wider access agenda is reflected in our partnership

with Aberdeen College, the largest FE College in Scotland. This is a truly

outstanding alliance recognised by the Scottish Funding Council as a

model for others. The College is an associated college of the University and

there are articulation agreements across many subject areas leading to 2+1

and 2+2 progression.

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COMMERCIAL LINKS

Our strong links with industry have delivered corporate alliances,

CPD programmes and consultancy both in the UK and overseas. The

deployment of blended learning through the Moodle Virtual Learning

Environment is further expanding our capability for working with

corporate partners and SMEs. Enterprising research is undertaken

by groups throughout the University and the results contribute

to technology transfer and ‘spin outs’. We have been especially

successful in SMART awards.

Additionally, our commercial organisation, Univation Ltd, continues

to develop strong commercial relationships with major energy

organisations worldwide and a marketing presence across the globe,

bringing significant corporate contracts for delivery in the UK and

overseas.

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TRACK RECORD

LEAGUE TABLES

“Work placements, lasting up to a year, are the norm [at Robert Gordon University] helping an employment record that has been Scotland’s best for several years and consistently one of the UK leaders.”– The Times (3 June 2009)

For three successive years, Robert Gordon University has retained the

position of the best modern university in the UK. (The Times, May

2010). The Guardian University League Table for 2010 also ranked

Robert Gordon University as the top new University in Scotland and

second in the UK. We consistently maintain one of the UK’s best

graduate employment records. The Times Good University Guide

2011 notes that we are still best University in Scotland for graduate

prospects, and second in the UK, with over 83% of our graduates

landing graduate-type jobs within 6 months. Our success in this area is

bettered only by Imperial College.

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RAE RESULTS

“Together with a strong performance in last year’s researchassessment, this helps RGU to its highest ever ranking in our table,ranking second in the modern university sector.”- The Sunday Times (13 September 2009)

In the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise, Robert Gordon University

achieved outstanding results with over 70% of research being

classified as of international quality. At the same time, the Scottish

Funding Council announced an increase in our research grant funding

of 99% to £2.7m for 2009/2010 - the highest increase of any Scottish

university.

The University aims to focus its research and knowledge transfer

activities to inform and underpin our teaching capability. A £6 million

seed-corn funding was invested in a research development initiative

over 3 years to grow research activity across the University. The

success of this investment was demonstrated in the results of the 2008

(RAE). The University was ranked the top modern Scottish University

for research quality, with ‘world class’ research activity in 8 out of

the 11 subjects returned. In addition 73% of research conducted was

ranked as being of international quality.

As we build on the University’s success beyond RAE, we aim,

through the establishment of three Research Institutes, to grow

the level of internationally excellent research. These institutes will

develop the potential of strategically significant areas by focused

investment on areas of research strength. The University has also

demonstrated important success in research commercialisation and

has established a relationship with the venture capital company

Sigma IP Ltd.

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“In the past decade, the university has invested more than £100m to improve its facilities, and intends to make the Garthdee site ‘the best riverside campus in Europe.’”The Guardian (12 May 2009)

THE UNIVERSITY PREPARED AND APPROVED ITS ESTATES STRATEGY IN 1994, COVERING A 20-25 YEAR PLANNING PERIOD. WE NOW HAVE ONE VISION FOR THE FUTURE – TO LOCATE ALL OUR STAFF AND STUDENTS, BY 2020, ON ONE CAMPUS AT THE STUNNING RIVERSIDE SETTING OF GARTHDEE.

‘Among the generation of new universities, Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen is the best placed’. The Times (June 2008)

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ONE CAMPUS, ONE VISION – GARTHDEE 2020

The first phase, the consolidation of six sites into two, (Garthdee

and Schoolhill) was essentially complete by 2004. To date we have

invested over £100 million in new buildings and upgrading facilities

for students. These have included the Aberdeen Business School,

the Faculty of Health and Social Care, as well as a state of the art

Sports Centre, modern onsite nursery and a health centre open to

staff, students and the local community.

We have recently secured full planning consent for the Masterplan

2009 – likely to be a two phase, 10 year development and

refurbishment programme, adding 34,000 m2 of new facilities and

culminating in the realisation of our vision – one campus at Garthdee

by 2020.

The Masterplan 2009 aims to:

• Consolidate all academic and administrative activities on the

Garthdee Campus site in order to create the finest riverside

learning environment in Europe

• Create a clearly legible campus heart, focused around a

student-centred experience

• Develop a new and unified academic development on the

eastern portion of the site in order to gain from the advantages

of co-location and collaboration between disciplines

• Retain and enhance the landscaped qualities of the site and

seek to achieve a stronger relationship between buildings and

the riverside setting

• Develop the Garthdee Campus in a sustainable, phased

manner reflecting the availability of project funding

• Re-utilise appropriate areas within existing buildings to form a

more holistic and integrated campus

• Develop a new focus for arrival/entrance from the south,

including a new pedestrian and cycle bridge to the south side

of the river

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ROLE PROFILE:HEAD OF SCHOOL OF PHARMACY AND LIFE SCIENCES

PURPOSE OF THE POST :

The Head of Pharmacy and Life Sciences is accountable to the

Principal and Vice-Chancellor (reporting directly to the Dean of

Faculty) for the achievement of the School’s own future vision and

mission as a key component of the University’s strategic plan A Clear

Future.

RESPONSIBLE TO:

The Head of the School of Pharmacy and Life Sciences is directly

responsible to the Dean of the Faculty of Health and Social Care, for

providing leadership within the policies and procedures laid down

from time to time by the Board of Governors, the Academic Council,

and the Principal and Vice-Chancellor.

RESPONSIBLE FOR:

• providing visible leadership and focus for the future

development of the School within the context of existing and

future strategic plans

• ensuring that the University’s ambitions to provide excellent

professional education and applied research are fully

articulated in School plans and effectively delivered

• supporting the establishment of the Research Institute for

Health and Welfare and maintaining close liaison in order to

ensure the continued development of research within the

subject specialisms of the School

• liaising closely with health, social care and private sector to

ensure that appropriate undergraduate, post-graduate and

CPD courses are provided to meet the requirements of the

external marketplace

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• advising on and co-ordinating the deployment of resources

across the School, to delegate as appropriate and to supervise

and monitor their subsequent use, ensuring that it is

educationally and economically most effective

• networking, collaborating and partnering with employers and

other relevant organisations, professional bodies, private

sector etc. to promote the interests of the School, the Faculty

and the University

• managing and overseeing the future development of

curriculum, courses, and scholarship

DUTIES :

• implementing the academic programme of the School as

determined by the Academic Council within the School Plan

and subsequent changes, from time to time

• overseeing the academic work of the School including the

annual appraisal and the periodic review of courses

• co-ordinating the work of the School with that of other

Schools within the Faculty and University

• overseeing the arrangements for the admission of students,

provision of classes and assessment of students

• keeping records of the work of the School including the

performance of students and the utilisation of resources

• maintaining staff and student discipline within the School

• appraising staff performance and making arrangements for the

development of staff

• encouraging and promoting staff research and scholarly

activities

• liaising with key stakeholders and schools, including the

preparation of publicity material

• undertaking teaching and research as appropriate

• preparing estimates of resources required

• deploying available resources in the way that is educationally

and economically most effective, and in accordance with the

University’s health & safety policies

• monitoring the arrangements for the maintenance of

equipment, furnishings and facilities available to the School

• timeously preparing and submitting factual information about

the work of the School required by senior management for

internal use, or to meet the requirements of external

authorities

• participating in the committee work of the University

• developing and implementing a health and safety plan for the

School

• such other duties as may be assigned from time to time

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PERSON PROFILE

We would expect that candidates would fit closely the following profile:

• An inspirational leader with the credibility and confidence to

apply strong leadership and management across all disciplines

within the school

• Possesses the vision, passion and personal commitment to the

advancement of Pharmacy and Life Sciences within a modern,

practice based University

• An ability to set the context and strategic direction that will

transform and enable the School to meet the challenges of the

21st century

• Significant experience of pharmacy or life sciences education

with a passion to create a modern, innovative, learning

environment. Practice experience preferred but not essential

• A clear commitment to the values of Higher Education

and specifically to the vision, mission and priorities of the

University

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• An appropriate professional qualification(s) in Pharmacy or Life

Sciences with evidence of relevant continuous professional

development. PhD or research capability preferred

• An alliances and partnerships builder, internally and

particularly externally, through strong stakeholder networking,

political and relationship building skills

• A proven manager of change within a complex, challenging

and dynamic environment

• An ability to act in a leadership capacity as a research enabler,

with a strong awareness of the research agenda

• An ability to translate vision into strategy and success over a

3-5 year horizon

• A competent financial and performance manager

• A developer of staff and “self-developer”

• A highly effective communicator - oral, written, persuading

and influencing, presentational

In addition, the management team agreed 12 critical leadership behaviours that all managers should exhibit or plan to develop:

• Communicates a clear and consistent vision (or plan) with

commitment

• Champions change – able to engage others and enhance buy-in

• Treats people with respect

• Demonstrates integrity and high ethical standards

• Sets and sustains high personal standards of delivery

• Is decisive, particularly when confronted with challenging issues

• Able to adapt and capitalise on new opportunities

• Builds effective relationships

• Builds effective team performance

• Openly encourages and recognises the contribution of others

• Gives constructive feedback on a regular basis

• Encourages personal development and provides appropriate

opportunities

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ABERDEEN CITY AND SHIRE

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ROBERT GORDON UNIVERSITY IS LOCATED IN ABERDEEN WHICH IS SCOTLAND’S THIRD LARGEST CITY WITH A POPULATION IN EXCESS OF 200,000 AND 400,000 INCLUDING THE WIDER ABERDEEN HINTERLAND. THE MERCER 2010 ‘QUALITY OF LIVING’ SURVEY RECENTLY RATED ABERDEEN AS ONE OF THE TOP WORLD CITIES AND SECOND ONLY TO LONDON IN THE UK.

The city is known internationally as the undisputed European capital

of the energy industry. However, it also has many other sides to its

character. Not least because it is located on the edge of the world

renowned Scottish Highlands and the spectacular Cairngorms - a

magnet for walkers, climbers and skiers from across the UK.

Aberdeen is undeniably a wealthy city; it has one of the highest per

capita incomes of any city after London in the UK. Such prosperity

brings many benefits. The city boasts first-class facilities. Shopping

and leisure opportunities are constantly expanding. Schooling at all

levels is well catered for – with secondary schooling, in particular,

recognised for its quality in both the public and private sectors. The

hotel sector continues to expand its full range of provision as you

would expect of an energy capital.

Aberdeen also offers a fine array of cultural attractions. There is an

eclectic mix of bars, cafés and restaurants and a host of modern

entertainments including cinemas, theatres, museums, galleries and

concert halls. And, throughout the year, Aberdeen also plays host to

several entertaining and stimulating festivals including the Aberdeen

Alternative Festival and the International Youth Festival.

Aberdeen International Airport has direct connections with the major

‘hub’ airports of Paris, Amsterdam and Oslo as well as London (Gatwick,

Heathrow and Luton) and Dublin. It also has established connections

with a wide range of other major UK cities.

Useful linksTo view our interactive site on Aberdeenshire, with excellent

information on education, health, housing, transport and weather,

please visit: http://www2.rgu.ac.uk/aberdeenshire/

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CORPORATE MANAGEMENT ARRANGEMENTS

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THE BOARD OF GOVERNORSThe Board of Governors of the University is constituted in accordance

with The Robert Gordon University (Scotland) Order of Council 2006.

The Board is composed of appointed and elected Governors who

have experience of higher education, industrial, commercial, and

public service sectors and a wide range of professional practice. Staff

and Student Governors are elected and have equal standing with

those others who are appointed.

The Board of Governors has the following standing committees -

• Chairman’s Committee

• Staff Governance Committee

• Audit Committee

• Finance and General Purposes Committee

• Nominations Committee

• Remuneration Committee.

THE ACADEMIC COUNCIL The Board are required to delegate to the Academic Council those

functions relating to the planning, co-ordination, development and

supervision of the academic work of the University. Academic Council

is chaired by the Principal & Vice Chancellor. Much of the work of

the Academic Council is delivered through standing committees, sub-

committees, Faculty Boards, School Committees and course panels.

As a result a large proportion of the University community are involved

in its activities. The Principal reports to the Board of Governors on the

work of the Academic Council regularly.

THE ROLE OF THE PRINCIPAL & VICE CHANCELLORThe Board of Governors is required to delegate to the Principal &

Vice Chancellor those functions relating to the organisation and

management of the University. The Principal & Vice Chancellor is

the chief academic, administrative and accounting officer for the

University, effectively the “Chief Executive”.

STRATEGIC PLANNING AND RESOURCES GROUP (SPARG)In ensuring the efficient management of the University, the Principal

& Vice Chancellor is assisted and supported by the Strategic Planning

and Resources Group (SPARG) which comprises four Vice-Principals

and Pro Vice Chancellors (one of which is ‘senior’ and is the Deputy

P&VC), two Executive Directors, Human Resources and Information

Technology, three Deans of Faculty and two other Deans (Learning

Enhancement and Students). The four Vice-Principals each carry

a specific strategic role focussed on the planning and resources,

teaching, research and student experience agendas and all members

of SPARG carry wider portfolios which may change over time.

SENIOR MANAGEMENT GROUP (SMG)

The Senior Management Group comprises all Heads of School

and appropriate Heads of Department within the University. The

SMG was established following a review of ‘involvement’ and

communications to facilitate better and more frequent involvement in

policy development and a better flow of information across the whole

University. This group has regular meetings with SPARG.

For further information, please visit:

www.rgu.ac.uk/about/senior-management

30

SalaryThe salary for this appointment is £65432-£77156.

Objective setting & performance reviewYou will be required to maintain your expertise and professional

membership (where relevant), to undertake programmes of personal

development, and to participate in objective setting and performance/

contribution review.

Annual leave

You will be entitled to 33 days annual leave with pay per annum in

addition to 10 Fixed Public and Statutory Holidays.

PensionWe operate under the Scottish Teachers and Local Government

Pension Schemes. Contributions are made by employer and employee

and they are both “final salary” schemes incorporating ill health and

death benefits. The schemes are widely recognised as excellent

schemes. If you have a personal pension we will discuss with you the

most appropriate arrangements.

Form of contract & Notice PeriodThe contract offered is expected to be a normal substantive contract.

The notice period is negotiable but we would expect it to be not less

than 6 months. However, there may be candidates for whom other

forms of contractual arrangement would be beneficial and, at this

stage, we are open minded as to the final outcome.

Sick paySick Pay entitlement is generous (up to six months full pay and six

months half pay) as would be expected under public service scheme

arrangements, however, in the event of long term ill health, we reserve

the right to seek early medical evaluation.

Conflict of Interest, Confidentiality & Intellectual Property RightsWe will expect that all other paid or unpaid appointments or

employments are declared as a part of the appointment process. We

encourage appropriate external activity within the higher education

community and beyond as this can enhance the University’s influence

and reputation. However this can also lead to conflicts of interest

and it is in the best interests of all stakeholders if other activities are

declared, reviewed and properly approved. An annual declaration

is also required by the Principal, SPARG and most other senior

managers.

SUMMARY OF CONTRACT TERMS & CONDITIONS

Our contracts include appropriate clauses that preserve for the

University the right to confidentiality of its legitimate commercial

interests and other rights over material property in its ownership.

RelocationWe will agree with the successful candidate relocation assistance

appropriate to his/her particular circumstances, with a maximum

allowance of 12% of salary (subject to Inland Revenue conditions

and terms of the Relocation Policy). You will be required to reside in

Aberdeen or within 30 minutes travel to work distance of it.

Other benefitsYou will have access to a range of voluntary and salary sacrifice

benefits, including personal healthcare, dental plans, health cash

plans, childcare vouchers and cycle to work schemes, as well as an

onsite Sports Centre and Nursery.

We are keen to ensure that your career move is appropriately

rewarded and if circumstances dictate, we will discuss the terms of the

overall package with the successful candidate. Unfortunately we are

unable to offer car, car loan or leasing arrangements.

Pre-employment medicalA comprehensive pre-employment medical will be required of the

successful candidate.

Disclosure ScotlandA Disclosure Scotland check will be requested for the successful

applicant.

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32

PolicyAdvisor

Vice Principal& Pro

Vice-Chancellor(Research &

Commercialisation)

CREDO

Secretary tothe Board

Senior VicePrincipal &

DeputyVice-Chancellor

(AcademicDevelopment

& Quality)

Dean for theEnhancement of

Learning,Teaching & Assessment

Department forthe Enhancement

of Learning,Teaching &Assessment

Academic Affairs

LibraryServices

UniversitySolicitor

Vice Principal& Pro

Vice-Chancellor(Student

Experience)& ExternalRelations)

Dean ofStudents

StudentServices

Student Recruitment

Development Office

StudentAdministration

CommunicationsOffice

Dean ofFaculty ofDesign &

Technology

School of Computing

School ofEngineering

Gray’sSchoolof Art

The ScottSutherlandSchool of

Architecture& Built

Environment

Dean ofFaculty ofHealth &

Social Care

School of AppliedSocial Studies

School ofHealth

Sciences

School ofNursing &Midwifery

School ofPharmacy

& Life Sciences

ExecutiveDirector

(InformationTechnology &

Communication)

IT Services

Univation

RecordsManagement

ExecutiveDirector(Human

Resources)

HumanResources

OrganisationDevelopment& Leadership

Occupational & Environmental

Health &Safety

The GatehouseDesign &

PrintConsultancy

Vice Principal& Pro

Vice Chancellor(Planning & Resources)

Dean ofAberdeenBusinessSchool

Department ofAccounting,Finance &Economics

Department ofCommunication,

Marketing & Media

Department ofInformation

Management

Department ofLaw

Department of Management

Vice Principal& Pro

Vice-Chancellor(Planning & Resources)

Finance &Procurement

Estates &Property Services

RGU: SPORT

Planning

Principal & Vice-Chancellor

SENIOR MANAGEMENT GROUP ORGANISATION CHART

33

PolicyAdvisor

Vice Principal& Pro

Vice-Chancellor(Research &

Commercialisation)

CREDO

Secretary tothe Board

Senior VicePrincipal &

DeputyVice-Chancellor

(AcademicDevelopment

& Quality)

Dean for theEnhancement of

Learning,Teaching & Assessment

Department forthe Enhancement

of Learning,Teaching &Assessment

Academic Affairs

LibraryServices

UniversitySolicitor

Vice Principal& Pro

Vice-Chancellor(Student

Experience)& ExternalRelations)

Dean ofStudents

StudentServices

Student Recruitment

Development Office

StudentAdministration

CommunicationsOffice

Dean ofFaculty ofDesign &

Technology

School of Computing

School ofEngineering

Gray’sSchoolof Art

The ScottSutherlandSchool of

Architecture& Built

Environment

Dean ofFaculty ofHealth &

Social Care

School of AppliedSocial Studies

School ofHealth

Sciences

School ofNursing &Midwifery

School ofPharmacy

& Life Sciences

ExecutiveDirector

(InformationTechnology &

Communication)

IT Services

Univation

RecordsManagement

ExecutiveDirector(Human

Resources)

HumanResources

OrganisationDevelopment& Leadership

Occupational & Environmental

Health &Safety

The GatehouseDesign &

PrintConsultancy

Vice Principal& Pro

Vice Chancellor(Planning & Resources)

Dean ofAberdeenBusinessSchool

Department ofAccounting,Finance &Economics

Department ofCommunication,

Marketing & Media

Department ofInformation

Management

Department ofLaw

Department of Management

Vice Principal& Pro

Vice-Chancellor(Planning & Resources)

Finance &Procurement

Estates &Property Services

RGU: SPORT

Planning

Principal & Vice-Chancellor

34

HOW TO APPLY

For more information and to apply, submit your CV to:

Amanda SingletonManaging Consultant, Hudson Search and Selection Email:amanda.singleton@hudson.comTel: 0131 555 9913

Caledonian Exchange19a Canning StreetEdinburghEH3 8EG

Please enclose with your application:

• A full CV, including educational and professional qualifications, a

full employment history showing the more significant positions,

responsibilities held, relevant achievements, budgets and staff

managed, and latest remuneration including any benefits;

• A covering note of not more than two pages (total) summarising

your proven ability related to the person and job specifications;

• Daytime, evening and/or mobile telephone numbers (to be used

with discretion).

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The process

An initial selection of candidates will be invited to have a preliminary

discussion with Hudson and candidates will be provided with

additional briefing information.

Candidates who are selected for interview will be notified week

commencing 1st November 2010.

Final Panel Interviews will take place week commencing 8th November

2010.

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Robert Gordon University, Garthdee Campus, Garthdee Road, Aberdeen, AB10 7QE, United Kingdom

Produced by The GatehouseDesign & Print Consultancy at Robert Gordon University

Robert Gordon University, a Scottish Charity registered under charity number SC013781