General Council Assessor

Applications are particularly welcomed from individuals with Board level experience in large, complex organisations with senior executive skills and experience. Legal, human resources, finance or investment skills and experience, broadly defined, would also be especially welcomed. 

Further information on the role is below.  For informal enquires or discussion please contact Daniel Wedgwood, Head of Court Services, via court@ed.ac.uk. The closing date is midday on Monday 26 October 2026. 

General Council Assessor role

This is an exceptional opportunity to be involved in the governance of one of the leading Scottish, UK and international universities. The University Court is responsible for the strategic direction of the University, approving corporate strategies and policies, and taking the final decision on matters of fundamental concern to the University. The University is an educational charity and members of Court also act as the University’s charity trustees. 

The University Court meets five times a year. Members of Court are also expected to serve on at least one Court Committee and may also serve on working groups considering specific strategic matters. While the positions are unremunerated, the University will meet all reasonable costs associated with membership of Court and other activities on behalf of the University including child and other dependent care costs.

This position, known as a General Council Assessor, is reserved for graduates of the University of Edinburgh who are not currently staff members or students at the institution (whose representatives are selected separately) as it acts as a link between the General Council and the University Court. The General Council consists of graduates, senior academic and professional services staff, and members of the University Court. It has a statutory right to comment on matters which affect the well-being and prosperity of the University, with the aim of ensuring that graduates have a continuing voice in the management of its affairs. The General Council has its own Business Committee and the postholder will also become a member of the Business Committee alongside two other General Council Assessors. Information about the relationship of the role to the Business Committee can be found here: https://general-council.ed.ac.uk/business-committee.

Application Procedure

Individuals with relevant experience and knowledge able to make a contribution to the work of the University Court are encouraged to consult the role description and apply by submitting the following to court@ed.ac.uk: a CV, cover letter, the contact details for two individuals willing to provide references (if shortlisted) and a completed Equality Monitoring Form. If shortlisted, you will be interviewed on either the morning of Wednesday 18 November or the afternoon of Monday 30 November.  It would be helpful if you were able to indicate your availability for interview in your cover letter.  For informal enquires please contact Daniel Wedgwood, Head of Court Services, via court@ed.ac.uk.

Appointments are subject to approval by the University Court and from 1 August 2027 until 31 July 2031 in the first instance, with the possibility of extension for a second term of up to four years.

Closing Date: Midday on Monday 26 October 

Interview Dates: Wednesday 18 November or Monday 30 November

The University of Edinburgh welcomes applications from all sectors of the community, particularly from women, members of ethnic minorities and traditionally under-represented groups on our Committees. 

The University Court and members of University Committees operate in line with a Code of Conduct, based on ensuring good practice on governance. If successful, new members of University Court are asked by means of a letter sent after appointment to acknowledge that they are familiar with this Code and that they understand their obligations under it.