Photo by Vicki Foster
Key process dates
| Closing date, 23.55 GMT | Monday 16th February 2026 |
| Preliminary interviews with GatenbySanderson | w/c 2nd March and 9th March 2026 |
| Shortlist selected | w/c 16th March 2026 |
| Preparatory conversations for next steps with GatenbySanderson | w/c 16th March 2026 |
| 1-1 with HE HM Commissioner Colin Martin-Reynolds CMG (w/c) 1 | w/c 23rd March and 30th March 2026 |
| GatenbySanderson continues supporting candidates with preparation | w/c 23rd March and 30th March 2026 |
| Final panel interviews (online) | Monday 6th April 2026 |