Lay Member of Court - the role

As the University emerges from a period of significant financial challenge and upheaval our Court members will play a critical role in driving forward an agenda for change, overseeing the implementation of a Strategy to Recovery and a new operating model, creating a pathway to financial sustainability and ensuring good governance.

Our ideal candidate will combine expert knowledge of strategic management with a proven track record of contributing to effective, collective decision-making; good governance; and protecting and upholding the principles of good conduct as defined by the Committee on Standards in Public Life.

We are particularly looking for candidates who can bring financial acumen, sound understanding of good governance and a breadth of experience in complex organisations. They will have an interest in higher education, and an empathy with the mission, vision and objectives of an ambitious University wanting to change the lives of its students and the wider world.

The University of Dundee is a registered charity and as a charity trustee the role holder must ensure that the charity is administered effectively, and is able to account for its activities in accordance with the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005 and as set out in the guidance from the Office from the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR).

Common sense, an open mind and the ability to engage with complex strategic issues are needed, along with the ability to question intelligently and challenge constructively. Understanding the distinction between governance and executive management is key to the role of the Court member.

All applicants should demonstrate a constructive approach to interpersonal relationships within the Court structure, a commitment to equality and diversity, and an understanding that this is a collaborative role. Experience or a background in the strategic management or governance of large organisations would be beneficial but should not deter interested individuals from applying.

Training is given as part of the role.

Commitment

The Court meets five times a year. These meetings normally take place on a Tuesday afternoon in September, November, February, April and June and generally last between two and three hours. It would be expected that Court members attend an annual retreat encompassing one afternoon and the following day, at which they have the opportunity to discuss issues affecting the University in more detail than is possible at regular Court meetings.

Additionally, all members of Court should expect to be invited to play a role on at least one of the committees of Court. These are the Audit and Risk Committee, the Finance and Policy Committee, the Governance and Nominations Committee, the People and Organisational Development Committee and the Remuneration Committee. 

The Finance and Policy Committee normally meets five times a year, while the Remuneration Committee meets at least twice and the remainder meet a least four times a year. The Governance and Nominations Committee makes recommendations to Court on the appropriate memberships of each of these committees, based on the relevant skills and experience of Court members.

Members of committees are expected to attend all meetings. From time to time, the Court establishes smaller working groups/additional sub-committees, and Court members are also on occasion invited to take part in staff appointments, appeals and grievance panels. All Court members are expected to play a full role in debates and discussions at Court. Papers for Court meetings are normally dispatched one week in advance of each Court or Committee meeting, and members are required to ensure they are well prepared for each meeting.