University of the West of Scotland — Members of Court

UWS now seeks Members of Court who will be effective non-executives helping the University achieve its ambitious aims, and providing strong governance to the Court. Deadline: 09 October

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About

UWS is a dynamic, modern, multi-campus University with its origins dating back to 1897. The University has four campuses across the west and southwest of Scotland and one in London. It contributes £816m of value to the Scottish economy annually (BIGGAR Economics report 2018), and was named Higher Educational Institution of the Year at The Herald Higher Education Awards 2022. Additionally, its Students’ Union was selected as University Students’ Association of the Year at the 2022 NUS Scotland Awards.

The University is proud of its diverse student population and, in order to meet students’ needs, UWS delivers learning in innovative, flexible, personalised and supportive ways. The University’s Strategy 2025 outlines its vision and purpose and the key themes which comprise the focus of UWS’s work. These are: excellent learning and teaching; distinctive research and innovation; and shaping the University’s communities and wider society. Students are at the heart of everything that UWS does – they are treated as individuals, as partners and future leaders in their professions.

You can find out more about UWS's exciting Strategy 2025 here.


Role specification

The University Court is the governing body of the University and collectively determines the strategic direction and future development of UWS, fosters an environment in which the institution’s mission is achieved and learners succeed, and protects the reputation and values of the University whilst providing strong governance.

Members of Court ensure that the Court fulfils its responsibilities, acting as a “critical friend” to both challenge and support the University to develop, implement and monitor the delivery of its strategy. They will operate effectively as a team member within the Court and work collaboratively with lay, staff and student members to achieve consensus. They will submit an annual Register of Interests return which is made available for public scrutiny. Members also act as ambassadors to the University, promoting its activities within the wider community. They will engage positively in meetings and activities of the Court, with both staff and students to ensure the Court fulfils its responsibilities.

New members of the University Court are provided with an induction and both internal and external training opportunities. A programme of induction and CPD is provided as part of a programme of development and effectiveness monitoring.


Person specification

UWS now seeks Members of Court who will provide effective governance to the Court. As a leading provider of nursing and midwifery education in Scotland, there is particular interest in individuals with senior level experience in nursing and midwifery education. However, applications from senior individuals across other sectors will also be welcomed. They will be effective non-executives helping UWS to achieve its ambitious aims. Applicants, from all educational backgrounds, will currently or recently have held a senior role in their profession or community with demonstrable management and leadership responsibilities.

The successful candidates will have proven interpersonal skills, a collaborative approach and will be able to explain complex problems in simple terms. Applicants should have a commitment to higher education and an enthusiasm for the values and truths of UWS, as well as a commitment to equality and diversity.

Ideally, candidates should be based in the west of Scotland to be considered for this role. However, applications from beyond UWS geographical locations will be considered, but the ability to travel to any campus location for in-person meetings and events is essential.


Board composition

To find out more about the Board, please view here.


Terms of appointment

These roles are unremunerated but reasonable, pre-agreed travel expenses will be reimbursed.

The Court normally meets four times per year, with meetings usually taking place at one of the University’s campuses in November, February, April and June. A two-day residential event is held to coincide with one of the regular meetings of Court and a development event is held annually in September. The time commitment in total is approximately 10-12 days per year, as we also expect members to participate in sub-committees. Court meetings are normally held in person, although sub-committee meetings may be held virtually if they are expected to be shorter. Members are expected to partake in other engagements with students and staff that take place throughout the year, including graduations, student showcases and corporate events.

The appointment is for a three-year term, which can be renewed for up to a further term at the discretion of the Court. UWS recognises the benefits of a diverse board of governors and particularly welcomes applications from underrepresented backgrounds who 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 welcome. As UWS is a Scottish charity, applicants must be able to meet the requirements of the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005; staff and students of UWS are also ineligible for appointment as Lay Governors.


The deadline for consideration is 09 October.

If you would like to register your interest in this role, please fill in the form below. A member of the Nurole team will be in touch ahead of the deadline to let you know whether it would be worth submitting an application and to discuss the process further.