Committee Volunteering

As part of the 2025–28 College Strategy, St Cross has been reviewing its committee structure to ensure our governance arrangements reflect best practice and support effective decision-making. Following consultation with staff, students and Fellows, the College's committees have been reorganised into a revised structure. The new committee framework, together with updated Terms of Reference and Standing Orders, has been approved by Governing Body and will be piloted during the 2026/27 academic year.

As part of the new arrangements, we are seeking a number of external members to join College committees and bring additional expertise, experience and independent perspectives to our governance. Opportunities are available on the newly established Resources & Operations Committee, Governance & Risk Committee, and Common Room Committee. Members will have the opportunity to attend meetings remotely. Please read below summaries of each committee's remit, together with details of the expected time commitment for members.

Governance and Risk Committee (2 x external members, Meetings 1 hour long, 1x a term)

The Governance & Risk Committee oversees the adequacy and effectiveness of the College’s compliance with legal and regulatory frameworks, including health and safety, risk management, governance, and whistleblowing. The Committee also reviews the quality of data submitted to HESA, the Student Loans Company, the Office for Students, and other funding bodies. The Committee supports the College in fulfilling statutory requirements and providing a safe, well-regulated environment for the College community.

We welcome applications from individuals with senior-level experience in one or more of the following areas:

Governance and regulatory compliance
Risk management and internal controls
Audit and assurance
Health and safety governance
Data governance and information management
Charity, higher education or public sector governance

Successful candidates will bring an independent perspective, sound judgement and the ability to provide constructive challenge while supporting the College in maintaining effective governance, managing risk, ensuring regulatory compliance and providing assurance.

Resources and Operations Committee (2 x external members, Meetings 1.5 hours long, 3x a term)

The Resources and Operations Committee oversees and advises on matters relating to College operations and assets and has delegated authority to manage the College’s overall financial position. The Committee supports the College in delivering an inclusive, supportive, and well-governed academic, residential and social environment consistent with the College’s values and the wider mission of the University of Oxford.

We welcome applications from individuals with senior-level experience in one or more of the following areas:

Finance, investments and long-term financial sustainability
Estates, facilities and capital projects
Environmental sustainability and net-zero programmes
Human resources and organisational development
Information technology, cyber security or digital transformation

Successful candidates will bring strategic insight, sound judgement and the ability to provide constructive challenge while supporting the College in the stewardship of its finances, assets, operations and long-term sustainability

Common Room Committee (1 x alumni member, Meetings 1 hour long, 2x a term)

The Common Room Committee plans and develops the College’s social, cultural, and recreational activities, including wine provision, sports, and the arts. The Committee prepares an annual budget each Trinity Term for approval by the Executive Committee and allocates resources within that budget. The Committee aims to enhance College life through a balanced programme of events and facilities, ensuring quality, accessibility, and value for money. The Committee is consultative rather than policy-making. It receives reports and proposals from the Student Representative Committee.

We would benefit from a wide range of experience on this committee, but particular interest would be welcomed from candidates with experience of:

Arts, culture, heritage or public engagement
Sport, recreation or wellbeing programmes
Event management and hospitality
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion initiatives
Environmental sustainability in events or community activities
Higher education, student unions, colleges or membership organisations

Successful candidates will bring an external perspective, creativity and collaborative working, helping the College to foster an inclusive, engaging and vibrant community for students, Fellows, staff and alumni.

How to Apply

We encourage applications from alumni who wish to give back to the College by sharing their skills, experience and perspectives, helping to shape its future and support the success of current and future generations of students. If you would be interested in serving on one of these committees or would like to discuss the opportunities, please do not hesitate to get in touch via development@stx.ox.ac.uk by Wednesday 26^th August, 2026.