Court meeting: 25 September 2017
The University Court held its most recent meeting on 25 September.
We publish regular updates on matters discussed at all Court meetings, during which members consider matters of strategic importance to the University.
Meetings of the Court are held five times a year.
Governing body
The Court is the University’s governing body and its legal persona.
With a focus on strategic direction, it takes the final decisions on issues of fundamental concern to the wellbeing of the University.
Detailed information on the membership and activities of the University Court, including meeting agendas, papers and minutes, is available online.
Detailed information on University Court
Summary of Court meeting: 25 September 2017
The following reports are summaries of a selection of items discussed and agreed at Court on 25 September.
New Court members
Three new Court members were welcomed to their first meeting:
- Non-Teaching Staff Assessor Jo Craiglee
- Co-opted member Dr Frank Armstrong
- Co-opted member Perdita Fraser
National Student Survey 2017 and Annual Scottish Funding Council Quality Assurance Report
The results of the National Student Survey 2017, analysis, proposed actions and further issues for consideration were reviewed alongside the University’s annual report to the Scottish Funding Council on institution-led review and enhancement activity.
The improvement in the National Student Survey overall satisfaction measure, from 80% in 2016 to 83% in 2017 and relative improvement in the University’s position relative to peer institutions was welcomed but it was noted that results remain significantly below those the University aspires towards.
The Heads of College commented on variations in results at School and degree course level, disseminating best practice and improving student spaces across the University’s campuses.
Rectorial Election 2018
Proposed arrangements for the Rectorial Election 2018 were considered. Court agreed an election date of 26-27 February 2018 and the appointment of Sheriff Principal Edward Bowen as the Returning Officer and Ms Tracey Slaven as the Deputy Returning Officer. It was agreed that the draft election regulations would be subject to further consultation with student and staff representatives with a final draft to be submitted to Exception Committee for approval.
City Deal
Court welcomed and discussed the University’s involvement as a key partner in the Edinburgh and South-East Scotland City Deal, announced in July.
Higher Education Governance (Scotland) Act 2016
Proposals developed by Nominations Committee to revise the composition of Court to enable compliance with the Higher Education Governance (Scotland) Act 2016 were considered and approved in principle. This will include a small increase in the size of Court from 22 to 23 members, transitional arrangements prior to full implementation, and an expected full implementation date of 1 August 2020.
Higher Education Governance (Scotland) Act 2016
Other items
Updates from EUSA and reports from Court’s committees on activities being undertaken in support of Court were received. Court also approved the extension of terms of office for a number of Vice and Assistant Principals, considered a regular update from the Director of Finance, approved the annual review of Court’s effectiveness for 2016/17 and noted the completion rate for staff Annual Reviews in 2016/17.
Further information on the remit and work of Court and its Committees can be found online.