Chair of Court - Abertay University

Abertay University

Abertay is a modern and friendly university in the heart of Dundee, Scotland, with a strong focus on teaching and preparing our graduates for the world of work, combined with excellence in research and knowledge exchange.

With roots stretching back to 1888, Abertay has always responded to the needs of industry, supplying a pipeline of graduate talent to work, lead and innovate across a wide range of sectors.

We pride ourselves in offering industry-relevant courses for both today and the future. We have around 5,000 students on our Dundee city centre campus and overseas, and offer a range of programmes at undergraduate, postgraduate and research level.

Abertay is currently ranked Scotland’s Top Modern University by the Guardian

University Guide 2026.

The role and responsibilities

The Chair provides leadership to Court, guiding its work and shaping its overall effectiveness. In leading Court meetings, the Chair plays a pivotal role in ensuring that business is conducted with clarity, efficiency, and professionalism, enabling the University to fulfil its responsibilities as a public body with confidence and credibility.

The University Court is the Governing Body of the University and is made up of 25 members, including independent members, ex-officio members and staff, and student members.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide leadership to Court, ensuring effective, efficient and lawful governance in line with the University’s governing instruments and regulations.
• Promote collective decision-making, constructive debate and consensus among members.
• Work closely with Committee Chairs and the Secretary to Court to ensure robust committee reporting and effective conduct of business.
• Ensure high standards of integrity, accountability, openness and proper management of conflicts of interest.
• Oversee appraisal and development processes for Court members.
• Lead the performance review of the Principal and Vice-Chancellor and make recommendations to the Remuneration Committee.
• Lead the performance review of the Secretary to Court in respect of Court duties.
• Ensure appropriate financial oversight, safeguarding of assets, effective risk management and long-term sustainability (in line with the University’s charitable status).
• Guide Court in setting and monitoring the University’s strategic direction and performance against agreed objectives.
• Act in accordance with agreed protocols for delegated authority or Chair’s Action and report such instances to Court.
• Maintain a constructive and appropriately challenging relationship with the Principal and Vice-Chancellor, respecting the distinction between governance and executive management.
• Support recruitment, induction and ongoing development of Court members.
• Represent Court and the University externally and engage with key stakeholders, including where appropriate in fundraising activities.

Criteria for Appointment

The Chair of Court will be expected to demonstrate the following personal qualities, expertise and experience.

Personal Competencies and Attributes

• A strong commitment to, and affinity for, higher education and to the vision, strategic goals and values of Abertay University, recognising the significant role the University plays in transforming the lives of students. (Essential)
• An authoritative yet collegial approach to leadership which will command the respect of other members of Court, Senate, senior managers, and the staff and students of the University. (Essential)
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to establish good working relationships with other members of Court, the Principal and Vice-Chancellor and other members of the senior management, and also to build connections with external stakeholders as appropriate. (Essential)
• Personal integrity and the ability to exercise independent judgement. (Essential)
• A demonstrably strong commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion. (Essential)

Knowledge and Experience

• A well-developed understanding of the higher education landscape, and the political environment in Scotland, the rest of the UK and internationally. (Essential)
• Substantial experience of chairing board-level meetings and working alongside Chief Executives gained within complex organisations in the private, public or third sectors. (Essential)
• Executive /senior leadership experience in areas relevant to the successful operation of a complex organisation, for example in relation to strategy, governance, innovation, people, risk management, finance, or organisational change. (Essential)
• A strong understanding of the principles and effective implementation of good corporate governance and how these apply in the context of Higher Education and charities. (Essential)
• A track record of ensuring effective strategic oversight of transformational change and strategic projects. (Desirable)

Terms of Appointment

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 non-pensionable remuneration of £18,900 per annum reviewed on an annual basis. The Chair is eligible to claim travel and other incidental expenses related to the conduct of Court business and in accordance with the University’s financial regulations.

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.

Appointment Process

We welcome applications from communities underrepresented in chair and non-executive roles and will consider all qualified candidates who meet the criteria for the role. FWB is supporting Abertay University on this appointment.

If you think you match the profile of the role and are keen to explore this opportunity in more detail, we invite you to contact Kirsten Hendry at FWB at applications@fwbltd.com

As required by the Higher Education (Governance) Act 2016, the appointment will comprise a three-stage process of application, interview and confirmed candidates standing for election by University staff, students and members of Court. Further details are contained within the candidate brochure.

The closing date for applications is noon on Monday 24 August.