University of the West of Scotland (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 campus in London. It contributes £816m of value to the Scottish economy annually. (BIGGAR Economics report 2018)

Many UWS students are the first in their families to go into higher education and the University has a high level of mature students with caring and work responsibilities. Meeting the needs of its diverse student population, the University delivers learning in innovative, flexible, personalised and supportive ways. The University’s Strategy 2025 outlines its 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' exciting strategy here.

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

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 operate effectively as a team member within the Court, working collaboratively with others to achieve consensus. Members also act as external ambassadors to the wider community.

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.

Member of Court (Higher Education and the Academic Environment)

UWS now seeks a Member of Court with senior-level higher education experience who will be an effective non-executive helping UWS achieve its ambitious aims. The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate recent and relevant strategic level experience in higher education provision and the academic environment, ideally in both the Scottish and English HE sectors. They may be a former University senior leader or someone who has worked at a senior level in higher education policy / regulation. They should also have an understanding of the policies, challenges, pressures and governance of higher education.

The successful candidate 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 the University of the West of Scotland as well as a commitment to equality & diversity.

Candidates must be based in Scotland or the northernmost parts of England to be considered for this role.

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Member of Court (Health Sector)

UWS now seeks a Member of Court with senior-level health sector experience who will be an effective non-executive helping UWS achieve its ambitious aims. The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate recent and relevant strategic level experience within the health sector relevant to the University’s role as a major provider of NMC-accredited nurse and midwife education and a range of other healthcare programmes. The successful candidate will have proven interpersonal skills, a collaborative approach and will be able to explain complex problems in simple terms. Education experience is absolutely not necessary, but applicants should have a commitment to higher education and an enthusiasm for the values and truths of the University of the West of Scotland as well as a commitment to equality & diversity.

Candidates must be based in Scotland or the northernmost parts of England to be considered for this role.

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Member of Court (Environmental/Sustainability Management)

UWS now seeks a Member of Court with a background in environmental sustainability who will be an effective non-executive helping UWS achieve its ambitious aims. The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate recent and relevant strategic level experience operating within the environmental and / or sustainability management area. Applications from people who could also bring strategic level experience of estates management would be welcome. The successful candidate will have proven interpersonal skills, a collaborative approach and will be able to explain complex problems in simple terms. Education experience is absolutely not necessary, but applicants should have a commitment to higher education and an enthusiasm for the values and truths of the University of the West of Scotland as well as a commitment to equality & diversity.

Candidates must be based in Scotland or the northernmost parts of England to be considered for this role.

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. An additional meeting / event may be held in September if required. The time commitment in total is approximately 10 days per year. Meetings are currently following a hybrid virtual and in-person approach. 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 two terms at the discretion of the Court. UWS recognises the benefits of a diverse board of governors and particularly welcomes applications from under represented 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.