The Senior Lay Member position is for an individual external to the University, but is elected by students and staff. The role provides overall leadership of Court, which is the University's governing body.
Applications close at midday on Friday 31 October 2025, and staff and students will then vote on the eligible candidates in January 2026.
Under the Higher Education Governance (Scotland) Act 2016, all higher education institutions must have a Senior Lay Member. The role is similar to the Chair of an institution. They chair the business items at Court meetings and ensure that Court works together and conducts its business effectively and efficiently, with due consideration of legal and compliance issues.
The Senior Lay Member also acts as a critical friend to the University and ensures the University is well connected and represented with its partners, stakeholders and other external bodies.
Janet Legrand is the first and current Senior Lay Member at the University. She was elected in April 2020 and her second and final three-year term concludes on 31 July 2026.