Members of Court (up to five)

The Roles

Members of Court (up to five)

Candidate Brief

The University Court is the governing body of the University. The composition, functions and powers of Court are set out in the University of Abertay Dundee (Scotland) Order of Council 1994. Under the Order, the objects of the University are to provide education, undertake and carry out research, make suitable and adequate provision for such activities, and conduct the affairs of the University in ways that promote its objects.

Since the University is a Charity, Court is also responsible for ensuring that Court exercises efficient and effective use of the resources of the University for the furtherance of its charitable purposes, maintains its long-term financial viability, and safeguards its assets, and that proper mechanisms exist to ensure financial control and for the prevention of fraud.

The University is committed to exhibiting good practice in all aspects of corporate governance. As the Governing Body of the University, Court is responsible for the system of internal control, which includes internal audit; delegation of responsibilities within a regulatory framework; and reviewing its own effectiveness. The system is designed to fulfil the responsibilities related to accountability, transparency and value for money inherent in good corporate governance practice. It emphasises the effective management of risk, using well thought-out and controlled risk-taking, leading to improved delivery of the University’s objects, proper regard for organisational development, and ensuring the institution’s long-term sustainability.

Court currently comprises lay (independent) members, ex officio members and staff members, with a maximum membership of 25 people. Lay members have ‘experience of industrial, commercial or employment matters or the practice of any profession’, include at least one person having experience in each of local government and the provision of education and remain an absolute majority. Of the maximum 25 members, up to 18 are lay members, 4 are ex officio (Principal, 2 Vice-Principals and the President of the Students’ Association) and 3 are elected by and from among Senate, academic staff and support staff.   Court membership will be revised in the near future to take into account the requirements of the Higher Education Governance (Scotland) Act 2016.

Under its Governing Order, Court is required to meet at least three times per year, but usually meets five times per year. The agendas and papers for Court and its committees are published and available to staff and students of the University.  Approved Court minutes are published on the University’s website.  The Committees of Court are:

  • Audit Committee
  • Chair’s Committee
  • Finance & Corporate Performance Committee
  • Governance & Nominations Committee
  • People, Health & Equality Committee
  • Remuneration Committee

Further information about Court and its current members can be found at https://www.abertay.ac.uk/discover/the-university/governance-and-management/university-court/

More information on the roles can be accessed via the Candidate Brief

Expenses

The Independent Court Member role is not remunerated, but individuals are entitled to all travelling and incidental expenses (including, for example, childcare costs) incurred in the course of University business. Directors and Officers Liability Insurance is in place.

Period of Appointment

The appointment is for three years with the possibility of two further three-year periods of office. 

Time Commitment

This is an important role, requiring time commitment and flexibility, given that the actual time spent on the role can be unpredictable. It is estimated that Independent Lay Members will need to devote at least 10 and up to 15 days per year to fulfil effectively the duties. Typically,  Court Members are required to prepare for, travel to and participate in the following meetings and events per year:

  • Five meetings of Court per annum: these currently take place between October and June on a Wednesday afternoon from 2.00 pm for about 2 hours, preceded from about noon by visits to meet staff and students and lunch with senior managers and members of Senate.
  • Five meetings of a Court Committee.
  • Participation in graduation ceremonies (currently held on one day in early July and one day in late November).

Occasional events, dinners, lectures, attendance at Senate (the senior academic body of the University to observe proceedings) etc.