Appointment of Chair of Court

UWS seeks a new Chair of Court

University of the West of Scotland is seeking to appoint an exceptional individual to Chair the University Court, our governing body, succeeding the current Chair, Kate Allum, from 1 February 2026, when her final term in office comes to an end. 

This is an exciting time for the new Chair to work with UWS Principal and Vice-Chancellor, Professor James Miller FRSE, as the University launches its Strategy 2030 in Spring 2025.

UWS is a place-making institution that is proud to be an integral part of our local communities, and with a national and international reach: the University has four campuses in Scotland in Ayr, Dumfries, Lanarkshire and Paisley, as well as a campus in London Docklands. UWS has over 110 international partnerships and our student community comprises more than 100 nationalities.

UWS is a significant force, nationally and globally, in knowledge creation and innovation, and a leading provider of undergraduate, postgraduate and research degree education. Underpinning all of our work is a commitment to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals: UWS was ranked 16th in the world for reducing inequalities in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2024. 

The University is seeking a dynamic and experienced leader for the role of Chair of Court: an accomplished Chair with an inclusive style who will inspire confidence and trust. You will be genuinely motivated by UWS’s position as an anchor institution within its communities as well as its global ambitions and presence. The transformative power of education to provide opportunities and change people’s lives and UWS’s track record in successfully reducing inequalities will deeply resonate with you.

The role of Chair of Court presents a key opportunity to work with the University - our inspiring students, our incredible colleagues and our valued stakeholders. UWS Court oversees the University’s strategic direction helping to advance the University’s core purpose: to maximise student success; create and apply new knowledge; and to grow our global impact. 

Appointment

• The process for the appointment is determined by the Higher Education Governance (Scotland) Act 2016 which requires both selection and election elements. 
• The period of appointment is initially for 3 years, which may be extended up to a maximum of 6 years, subject to approval by Court. 
• The Chair is entitled to non-pensionable remuneration of c£18,000 per annum plus reasonable travel and subsistence expenses in line with University procedures.

The Chair of Court appointment pack outlines full details on the role. FWB is acting as an executive search agency advisor to the University for this role. Application should be made direct to FWB and details on the process are outlined in the appointment pack. 

For an initial conversation about the role, please contact Kirsten Hendry, Associate Director at FWB on 0131 539 7087 or email applications@fwbltd.com

Key dates

• Applications should be submitted to FWB by noon on 17 March 2025
• Specific dates and times for interviews will be confirmed to short-listed candidates at the end of March 2025
• Interviews are expected to take place on 14 April 2025
• The Chair of Court will be elected for an initial period of 3 years with effect from 1 February 2026