Chair of Court

University of the West of Scotland is seeking to appoint an exceptional individual to Chair the University Court, our governing body, succeeding the current Chair, Kate Allum, from 1 February 2026 when her final term in office comes to an end. This is an exciting time for the new Chair to work with UWS Principal and Vice- Chancellor, Professor James Miller FRSE, as the University launches its Strategy 2030 in Spring 2025.

University of the West of Scotland [UWS] is a place-making institution that is proud to be an integral part of its local communities, with a national and international reach: the University has four campuses in Scotland in Ayr, Dumfries, Lanarkshire and Paisley, as well as a campus in London Docklands. UWS has over 110 international partnerships and its student community comprises more than 100 nationalities.

UWS is committed to providing education opportunities for all, empowering individuals to reach their full potential. The University creates meaningful impact locally, nationally and globally through innovative learning and teaching, pioneering research, and transformative partnerships. UWS is committed to the UNSDGs and was ranked second in Scotland and 16th in the world for reducing inequalities in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2024. 90% of UWS research was classed as world-leading, internationally excellent, or recognised internationally in the REF (Research Excellence Framework) 2021.

The role of the Chair is to lead the University Court, ensuring it works effectively and in accordance with the expectations and requirements for Higher Education governance in Scotland. The Chair’s wider role and impact on the University, is to work closely with the Principal and Vice-Chancellor ensuring that the University delivers its ambitious strategic objectives; aligning its development with UWS values and ensuring the institution is well connected with its stakeholders, including staff and students.

The Court oversees the University’s strategic direction and advances the University’s core purpose to maximise student success; create and apply new knowledge; and to grow its global impact.

The Court comprises up to 25 members drawn from the external community, students and staff with a mixture of appointed and elected Governors reflecting a variety of skills, experience and interests.

Candidates will:

• be advanced non-executives with a proven track record at a senior level, preferably with experience as a chair within a large and complex organisation with skills and knowledge of corporate governance
• have an authoritative yet collegial approach to leadership which will command the respect of other Court members, staff and students
• be open and skilled communicators
• have a clear interest in Higher Education and values which align with those of UWS to transform lives through educational opportunities
• be able to dedicate sufficient time to fulfil the role
• demonstrate personal integrity and the ability to exercise independent judgement

You can read more about the role and its responsibilities and full criteria in the Chair of Court appointment pack which you can download at the bottom of this page.

The Chair is entitled to remuneration of c£18,000 per annum plus appropriate expenses. The period of appointment is initially for 3 years, which may be extended up to a maximum of 6 years.

The time commitment for the position is circa 50 days per year and applicants will be required to demonstrate that they have the capacity to fulfil this commitment and the ability to attend in-person meetings at the University’s 4 campuses in Scotland and its campus in London.