Edinburgh Napier University nurtures talent and creates knowledge that shapes communities all around the world. Its innovative research provides solutions to society’s challenges, its graduates leave ready for the workplace, and it has wide-ranging links with employers and businesses across the globe. Edinburgh Napier University is proud to be the number one Modern University in Scotland (Sunday Times Good University Guide 2022) and number one in Edinburgh for Student Satisfaction (National Student Survey 2020 & 2021).

Since its establishment as Napier Technical College in 1964, Edinburgh Napier has evolved into a bold, progressive university with a reputation and impact that stretches far beyond its shores. While it has risen in rankings and grown in scope over the years, the University has stayed true to its heritage as a technical institution. That’s what makes it different - the University delivers personalised education, work-related learning and innovative research that matters.

Its three state-of-the-art Edinburgh campus locations at Sighthill, Merchiston and Craiglockhart each have more than 300 courses on offer and nearly 20,000 students from over 140 countries studying on campus, online and at partner universities worldwide. This ensures that Edinburgh Napier University is carving out a distinct position as an enterprising and innovative institution with an unrivalled student learning experience.

From its award-winning international campaign to tackle period poverty, to its pioneering cardiovascular research on the global detection of abnormal heart rhythms, and its nationally recognised cyber security programs, the University is determined to make change happen. Guided by its future-focussed strategy and strong leadership, the coming years will see it continue to make significant positive differences to people’s lives, the economy, the climate, and Scotland’s place on the global stage.

Looking forward, Edinburgh Napier University is committed to environmental sustainability. It is looking to build on its previous achievements and drive its actions and initiatives over the coming years through a new strategy that is underpinned by this commitment.

The University Court is Edinburgh Napier University’s governing body. Working with the Principal and Vice-Chancellor and her executive team, the Court, along with its Committees, helps shape the University’s strategic direction and oversees its performance to ensure it delivers its vision, values and strategic objectives and meets its statutory obligations.    

Court members have a strong commitment to higher education and bring significant experience of operating at a senior level in any business or organisation in the private, public or not-for-profit environments. They bring an outside perspective, diversity of thought and help facilitate opportunities for the University.

In addition to filling its immediate vacancy, the University is keen to identify individuals at the current time who would be willing to accept full appointment to the Court when future vacancies arise and would engage with Court on an informal basis until that point.

Edinburgh Napier University is seeking a Chair of the Finance and Property Committee who will also sit on the University Court. The successful candidate will have senior strategic finance experience from any sector and will bring finance committee experience or equivalent.

Ideally, they will bring some property and/or estates experience in addition to financial expertise and will ideally have chairing experience. The Finance and Property Committee is a critical group that is supporting the University as it works on an ambitious new estates and capital development strategy.

At least one of the following experiences is sought:

• Strong finance experience, ideally a recognised accounting qualification (Chartered, Certified or Cost and Management), and a track record in a senior leadership role at Director or Partner level in either a commercial environment or at a professional firm
• Strong track record in commercial banking, either as a banking professional or with front line treasury management experience including relationship management with banks and other providers of finance

Exposure to property management, investment and/or development expertise, for example in the form of experience with estates, property portfolios or construction would be beneficial. They should also have an appreciation of how the physical and digital can best be integrated.

Candidates will need to be committed, collaborative, and above all will be passionate about the life-changing impact of a university education, and share Edinburgh Napier's commitment to building a diverse and inclusive community in the years ahead.

To view a full list of Members of Court, please click here.

The University is committed to achieving a diverse governing body and welcomes applications from all suitably experienced individuals, particularly those who would further enhance its diversity. In view of the Court’s current lay member gender balance, applications from women are particularly welcome. All appointments will be made on merit, following a fair and transparent process.

This role is unremunerated, but reasonable travel expenses will be reimbursed. There are four Court meetings, two to three Court/Senior Executive strategy events and an annual Court dinner each year. There are five Sub-Committee meetings throughout the year. These meetings will follow a hybrid approach.

Members are also expected to be available for ad hoc communication and are encouraged to attend University graduations and participate in other ad hoc University events wherever possible. They may also be asked to support the work of the University in other ways including sitting on advisory panels, steering groups, interview panels and acting as a mentor to senior staff members. It is important that members are able to offer the time and dedication necessary to make this contribution.

The appointment is for a four year term, which can be renewed for a second four year term. Edinburgh Napier University is open to applications from international candidates.

Process

This organisation will view the applications without edits. We therefore advise applicants to avoid using ‘see CV’ or ‘please call me to discuss further’ in your application as it may restrict your chances of progressing to the next round.

Connected parties

This organisation has requested that candidates do not contact them directly. Instead, if you know someone at the organisation, please mention it in your Reason for Application. Members who do not respect this may risk having their membership terminated.