Lay Member of Court vacancies

UCAS Clearing 2025 - An aerial view over Dundee city campus with the Firth of Tay visible in the distance.

The University Court is the governing body of the University and is responsible for overseeing the institution’s activities, agreeing its vision and future strategic direction, and ensuring an environment that allows the University to achieve its objectives and all students and learners to reach their full potential.

Lay members are drawn from outside the University. They can be from any background; from public, private or voluntary sectors, and will have an understanding of or experience in the governance of such organisations

The Court appoints the Principal and Vice-Chancellor; approves the University budget and strategy, as well as the financial, human resources, estates and other operational plans which underpin their successful delivery; and monitors the University’s performance in achieving its goals. The Court is responsible for all regulatory compliance, and for establishing and monitoring effective systems of internal control. The Court is accountable to the Scottish Funding Council for the proper use of public funds.

In addition, the Court’s core responsibilities include being responsive to the interests of staff, students and other stakeholders, and ensuring the University adheres to requirements set by public bodies such as the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA), Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR), Office of the Scottish Information Commissioner (OSIC), the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman (SPSO) and UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).

The Court has 24 members in total, 14 of whom are lay members and 10 of whom are non-lay members. The individual membership categories are currently as follows:

Lay members (14 members)

  • Chair
  • Deputy Chair
  • Rector (or a nominated assessor)
  • One member nominated by Dundee City Council Executive
  • Ten co-opted lay members

Non-lay members (10 members)

  • Principal and Vice-Chancellor
  • Dundee University Students' Association President
  • Independent student member nominated by the Students’ Association
  • One member of academic staff nominated by the Trade Unions
  • One member of non-academic staff nominated by the Trade Unions
  • Three Senate Assessors (elected by the Senate)
  • Two Staff Council Assessors (elected by the Staff Council)

Further information on current members of the Court, including the Skills Matrix are available on the Court website.

Committees of Court comprise:

  • Finance and Policy
  • Audit and Risk
  • Governance and Nominations
  • People and Organisational Development
  • Remuneration

Sub-committees of Court comprise:

  • Risk Assurance Group
  • Welfare & Ethical Use of Animals

Applicant pack

For more information about the role and the University of Dundee, download our applicant pack.
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Apply for the role

Interested parties are invited to submit a CV and cover letter. They should explain why they feel they meet the criteria set out and how they would be successful in the role.

Completed applications should be sent to [email protected].

Applications should be submitted by Tuesday 30 June at 12 noon.

Apply now