General Council Assessor

Appointment to the University Court, the Governing Body of the University of Edinburgh, as a General Council Assessor (Voluntary/unremunerated position)

Expressions of interest are sought from graduates of the University of Edinburgh interested in serving on its governing body, the University Court, and being a member of the General Council Business Committee.

Applications are particularly welcomed from individuals with Board level experience in large, complex organisations with senior executive skills and experience in finance, broadly defined.  

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, academic staff and members of the University Court and 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.

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. 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 are until 31 July 2028 in the first instance with the possibility of extension for a second term of up to four years.

Closing Date: Monday 2 December 2024, 5pm; Interview Date: Monday 13 January 2025 (in-person) 

The University is committed to embedding Equality & Diversity across all its work and strongly recognises the benefits that a diverse University Court can bring. Suitably experienced applicants from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.