Further particulars

Further information on the role

Thank you for looking further into our Court roles. We hope the information below is helpful and that you choose to apply.

Lay members of the Court are independent of the University and contribute by providing an external perspective on important issues. Membership is for a three-year term, with the option to be considered for two further three-year terms.

Court members would be expected to:

• make a positive contribution to the strategic development of the University, sharing their skills and experience from other contexts;
• review and advise on the University’s performance, ensuring the robustness and transparency of the required monitoring and controls, governance and assurance systems;
• be a critical friend, ambassador and advocate for the University;
• challenge and debate constructively during meetings, and contribute to the effectiveness the Court and any Court Committee they serve as part of a cohesive group with collective responsibilities;
• analyse complex issues and apply strategic and analytical approaches to the collective decision making process;
• recognise and respect the balance and interactions between governance and executive management functions;
• support equality, diversity and inclusion, and demonstrate through their behaviours the University’s values of Inspire, Belong, Collaborate and Celebrate;
• seek to advance their knowledge and understanding of the complex and changing higher education environment, nationally and internationally; and
• participate in the life of the University more widely.

The University Secretary, the governance team and fellow governors are all on hand to help new members and induction is provided to help governors develop their knowledge and skills.

The Court normally meets seven times a year. There are five regular business meetings that last around half a day. These are currently held via Microsoft Teams. Members will prepare for meetings by reviewing the papers circulated, which should take no more than half a day on each occasion. Court members are also invited to attend two Court Strategy Days per year on the Edinburgh Campus, one in November and one in May. The minimum expected time commitment for the role is approximately twenty days per academic year. This includes membership of one Court Committee. On this occasion, the new Court member will be invited to join the Audit and Risk Committee.

Members are also encouraged to take a general interest in activities open to them to develop their understanding of the University and its community.