Investment Committee External Members

This role provides an exciting opportunity to be involved in the governance of one of the world’s leading universities. The Investment Committee oversees the University of Edinburgh’s Endowment Fund, a pool of assets containing nearly 600 separate underlying endowments given by donors to support the educational and research mission of the University.

The Investment Committee normally meets quarterly in February, May, September and November for 3-5 hours and members may also become involved in sub-groups outside of the main meetings.

While the position is unremunerated, the University will meet reasonable expenses associated with membership of the Committee. Appointments are subject to approval by the Governance & Nominations Committee of the University’s governing body, the University Court and are for three years in the first instance with the possibility of extension for a further three years subject to review.

Application Procedure
Individuals with relevant professional experience who able to make a contribution to the work of the Investment Committee are invited to submit a covering letter and CV to court@ed.ac.uk.

Role Description: Investment Committee Member

Role Purpose
To exercise professional experience and judgment to enable the University’s Investment Committee to make decisions such that the University’s endowment fund is appropriately invested and the value of those endowments is maintained and enhanced over the long term. To support the University’s Investment Committee in carrying out its roles and responsibilities. To support, challenge and oversee the University’s Investment Director.

Key Responsibilities

• To support development of the University’s long and short-term investment strategy including regular reviews of its asset allocation strategies, long-term investment objectives and investment management structures
• To review and monitor implementation of the agreed investment strategy
• To evaluate the University fund’s investment performance
• Oversee the investment recommendations of the Investment Director and the investment advisors to the endowment
• Consider socially responsible investment concerns
• Other duties as may be delegated by the University’s governing body, the University Court, or agreed by the Investment Committee

Preparation of papers, analysis work and execution of decisions is usually performed by the Investment Director or other designated staff members, or by the University’s professional advisers, subject only to Investment Committee’s overall supervision.

Person Specification 
Essential experience: 

• Experienced Investment professional

Essential knowledge, skills and competencies 

• Relevant investment expertise and knowledge
• Financially literate with excellent communication skills
• Ability to interpret information, debate constructively and rigorously challenge
• Awareness of probity issues: high standard of integrity, transparency and impartiality
• Knowledge or understanding of governance in organisations
• Ability to influence opinions and outcomes
• Empathy with the values and vision of the University of Edinburgh;
• Understanding of the economic, social and political dynamics of Edinburgh and wider Scotland.

Personal Attributes 
Strong personal commitment to higher education and has empathy with the values, aims and objectives of the University of Edinburgh. Appointees will also share the University’s vision and aspirations to national and international excellence as well as understand the multiple academic and business drivers needed to underpin this.

Individual members and the Investment Committee collectively should at all times conduct themselves in accordance with accepted high standards of behaviour in public life, which embrace selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.

Further information on the Investment Committee 
Please see: https://www.ed.ac.uk/finance/about/sections/financial-information-reporting-strategy-team/investments-and-endowments/investment-committee.

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 Committees 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.