Heriot-Watt is a specialist, pioneering University, with a global presence, world renowned, innovative research and highly employable graduates, based in Edinburgh, Scotland. It was established in 1821 and subsequently granted university status by Royal Charter in 1966. It is the eighth-oldest higher education institute in the UK. In 2021, Heriot-Watt University celebrated the 200th anniversary of its founding in Scotland. From its beginnings as the world’s first mechanics institute in the heart of Edinburgh, two centuries of innovation have led to what is today a unique international institution with campuses in the UK, Dubai and Malaysia.

Heriot-Watt University is a pioneer in educating people from different backgrounds to fulfil their potential. It is one of the top UK universities for business and industry and offers a highly distinctive range of degree programmes in the specialist areas of science, engineering, design, business and languages. Its strategic plan, Strategy 2025 – Shaping Tomorrow Together builds on its heritage and reflects its goal to educate students to flourish in their learning and life skills, and for the University to deliver research and enterprise with profound impact on the communities that it serves.  

The University has strong values that are owned by the whole Heriot-Watt University community, in all of its locations. These values are central to who it is and underpin a culture which nurtures personal development, innovation and leadership. The values demonstrate the University’s commitment to put people at the heart of everything it does. With a strong commitment to widening access and inclusion, a transnational portfolio of campuses and partnerships, Global Research Institutes including the National Robotarium, the Lyell Centre for Earth and Marine Sciences, and developing Global Research Institutes in Health and Care Engineering and Net Zero, it's an incredibly exciting time for the University.

The Court:

The Court is the governing body of the University with ultimate authority over all of the University’s activities. The responsibilities of the Court are set out in its Statement of Primary Responsibilities. The Court comprises 25 members, the majority of whom are independent lay members. The remaining membership is made up of elected staff and students and ex-officio members.  

Committees of the Court:

Court committees represent the working arms of the Court, reviewing the work of the University in more depth. Their memberships include members of the Court and other suitably experienced independent lay persons who are not members of the Court.

The Audit and Risk committee plays a key part in the University’s governance. Acting independently from the executive, it is responsible for ensuring that the interests of the University are properly protected in relation to financial reporting and internal control. It therefore has a key role in relation to both internal and external auditors and audit functions.  

The Audit and Risk Committee comprises members with the necessary range of financial and business expertise to be able to examine and report on the University’s financial and risk management control and governance, under delegation from the Court.  

The Audit and Risk Committee produces an annual report for the Court which includes a report on the adequacy and effectiveness of governance arrangements, risk and financial control and arrangements for promoting economy, efficiency and effectiveness – in line with requirements of the Scottish Code of Good Higher Education Governance and other relevant codes.  

Heriot-Watt University is seeking a Member of Court who will sit on the Audit and Risk Committee. They will be a highly effective Court and Committee member, bringing effective challenge and scrutiny across the Audit and Risk agenda and wider Court business, helping ensure long-term sustainability and growth. They will be a sounding board to the Court and the executive team and will have an ability to engage and challenge constructively including with the internal and external auditors.

Candidates will bring senior audit experience ideally gained as an Audit Partner in a major audit firm or could have experience in a broader finance role such as a CFO or Finance Director with responsibility for internal and external auditing. Individuals can come from a range of sectors, though some exposure to charities would be advantageous, particularly in Scotland. The University is looking for experienced individuals who are used to operating at Board level. This experience can either come from being a Board member or alternatively they could have influenced decisions at the highest levels and participated in Board meetings in their executive career.

Above all, candidates will be able to demonstrate their commitment to the University’s mission, vision and values: Inspire, Belong, Collaborate and Celebrate. The successful candidate will offer the time and dedication to contribute at meetings and participate in some University events.

To find out more about the Members of Court, please see here. 

The Court meets seven times a year, for five ‘regular business’ meetings and two full-day Strategy Days. The Strategy Days are preceded by a dinner the night before. Regular business meetings take place online from 8.30am – 12.30pm. Strategy Days take place at the University’s Edinburgh Campus from c. 9am – 5pm. The dinners are usually from 5.30pm – 7.30pm (all times are for the UK). The Audit and Risk Committee meets four times a year, with an additional Joint Meeting with the Finance Committee for consideration of the Annual Accounts. Meetings are usually held from 10am – 12.30pm, and the majority are online with one meeting on the Edinburgh Campus each year. Court members are also expected to engage in other events each year, such as Graduation ceremonies and the Annual Stakeholder Meeting. Members of Court and Court committees are appointed for a period of three years and are eligible to be considered for an extension to their initial appointment of up to a further two periods of up to three years each.

Heriot-Watt 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 balance, applications from women and ethnic minority groups are particularly welcome. All appointments will be made on merit, following a fair and transparent process.