Senior Governor of Court

Recruitment, election and appointment

The process for the recruitment, election and appointment of our next Senior Governor is underway.

The Senior Governor undertakes a critical role in the governance of our University. They are responsible for the leadership and effectiveness of our Court as the governing body of the University. As such, the Senior Governor also has a key role as the link between Court and the Senior Management Team. It is important, therefore, to ensure that we attract candidates who are well-equipped with the skills, experience, values and enthusiasm to lead our Court and help guide our University through a challenging period for higher education in Scotland. 

The process for appointing the Senior Governor is largely determined by the requirements of the Higher Education Governance (Scotland) Act 2016. The first phase of the process is similar although not identical to a staff recruitment process and the second phase involves an election. In the first phase, those who apply in response to the advertisement and who meet the criteria will be interviewed. Following interview, those who are confirmed as meeting the criteria will be entitled to stand for election by students, staff and members of the Court. The election is expected to take place in late September during the early part of the new academic year in 2026/27.

Further details on the election, the candidates and how to vote, will be shared with staff and students, including on this site, as the process progresses.

Full details of the role and relevant criteria, advertisement and process, are available on the Gatenby Sanderson website. While staff and students are not eligible for the role, we would welcome your suggestions of potential candidates who might have the skills and experience to lead our Court.

Please forward any suggestions to our recruitment consultants Gatenby Sanderson. Further information is also available from the Clerk to Court, Bruce Purdon.