Frequently Asked Questions
All members of Court, staff and enrolled students of the University (as defined in the Rules for the Appointment of the Chair of Court) are entitled to vote in the election of the new UWS Chair of Court.
Below are a set of typical FAQs and anwers that may assist you in the voting and election process.
Why are we having an election?
The Higher Education Governance (Scotland) Act 2016 requires that an election is held to determine the appointment of the Chair of the University Court.
The current Chair will complete their normal period of office on 31st January 2026. The University is therefore
seeking to appoint a new Chair of Court with effect from 1st February 2026.
What is the University 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.
Further information on the role of the University Court and its members can be found at University Court.
What does the Chair of Court do?
The Chair is responsible for the leadership of the Court and is ultimately responsible for its effectiveness and for ensuring that its members work together effectively.
The Chair must act to maintain the confidence of the Court and ensure the University is well connected with its stakeholders, including staff and students.
Who are we voting for?
Following a robust selection process led by the Court candidates for election who meet the requirements of the role have been confirmed. Details of the candidates, including Candidate Statements which set out the profile of candidates, including experience and fit with the requirements of the role can be found on the webpage.
There will also be an opportunity for people to hear direct from the Candidates at an Open Meeting to be held on Tuesday 30th September. Further details on the arrangements for this and how to register have been circulated to those eligible to attend.
Please note that you must register to attend this in advance. If you have not received notification of how to register to attend please contact secretarysoffice@uws.ac.uk
Who can vote in the election
All members of Court, University staff and students who have enrolled by Tuesday 16th September 2025 are eligible to vote in the election.
When will the election be held?
Voting will open at 9am on Wednesday 1st October 2025 and close at 5pm on Friday 10th October 2025. .
How will the election be held?
The University has appointed Civica Election Services to support the election process. Everyone eligible to vote will receive an email from Civica with the voting arrangements which will take place on a secure electronic voting platform.
Each vote carries equal weight, and the election is won by the candidate who secures a simple majority of the total number of votes cast.
What happens if I don’t get an email from Civica?
If you do not receive an email from Civica, please contact secretarysoffice@uws.ac.uk who will be able to assist you. Please note that you will have to be a member of the University Court, UWS staff or an enrolled student on Tuesday 16th September 2025 to participate in the election.
I’m a UWS student, but based at a College or TNE Franchise - can I still vote?
Yes – as long as you have enrolled by 16th September 2025 you are eligible to vote in this election.
I don’t routinely have access to a laptop as part of my role; will I still be able to vote?
Yes, you will still be able to vote. The voting link will be sent to your University e-mail address and you will be able to access this via your personal device if you want to.
University laptops will also be made available at locations on all campuses as follows:-
Ayr - 4.022
Paisley - H248
Dumfries - Staff Office (behind reception desk)
Lanarkshire - Staff open access area level 3 Building 2
London – Import Building, IT Office
Our IT staff will also be available to help any staff who are not sure how to access their emails and need to reset their passwords to be able to access their e-mail account. Staff will be available between 8.30am and 4.30pm at each campus but access can be arranged at other times if this is needed. If you do need access outwith these times you can contact the Secretary’s Office on 0141 848 3577 or let your line manager know and we can make other arrangements.
I am a student at the University but also have a part-time job here, do I get to vote twice?
No, an individual will only get one vote. If you are both a student and a staff member then your electronic vote will be sent to the e-mail address which reflects your primary association with the University.
When will the result be known?
We expect to make an announcement of the appointment of the new Chair of the
University Court during week commencing 13th October 2025.
Last updated: 22/09/2025