Procedure
Chair of Court Election 2025
Learn more about the candidates for the position of Chair of Court
Updated on 17 November 2025
Following the election, Esther Roberton has been named our new Chair of Court
As many of you are aware, we have been without a permanent Chair of Court, the University’s governing body, since the early part of this year.
As we move forward in the recovery of the University the role of Chair is a crucial one to ensure good governance and oversee the work of the executive group, including the Principal.
I am delighted to announce that we are ready now to move towards an election of a new Chair of Court. Through a wide search for talent, we have selected three candidates. They will take part in an election hustings this week and then a vote will be held in which all staff and students can participate.
All three candidates have extensive experience at the most senior levels of public bodies and are all well positioned to lead the Court in its work over the coming years. I do not envy your decision, but I know that whatever the outcome we will be a stronger university for the leadership the successful candidate will bring.
I have heard many comments over previous months about the desire of staff and students to have a say on the future of the University. The election of the Chair is perhaps the most important opportunity to exercise this and be able to influence how the University is run.
I strongly encourage you to take this opportunity over the coming two weeks and cast your vote for our new Chair of Court.
Meet our candidates
Find out more about the role of Chair of Court at the University, and the responsibilities it entails
Watch the Chair of Court election hustings
We invited all three candidates for the role of Chair of Court to attend a hustings event. Each gave a statement and answered questions posed by the audience. You can watch this recording of the event:
Your vote
Who can vote
The electorate comprises:
- All students fully matriculated on the qualifying date, whether studying full-time or part-time and whether studying in Dundee or at distance, but to the exclusion of associate students;
- All staff of the University employed on substantive contracts on the qualifying date, whether full-time or part-time and whether permanent or temporary but to the exclusion of associate and honorary members of staff;
- All members of the University Court.
All electors have a single vote, irrespective of whether they fall into more than one category.
How to vote
Voting will open at 17:00 on Friday 21 November and close at 17:00 on Wednesday 26 November.
You can vote via the MSL voting system used previously for other University elections. You will not be able to access the Chair of Court Election outwith the voting period.
If you are both a member of staff and a student please use your staff login details to vote.
If you believe that you are entitled to vote but have any difficulties please contact the Court Admin team and they will be happy to help resolve the issue with you.