Staff news

Court meeting: 6 February 2017

The University Court held its most recent meeting on 6 February.

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: 6 February 2017

The following reports are summaries of a selection of items discussed and agreed at Court on 6 February.

Appointment of next Principal

On behalf of Court, the Rector thanked the Vice-Convener, University Secretary, Director of Human Resources and all those involved in the recruitment process leading to the appointment of Professor Peter Mathieson, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Hong Kong as the next Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Edinburgh.

Appointment of next Principal

Tam Dalyell

Court observed a minutes silence in memory of Tam Dalyell, former Rector (2003-06), Member of Parliament for West Lothian (1962-83) and Linlithgow (1983-2005) and great supporter of the University, who died on 26 January 2017.

Presentation – ‘Connecting for Good’

The Vice-Principal Philanthropy & Advancement presented an update on Development & Alumni activities and priorities, including an alignment of all alumni and donor activity with the Strategic Plan 2016 and the role of Court in ‘Connecting for Good’ with alumni, potential donors and influencers and advocates.

Student Experience Update

The Senior Vice-Principal reported on ongoing work to enhance the student experience. The intention to develop a holistic plan for learning and teaching to support the ambition to achieve a top ten placing in UK league tables was discussed. It was noted that a pilot project to subsidise a public bus link between King’s Buildings and the Central Area will begin shortly and the Main Library will open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week from 20 March, with a successful communications campaign having been launched.  

Strategic Plan Performance Measurement Framework

A performance measurement dashboard illustrating the health and impacts of the University for use in assessing performance against the Strategic Plan 2016 was endorsed, with ‘work in progress’ measures to continue development.

Edinburgh Global Update

The Vice-Principal International presented the new University Global Engagement Plan and provided an update on the MasterCard Scholars Program and strategic collaborative initiatives.

Global Engagement Plan

Core Systems Strategy

An initial information brief to raise awareness of the evolving University Core Systems Strategy, to operate the underpinning business and administration software systems in an integrated fashion, was considered.

Non-Teaching Staff Assessor Election Regulations

Regulations governing the conduct of the Non-Teaching Staff Assessor Election 2017 were approved. The election is scheduled for 13-15 June 2017.

Court vacancy

EUSA President’s Report

The EUSA President reported on activities since the last meeting and forthcoming events, including the annual Gather Festival (20-28 February) to celebrate the diverse University community, the Sustain.Ed Festival (16-18 February) to celebrate sustainability at the University and in the city and the opening of nominations for the annual Impact Awards, Teaching Awards and the EUSA elections.     

Other items

Court approved the extension of Professor Arthur Trew’s term of office as Assistant Principal Computational Science until 31 July 2018, received a progress update on negotiations to establish a City Deal for the Edinburgh and South-East Scotland City Region, reviewed the first quarter 2016/17 financial outturn and reviewed reports from its Committees on activities being undertaken in support of Court.

Further information on the remit and work of Court and its Committees can be found online.

Court and Committees