Members of the Council
Independent council members are chosen for their knowledge and expertise, and ensure the University is run as effectively and...
The Role
The Council of King’s College London seeks to appoint an independent co-opted member for the Finance Committee. This will be a stimulating, challenging and rewarding opportunity to join a major committee of the Council, and will offer the opportunity to help secure the College’s position as one of the world’s finest universities, acting in the service of society. Alongside the skills and experience commensurate with holding a high profile non-executive position, candidates will demonstrate a genuine empathy for King’s – its mission, values and way of working. In addition, candidates will offer a commercial mind-set with the ability to synthesise complex information readily and to contribute to a wide range of strategic discussions in a collegiate manner. We would welcome interest from those who can contribute to a number of agendas, with skills in Banking, particularly Debt financing preferable.
Appointment details
Salary
The role is non-remunerated (reasonable expenses will be reimbursed)
Terms
A maximum of three consecutive 3-year terms Approx. six 2-hour meetings per calendar year
Closing date for applications:
29 September 2025 23:59
Vacancy ID
123266
About The Council
The Council is the University’s governing body with the legal and financial responsibility to ensure the University operates effectively and sustainably in the long-term. The structure of the Council is in line with guidance on good university governance produced by the Committee of University Chairs (CUC) and with other higher education institutions in the UK. Like other universities, King’s College London is a charity and our Council members which include staff, students and appointed independent members, serve as its Trustees. They have a legal fiduciary duty to act in the long-term interests of the university, not as representatives of any part of the university, or of any individual, interest, faction or group. They must ensure that the University’s affairs are conducted in an effective, prudent and financially viable and sustainable manner. We review our governance effectiveness every five years. Our latest regular review of governance of King’s was undertaken in the academic year 2023-24 with engagement from our students and staff. King’s is extremely proud of the diversity and calibre of our staff, students, and independent Council members, who are working to ensure that King’s continues to be a great place to study and work. They give up their time voluntarily and are unpaid to serve on Council and its standing committees. Our Council, like almost all UK universities, has a majority of appointed independent members. Independent council members are chosen for their knowledge and expertise, and to ensure the University is run as effectively and efficiently as possible, as our staff and students would expect. Alongside appointed independent members, our Council includes elected staff and student representation. Today, the Council consists of 12 independent members, each offering specific expertise across a range of key areas, as well as ensuring accountability on decision making and the spending of public funds. In addition to independent members, the Council membership includes the Vice-Chancellor & President, the President of King's College London Student Union (KCLSU) and six staff. Lord Stevens of Birmingham Kt. took up the appointment of Chair of King’s College Council on 1 January 2025. Lord Stevens has had a distinguished career in public service in the UK and internationally.
The Committees
The Council’s work is supported by several committees and sub-committees. There are robust governance procedures in place to ensure transparent and independent decision-making processes across the entire governance structure. This includes clear separation between Council meetings and our investment management decisions, which are made by a separate committee and taken on independent professional advice. The Council is supported by a number of standing committees that help its business and decision-making processes. They are: • Academic Board • Audit, Risk and Compliance Committee • Estates Committee • Fellowships and Honorary Degrees Committee • Governance, Performance and Remuneration Committee • People Committee • Finance Committee supported by the Investment Sub-committee
The Finance Committee
The Finance Committee, chaired by the Honorary Treasurer, is the committee of the Council responsible for formulating policies for the effective management and control of the financial affairs of the University. It exercises, on behalf of the Council, specific powers specified in Statute 7 (for more detail see its terms of reference) and is generally responsible to the Council for the effective control of the assets and revenues of the University, and the resource aspects of major King’s strategic projects. The Chair of the Finance Committee is Stephan Weiner, a former finance executive at Unilever where he spent 24 years with roles including Group Treasurer and Group Controller. Steve was appointed an independent member of the College Council in January 2023 and is also Chair of the Finance Committee. Further details on the responsibility of the Finance Committee: • Responsible to the College Council for the effective assurance of the management and control of the financial affairs and assets of the College and its subsidiary companies, in accordance with the Financial Memorandum from OfS and similar obligations from other funding bodies. • Formulates, for the approval of the Council, strategies and policies for the effective management and control of the financial affairs of the College. • Responsible to the Council for the effective control of the assets and revenues of the College. • On behalf of the Council, makes and regularly reviews Financial Regulations governing the arrangements for the proper management of the College’s finances and financial affairs, assets, monies and resources. • Reviews the annual accounts having regard to any implications for College strategy and in conjunction with the Audit, Risk and Compliance Committee approves the financial statements for recommendation to Council. • Approves, for recommendation to the Council, the College budget for the succeeding financial year. • Oversees the work of and receives reports from the Investment Sub-Committee.
Membership Term & Remuneration
All members of the Finance Committee who do not serve ex-officio shall normally serve a maximum of two consecutive three-year terms, with the possibility of extension for a further single three-year term (up to a maximum of nine years) in exceptional circumstances. The typical workload involves attending and preparing for meetings. Service on the Finance Committee is not remunerated; however, members will be reimbursed for reasonable expenses incurred in carrying out their responsibilities. The appointment will be made by the College Council on the recommendation of the Council’s Governance and Nominations Committee. New members of the Committee are provided with an induction and training opportunities.
Frequency of Meetings & Time Commitment
The Finance Committee meets three times a year, once per term usually between 1600 and 1800, and three times a year jointly with the Estates Strategy Committee. Papers are circulated seven days in advance of each meeting, and members are expected to prepare appropriately for each meeting.
Committees
Standing committees support the College Council's business and decision-making processes.
Governance, policies and procedures
The governance structure and procedures of King’s College London ensures transparent and effective governance of the University
Finance Committee
The Finance Committee, is responsible for formulating policies for the effective management and control of the financial affairs...
Key Skills and Experience
• A professional qualification in accounting, finance or investment management (preferred but not essential) • Relevant experience gained in a board level or executive role in an organisation of comparable scale and complexity to King’s • An appreciation of issues that affect strategic planning, capital investment decision making and financial planning/budgeting • Familiarity with charity financial management and regulatory requirements (preferred but not essential) • Able to develop a broad-based view of strategic and operational issues and challenges, and perceive their long-term impact • Able to work positively with others, offering challenge whilst maintaining a constructive and collegiate atmosphere, recognising and respecting the complementary skills and experiences of colleagues • Numeracy, with excellent analytical skills and the ability to interrogate and interpret complex information and reports. • An understanding and empathy of the mission, vision and objectives of King’s College London. • Strong commitment of service to the entire university community. • Appreciation of the importance of confidentiality in collective decision making. • Able to absorb high volumes of complex information and offer constructive advice appropriately; able to think laterally and arrive at pragmatic solutions • Some experience of serving on committees or working groups would be beneficial, although no previous experience of finance committees is assumed or required. • Commitment to upholding the Nolan Principles of Public Life (selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty, and leadership).
King's College London
King's College London offers an intellectually stimulating environment in which to work, where staff are dedicated to the advancement of knowledge and learning in the service of society. We are a multi-Faculty institution, providing high-quality education, research and innovation across the humanities, sciences, medicine, law, dentistry, and social sciences. Kings has over 40,000 students from over 150 countries studying in person and online, and has over 12,000 employees (approx. 10,000 full time equivalents). The 2024/25 turnover was £1.3 billion. The King’s financial strategy aims to create an annual investable surplus of c. £120 million from operations by financial year 2027/28. King’s academics are members of 9 Faculties, based on 5 campuses in central and SE London. Together the King’s community delivers a comprehensive portfolio of outstanding and impactful research and education in close partnership with the vibrant arts and culture ecosystem across London along with other universities and partners across the globe. We are ranked 31st in the world (QS World University Rankings 2026) and 36th in the world (Times Higher Education World Rankings 2025). King’s vision is to make the world a better place through world-leading education, research and service to society. King’s provides world-class education which enables students to become rounded critical thinkers, set up for success and with the character and wisdom to strive for social change. Through enquiry-driven research, King's delivers transformative insights and solutions that have the power to advance and accelerate global progress.
Our Leadership and Faculties
King’s is led by the Vice-Chancellor & President Professor Shitij Kapur and is supported by his senior leadership and management team. Further details can be found on the links on the right. Our comprehensive range of disciplines are organised into nine Faculties: • Faculty of Arts & Humanities • Faculty of Dentistry, Oral & Craniofacial Sciences • Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine • Faculty of Natural, Mathematical & Engineering Sciences • Faculty of Social Science & Public Policy • Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing, Midwifery & Palliative Care • Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience • King’s Business School • The Dickson Poon School of Law
About King's
King's College London provides a dynamic habitat for individuals looking to expand their career prospects
Our people
Through all our work, we aim to make the world a better place.
Our finances
The latest financial statements for King's and how our income is invested.
Please quote the vacancy id: 123266 in all correspondence.
Closing date for applications: 29 September 2025 23:59
Application process
To apply for this post you will need to register on the King’s College London job opportunities page and submit the application form, along with the following: • a concise statement setting out your reasons for applying for the role and highlighting the particular skills and experience which you feel you would bring (two pages maximum) • a curriculum vitae
Contact the team
For an informal discussion or to find out more about the role please contact the King’s Search Team.
Selection process
In person interviews will take place in October 2025 (date TBC). The appointment will be made by the College Council recommendation of the Council’s Governance, Performance and Remuneration Committee. New members of the Committee are provided with an induction and training opportunities.
Equal opportunities
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion are central tenets of King’s Vision 2029 which sets out the roadmap for King’s ambition to provide an exceptional student experience and to be an employer of choice. Integral to this is ensuring equality of opportunity and outcome, recognising, celebrating and improving our diversity and inclusion. As a responsible employer we aim to provide and promote a positive working, learning, and social environment which is free from prejudice, discrimination and any forms of harassment, bullying or victimisation. Our commitment to inclusion means that King’s aims to create an environment where differences are not just respected, but also valued and celebrated. Everyone should be able to bring their whole self to King’s. All King’s students, staff and affiliates are responsible for meeting these commitments to value diversity and create an inclusive environment. King's will support and equip all members of its community to do this, embedding inclusion throughout the university’s policies, procedures, and practices.
Committee calendar
Committee meeting details for 2025 to 2027.
Apply now
Apply for the Independent Co-opted Member of the Finance Committee role
About The Council
The Council is the University’s governing body with the legal and financial responsibility to ensure the University operates effectively and sustainably in the long-term. The structure of the Council is in line with guidance on good university governance produced by the Committee of University Chairs (CUC) and with other higher education institutions in the UK. Like other universities, King’s College London is a charity and our Council members which include staff, students and appointed independent members, serve as its Trustees. They have a legal fiduciary duty to act in the long-term interests of the university, not as representatives of any part of the university, or of any individual, interest, faction or group. They must ensure that the University’s affairs are conducted in an effective, prudent and financially viable and sustainable manner. We review our governance effectiveness every five years. Our latest regular review of governance of King’s was undertaken in the academic year 2023-24 with engagement from our students and staff. King’s is extremely proud of the diversity and calibre of our staff, students, and independent Council members, who are working to ensure that King’s continues to be a great place to study and work. They give up their time voluntarily and are unpaid to serve on Council and its standing committees. Our Council, like almost all UK universities, has a majority of appointed independent members. Independent council members are chosen for their knowledge and expertise, and to ensure the University is run as effectively and efficiently as possible, as our staff and students would expect. Alongside appointed independent members, our Council includes elected staff and student representation. Today, the Council consists of 12 independent members, each offering specific expertise across a range of key areas, as well as ensuring accountability on decision making and the spending of public funds. In addition to independent members, the Council membership includes the Vice-Chancellor & President, the President of King's College London Student Union (KCLSU) and six staff. Lord Stevens of Birmingham Kt. took up the appointment of Chair of King’s College Council on 1 January 2025. Lord Stevens has had a distinguished career in public service in the UK and internationally.
The Committees
The Council’s work is supported by several committees and sub-committees. There are robust governance procedures in place to ensure transparent and independent decision-making processes across the entire governance structure. This includes clear separation between Council meetings and our investment management decisions, which are made by a separate committee and taken on independent professional advice. The Council is supported by a number of standing committees that help its business and decision-making processes. They are: • Academic Board • Audit, Risk and Compliance Committee • Estates Committee • Fellowships and Honorary Degrees Committee • Governance, Performance and Remuneration Committee • People Committee • Finance Committee supported by the Investment Sub-committee
The Finance Committee
The Finance Committee, chaired by the Honorary Treasurer, is the committee of the Council responsible for formulating policies for the effective management and control of the financial affairs of the University. It exercises, on behalf of the Council, specific powers specified in Statute 7 (for more detail see its terms of reference) and is generally responsible to the Council for the effective control of the assets and revenues of the University, and the resource aspects of major King’s strategic projects. The Chair of the Finance Committee is Stephan Weiner, a former finance executive at Unilever where he spent 24 years with roles including Group Treasurer and Group Controller. Steve was appointed an independent member of the College Council in January 2023 and is also Chair of the Finance Committee. Further details on the responsibility of the Finance Committee: • Responsible to the College Council for the effective assurance of the management and control of the financial affairs and assets of the College and its subsidiary companies, in accordance with the Financial Memorandum from OfS and similar obligations from other funding bodies. • Formulates, for the approval of the Council, strategies and policies for the effective management and control of the financial affairs of the College. • Responsible to the Council for the effective control of the assets and revenues of the College. • On behalf of the Council, makes and regularly reviews Financial Regulations governing the arrangements for the proper management of the College’s finances and financial affairs, assets, monies and resources. • Reviews the annual accounts having regard to any implications for College strategy and in conjunction with the Audit, Risk and Compliance Committee approves the financial statements for recommendation to Council. • Approves, for recommendation to the Council, the College budget for the succeeding financial year. • Oversees the work of and receives reports from the Investment Sub-Committee.
Membership Term & Remuneration
All members of the Finance Committee who do not serve ex-officio shall normally serve a maximum of two consecutive three-year terms, with the possibility of extension for a further single three-year term (up to a maximum of nine years) in exceptional circumstances. The typical workload involves attending and preparing for meetings. Service on the Finance Committee is not remunerated; however, members will be reimbursed for reasonable expenses incurred in carrying out their responsibilities. The appointment will be made by the College Council on the recommendation of the Council’s Governance and Nominations Committee. New members of the Committee are provided with an induction and training opportunities.
Frequency of Meetings & Time Commitment
The Finance Committee meets three times a year, once per term usually between 1600 and 1800, and three times a year jointly with the Estates Strategy Committee. Papers are circulated seven days in advance of each meeting, and members are expected to prepare appropriately for each meeting.
Members of the Council
Independent council members are chosen for their knowledge and expertise, and ensure the University is run as effectively and...
Committees
Standing committees support the College Council's business and decision-making processes.
Governance, policies and procedures
The governance structure and procedures of King’s College London ensures transparent and effective governance of the University
Finance Committee
The Finance Committee, is responsible for formulating policies for the effective management and control of the financial affairs...
Key Skills and Experience
• A professional qualification in accounting, finance or investment management (preferred but not essential) • Relevant experience gained in a board level or executive role in an organisation of comparable scale and complexity to King’s • An appreciation of issues that affect strategic planning, capital investment decision making and financial planning/budgeting • Familiarity with charity financial management and regulatory requirements (preferred but not essential) • Able to develop a broad-based view of strategic and operational issues and challenges, and perceive their long-term impact • Able to work positively with others, offering challenge whilst maintaining a constructive and collegiate atmosphere, recognising and respecting the complementary skills and experiences of colleagues • Numeracy, with excellent analytical skills and the ability to interrogate and interpret complex information and reports. • An understanding and empathy of the mission, vision and objectives of King’s College London. • Strong commitment of service to the entire university community. • Appreciation of the importance of confidentiality in collective decision making. • Able to absorb high volumes of complex information and offer constructive advice appropriately; able to think laterally and arrive at pragmatic solutions • Some experience of serving on committees or working groups would be beneficial, although no previous experience of finance committees is assumed or required. • Commitment to upholding the Nolan Principles of Public Life (selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty, and leadership).
King's College London
King's College London offers an intellectually stimulating environment in which to work, where staff are dedicated to the advancement of knowledge and learning in the service of society. We are a multi-Faculty institution, providing high-quality education, research and innovation across the humanities, sciences, medicine, law, dentistry, and social sciences. Kings has over 40,000 students from over 150 countries studying in person and online, and has over 12,000 employees (approx. 10,000 full time equivalents). The 2024/25 turnover was £1.3 billion. The King’s financial strategy aims to create an annual investable surplus of c. £120 million from operations by financial year 2027/28. King’s academics are members of 9 Faculties, based on 5 campuses in central and SE London. Together the King’s community delivers a comprehensive portfolio of outstanding and impactful research and education in close partnership with the vibrant arts and culture ecosystem across London along with other universities and partners across the globe. We are ranked 31st in the world (QS World University Rankings 2026) and 36th in the world (Times Higher Education World Rankings 2025). King’s vision is to make the world a better place through world-leading education, research and service to society. King’s provides world-class education which enables students to become rounded critical thinkers, set up for success and with the character and wisdom to strive for social change. Through enquiry-driven research, King's delivers transformative insights and solutions that have the power to advance and accelerate global progress.
Our Leadership and Faculties
King’s is led by the Vice-Chancellor & President Professor Shitij Kapur and is supported by his senior leadership and management team. Further details can be found on the links on the right. Our comprehensive range of disciplines are organised into nine Faculties: • Faculty of Arts & Humanities • Faculty of Dentistry, Oral & Craniofacial Sciences • Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine • Faculty of Natural, Mathematical & Engineering Sciences • Faculty of Social Science & Public Policy • Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing, Midwifery & Palliative Care • Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience • King’s Business School • The Dickson Poon School of Law
About King's
King's College London provides a dynamic habitat for individuals looking to expand their career prospects
Our people
Through all our work, we aim to make the world a better place.
Our finances
The latest financial statements for King's and how our income is invested.
Please quote the vacancy id: 123266 in all correspondence.
Closing date for applications: 29 September 2025 23:59
Application process
To apply for this post you will need to register on the King’s College London job opportunities page and submit the application form, along with the following: • a concise statement setting out your reasons for applying for the role and highlighting the particular skills and experience which you feel you would bring (two pages maximum) • a curriculum vitae
Contact the team
For an informal discussion or to find out more about the role please contact the King’s Search Team.
Selection process
In person interviews will take place in October 2025 (date TBC). The appointment will be made by the College Council recommendation of the Council’s Governance, Performance and Remuneration Committee. New members of the Committee are provided with an induction and training opportunities.
Equal opportunities
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion are central tenets of King’s Vision 2029 which sets out the roadmap for King’s ambition to provide an exceptional student experience and to be an employer of choice. Integral to this is ensuring equality of opportunity and outcome, recognising, celebrating and improving our diversity and inclusion. As a responsible employer we aim to provide and promote a positive working, learning, and social environment which is free from prejudice, discrimination and any forms of harassment, bullying or victimisation. Our commitment to inclusion means that King’s aims to create an environment where differences are not just respected, but also valued and celebrated. Everyone should be able to bring their whole self to King’s. All King’s students, staff and affiliates are responsible for meeting these commitments to value diversity and create an inclusive environment. King's will support and equip all members of its community to do this, embedding inclusion throughout the university’s policies, procedures, and practices.
Committee calendar
Committee meeting details for 2025 to 2027.
Apply now
Apply for the Independent Co-opted Member of the Finance Committee role