University Court

The University Court is the governing body of the University, established by the University of the West of Scotland Order of Council 2019. The Court collectively determines the future direction of the University, monitors performance and aims to foster an environment in which the institution’s strategic aims are achieved and students succeed.

The Court has wide ranging powers, in particular relating to the strategic direction of the University and the execution of the University’s financial responsibilities. The Court has delegated powers related to purely academic matters to the Senate.

In executing its powers Court has a particular duty to observe the highest standards of corporate governance and Court members commit to conducting themselves in accordance with the accepted standards of behaviour in public life.

The membership of Court comprises a majority of lay members with ex-officio and elected staff and student members. The University of the West of Scotland is a registered Scottish Charity (SC002520) and therefore Court members are also Charitable Trustees.

Statement of Primary Responsibilities of Court

Under the terms of the University of the West of Scotland Order of Council 2019, the Court is the governing body of the University with powers to conduct the affairs of the University and carry out and promote the objects of the University. In particular, the Court will ensure the effective management of the University; plan its strategic direction and plan its future development in order to advance the objects of the University.

Court’s Statement of Primary Responsibilities is detailed in the following accordions.

Court Office
November 2025
(Approved by Court – 26th November 2025)

  • To ensure that the proceedings of the Court are conducted in accordance with best practice in higher education corporate governance including the Scottish Code of Good HE Governance and with the ethical and behavioural standards set out in the Nine Principles of Public Life in Scotland;
  • To be an exemplar in demonstrating a positive and open organisational culture demonstrating complete alignment with the University’s purpose, values and strategy;
  • To ensure that the University’s policies, procedures and processes are consistent with its values and support its long-term sustainable success.
  • To be the employing authority for all staff in the University and make appropriate provision for their general welfare;
  • To ensure a safe working environment is provided for staff and students;
  • To appoint the Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University, including the terms and conditions of appointment, and to put in place suitable arrangements for the monitoring performance;
  • To appoint a Secretary to the University Court and ensure an appropriate separation of lines of accountability to the Court with managerial responsibilities within the University;
  • In consultation with the Senate, to make such provision as it thinks fit for the general welfare of its students and ensure the quality of educational provision.
  • To protect the University’s assets, property and estate and ensure its solvency and long-term sustainability;
  • To ensure appropriate arrangements are in place for the economic, efficient and effective management of the University’s resources and expenditure;
  • To be the principal financial and business authority of the University and to ensure that records of financial transactions are kept in accordance with all relevant regulations and codes of conduct;
  • To ensure the preparation of, and to approve the University’s annual financial statements in line with appropriate accounting standards;
  • To approve the main annual budget for the University.
  • To approve the University’s strategic plan ensuring that these meet the interests of students, staff and other key stakeholders;
  • To provide leadership in equality and diversity across all protected characteristics, assuming responsibility for the University’s strategy and policy on equality and diversity;
  • To ensure that appropriate arrangements are in place for the proper management of health and safety in respect of students, staff and other persons on University premises or affected by University operations.
  • To ensure that the University operates in accordance with its Order of Council as well as all applicable legislation;
  • To ensure the proper use of public funds awarded to the University and to ensure that the requirements of the Scottish Government and the terms of the Financial Memorandum with the Scottish Funding Council are observed;
  • To ensure that systems are in place for the assessment and management of risk and to regularly review such systems;
  • To establish and monitor effective systems of internal control and accountability throughout the University;
    To ensure that appropriate arrangements are in place for external and internal audit.
  • To monitor University performance against its approved Strategy and Key Performance Indicators;
  • To protect the reputation and values of the University;
  • To monitor and review the performance and effectiveness of the Court and its sub-Committees, including the Senate and to undertake an externally facilitated review of effectiveness at least every 5 years;
  • To ensure, through the appointment of lay members in accordance with the University’s Order of Council, a balance of skills, knowledge and expertise amongst the membership to enable the Court to meets its statement of primary responsibilities;
  • To keep the overall effectiveness of the Court under review.

Contacts

Any queries in relation to the University Court should be directed to:

Useful Information

Download some useful documentation related to the Court.

Election of Chair of Court

The UWS Chair of Court Election Report provides an analysis of the 2025 election and was made in compliance with Section 3(3) of the Higher Education Governance (Scotland) Act 2016.

View the Election Report (pdf)
Last updated: 27/01/2026