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CONTRIBUTE TO OUR SUCCESS

The University Court, which is the University’s governing body, is looking to appoint up to two new independent (Lay) members to start this autumn. 

In appointing to vacancies we are looking to rebalance and, in some areas, enhance the Court in terms of membership skills and experience; and in terms of member diversity, to better reflect the communities that the university serves.

We recognise the value that diversity of perspectives and lived experiences brings to Court, and therefore would welcome and encourage applications from people who identify as Black, Asian or from a Minority Ethnic background, and to preserve gender balance on the Court in accordance with the Gender Representation on Public Boards (Scotland) Act 2018, we would welcome and encourage applications from women.

We are particularly interested to hear from individuals who can bring expertise and/or experience in the following areas: Health and Health Policy; Higher Education; and Human Resources.

Further information about the role of Court members and the application process can be found in the Supplementary Information document.

Equality and Diversity Monitoring Form

Applications are invited by Sunday, 7 July 2024.

The GIVE scheme is a route to board membership for Â鶹ӰԺ alumni.

If you are a graduate of Â鶹ӰԺ, think you might have something to offer the University’s governing body, but currently lack the board experience or confidence you need to join it, the GIVE scheme could be for you.

We are currently accepting applications from people interested in participating in the scheme in the 2024/2025 academic year (closing date is 1 July 2024).

Please see the GIVE scheme webpage for further information.

Pamela Woodburn took up the role of Chair of the University Court on 1 April 2021, having been elected to the role by an electorate made up of the University’s students, staff and Court members, and following a competitive application and interview process.

Pamela has worked in senior leadership roles in both strategic and operational roles in non-executive and executive positions. During her varied career, she has held high ranking positions in a number of sectors including in economic development, housing and international development, as well as in both further and higher education.

With significant governance experience gained over the last 20 years, Pamela was a member of the Court of Edinburgh Napier University – five years of which she served as Vice Chair.

Outside education, Pamela has chaired the board of a major housing organisation and has worked to support social enterprise and charitable organisations. Earlier in her career she was Senior Director of the government agency, Scottish Enterprise, and held a number of strategic and operational roles.

Aligning with Â鶹ӰԺ’s specialisms, throughout her career Pamela has supported Scottish companies in key industries such as tourism, food and drink, creative industries and financial services. She has also developed programmes for Business Gateway and has a passion for nutrition, health and wellbeing, as well as supporting entrepreneurship.

Public Announcement of Election Outcome

Role Specification and Appointment Particulars

For information on our Court members, see our Court web page

The Court is comprised of:

• between 11 and 15 lay members who bring with them skills and experience of value to the University;
• the Principal and Deputy Principal;
• three staff members, two of whom are elected by staff, one who is appointed by Senate; 
• two members nominated by trade unions recognised by the University (from 1 October 2019); and
• two members nominated by the University’s Students’ Union.

Members hold office for a fixed term, normally 3 years (but members may serve a second 3-year term), and they exercise their responsibilities in the interests of the University as a whole rather than as a representative of any constituency. They agree to abide by the University Court’s Code of Conduct and must complete a Register of Interests form annually.

Court members commit to conducting themselves in accordance with the Nine Principles of Public Life in Scotland: Selflessness, Integrity, Objectivity, Accountability, Openness, Honesty, Leadership, Public Service, and Respect.

The Court meets at least five times a year and the business of each meeting is recorded in the Court Minutes.

Agendas and Minutes can be viewed on the Court Meetings ·É±ð²ú±è²¹²µ±ð.Ìý

Skills Matrix of Â鶹ӰԺ Lay Court Members

Reports on Governance

Internal review of University implementation of the Scottish Code of Good Higher Education Governance

Court Effectiveness Review

Report produced by the University's Court Effectiveness Review Working Group - 2022

Report produced by the University's Court Effectiveness Review Working Group

A Report to the Court Effectiveness Review Working Group from the External Adviser

Court Effectiveness Review action plan

This Handbook is a guide for members of the Â鶹ӰԺ Court which provides members with an overview of the key aspects of the University and the University Court relevant to their role as a member of the University Court.

Court Members Handbook

Appendix 1 - Â鶹ӰԺ Strategic Plan

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Appendix 3 - Current Senior Leadership Team

Appendix 4 - Terms of Reference and Composition of Court Standing Committees

Appendix 5 - Terms of Reference and Composition of Senate and Senate Standing Committees

Appendix 6 - Financial Memorandum between Â鶹ӰԺ and SFC

Appendix 8 - The Nine Principles of Conduct in Public Life in Scotland

Appendix 9 - The Code of Conduct for Court of Â鶹ӰԺ

Appendix 11 - Court Standing Orders - October 2019

Appendix 12 - Â鶹ӰԺ Court Delegated Authorisation Schedule

Appendix 15 - Â鶹ӰԺ Articles of Association

Appendix 16 - UK Corporate Governance Code - 2018

Appendix 17 - Â鶹ӰԺ Risk Management Strategy

Appendix 18 - Role Descriptions of Members of Â鶹ӰԺ Court

Appendix 19 - Standard Appointment Letter for Lay Members of Court

Appendix 20 - Â鶹ӰԺ Court Statement of Primary Responsibilities

Appendix 21 - Court Effectiveness Review 2022