Court meeting: 8 December 2014
The University Court had its most recent meeting on 8 December.
Staff News publishes 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 six times a year.
The Court has the best interests of the whole institution at heart and it's important that the decisions which it takes are shared with and understood by our diverse University community.
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.
Summary of Court meeting: 8 December 2014
The following reports are summaries of a selection of items discussed and agreed on at Court on 8 December.
The meeting’s agenda and papers are available online.
Court open forum
The forum will allow attendees to find out more about Court and the University's achievements during 2013/14.
The event will be ticketed and more information will be available shortly.
Designation of Vice-Principal and Assistant Principal
Court approved the appointment of Professor John Iredale as Vice-Principal Health Service.
His appointment will take effect on 1 January 2015 for an initial period of three years.
He will play a key role in managing the University's relationship with NHS Lothian and the delivery of clinical-year and postgraduate medical education.
Professor Sarah Cunningham-Burley is to become Assistant Principal Research-Led Learning, with effect from 1 August 2015 for an initial period of two years.
She will support Vice-Principal Professor Sue Rigby, particularly in efforts to increase student opportunities for improving skills in analysis, research, problem solving and critical thinking, and in encouraging students to become actively involved in all aspects of their Edinburgh learning experience.
SRUC strategic alignment
Court noted that the University continues to explore with colleagues at SRUC activities relating to strategic alignment.
'Annual Report and Accounts 2013/14'
Court approved the 'Annual Report and Accounts 2013/14', praising the readability of the document and noting the University’s very satisfactory financial position.
This document contains detailed information about the University, including performance against the 'University Strategic Plan 2012/16' during the past year, a section on social responsibility and sustainability, and a section on financial information and trends.
The document will be available on the Finance website in early 2015.
'Annual Review 2013/14'
Court approved the articles that are to be included in the 'Annual Review 2013/14', which will highlight the University's activities during the last academic session. The articles' emphasis will be on internationalisation.
Other items
Court received reports from the Policy and Resources Committee, the Audit and Risk Committee, the Knowledge Strategy Committee and the Nominations Committee that outline activities being undertaken in support of Court.
Court also approved the recommendations of the Nominations Committee in respect of extending the terms of office of Court members and of the start of the recruitment process for new lay members through an open advertisement process.
Further information on the remit and work of Court and its Committees can be found online.