University of St Andrews 

University Court

Appointment of Non-Executive Members of Court 

The University of St Andrews is Scotland’s first university and one of the oldest in the world. It is one of the top-rated universities globally for research, teaching quality and student satisfaction and is consistently ranked among the UK’s top five in leading independent league tables. It is also Scotland’s most international university, with around one-half of the student body coming from overseas.

The Court, which is the senior governing body of the University, is seeking expressions of interest from highly skilled individuals with experience of leadership in significant organisations, companies or Higher Education institutions to serve as lay (independent) members.  Vacancies exist for two Non-Executive positions. The appointments will be from 1 August 2021 until 31 July 2025, and renewal for a further four years is possible.

Members of the University Court must be able to attend five Court meetings each year and will be expected to participate in additional Court committees and working groups. They also play a visible role in key events in the University calendar, such as Graduation ceremonies. In total, Members of Court tend to commit between 20-25 days per year to their role. 

The University is committed to equality for all, embodied in the Diverse St Andrews theme of the University Strategy for 2018 to 2023 and demonstrated through an extensive portfolio of diversity and inclusion initiatives. We currently hold several diversity awards, including multiple Athena SWAN awards, the Race at Work Charter, the Carer Positive Employer award, the LGBT Charter, and the Stonewall Diversity Champion award. Court is focused on increasing its diversity. Applications are especially welcome from women, people from Black, Asian or Minority Ethnic communities, the LGBT+ community and people with other protected characteristics, who are currently under-represented on Court.  

Experience in Higher Education management or governance; senior-level experience in the public sector; and strategic digital experience are particularly desirable skills. 

Lay Members of Court are not remunerated but they are entitled to reclaim the cost of all expenses reasonably incurred in the course of their Court duties and there are many rewards from contributing to the strategy and governance of one of Scotland's most respected institutions and one of the world’s leading universities.

How to Apply:
Enquiries or applications can be made, in confidence, to Mary Comer on mcomer@wittkieffer.com  

The closing date for applications is Friday 26 March 2021 at 12 noon.