UWS seeks new Lay Members of Court
The Court is the governing body of UWS and is responsible for determining the strategic direction and future development of the University underpinned by strong governance and integrity. It also plays a critical role in fostering an environment where our goals are achieved, and learners succeed. Our values and principles are fundamental to everything we do and Court holds themselves and others to account on living and breathing these values.
This is an exciting time to join the UWS Court as the University launches its Strategy 2030. UWS is a placemaking institution that is proud to be an integral part of our local communities, and with a national and international reach: the University has four campuses in Scotland in Ayr, Dumfries, Lanarkshire and Paisley, as well as a campus in London Docklands. UWS has over 110 international partnerships and our student community comprises more than 100 nationalities.
UWS is a significant force, nationally and globally, in knowledge creation and innovation, and a leading provider of undergraduate, postgraduate and research degree education. Underpinning all of our work is a commitment to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals: UWS was ranked 16th in the world for reducing inequalities in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2024.
GUIDANCE FOR APPLICANTS
The University is seeking new lay members of Court who will be effective non-executives helping the University achieve its ambitious aims.
- Applications from people with a background in finance, accounting or audit who would enhance the work of the UWS Audit & Risk Committee would be particularly welcomed.
- Applications from individuals across other sectors would also be welcomed to help UWS achieve its strategic ambitions.
UWS recognises the benefits of a diverse board of governors and particularly welcomes applications from those whose backgrounds can bring diversity of thought, creative contributions and challenge existing perspectives.
Applications from people who would help UWS meet the aspirations of the Gender Representation on Public Boards (Scotland) Act 2018 would also be welcomed. As UWS is a Scottish charity, applicants must be able to meet the requirements of the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005.
NB: Staff and students of UWS are ineligible for appointment as lay members.
You will be genuinely motivated by UWS’s position as an anchor institution within its communities as well as its global ambitions and presence. The transformative power of education to provide opportunities and change people’s lives and UWS’s track record in successfully reducing inequalities will deeply resonate with you.
The successful candidates will have proven interpersonal skills, a collaborative approach and be able to manage complexity.
Joining the UWS Court is unquestionably the most rewarding thing I have done in my career. I’m delighted to be able to use the experience I’ve gained in my working life to provide input to the University’s strategic plans. I get a real sense of pride hearing about the amazing achievements of the University’s staff and students and the positive impact they are having across the University communities, and further afield.
Andy Munro
Chair of Audit & Risk Committee
& Lay Governor
Being on Court is a two-way process. Put simply, I give and get back.
I’d recommend it to anyone who meets the required skillset, but who is also open to learning themselves. The University’s global commitment to inclusivity, alongside its prioritisation of working towards the UN Sustainable Development Goals really puts meaning behind the work we do and the impact we have.
If you’re looking for a governance role that combines place, passion and people, this is it!
Karen Hedge, Lay Governor
More information on the role
More information on the role of a member of Court is set out in the attached descriptor. The role presents a key opportunity to work with the University - our inspiring students, our incredible colleagues and our valued stakeholders. UWS Court oversees the University’s strategic direction helping to advance the University’s core purpose: to maximise student success; create and apply new knowledge; and to grow our global impact. It also executes the financial responsibilities of the University and operates in alignment with the Scottish Code of Good HE Governance and the HE Governance (Scotland) Act 2016.
Download the Lay Member Role Descriptor (pdf)Application Process
- For an initial conversation, or to find out more about the role of member of UWS Court, please contact donna.mcmillan@uws.ac.uk
- Applications comprising a CV and short covering letter highlighting what you could bring to the work of the University Court should be made to alison.loudon@uws.ac.uk
Key dates
- Applications will close at 12 noon on Friday 30 May 2025
- Interviews will be held on Thursday 19 June 2025 - final recommendations will be presented to Court on Tuesday 24 June 2025
Additional Information
Term of Appointment
New Lay Members of Court will be appointed for an initial 3-year period, which may be extended for a further term, subject to approval by Court.
The role is unremunerated, but reasonable, pre-agreed travel expense will be reimbursed.
University Court
Further information on the University Court can be found by clicking the link below:
Scottish Code of Good HE Governance (2023)
The University Court has formally adopted the Scottish Code of Good HE Governance (2023) as set out by the Committee of the Chairs of Scottish Higher Education Institutions and the Court’s practices are consistent with its requirements. View the code by clicking the link below:
Last updated: 06/05/2025