Summary of the key topics discussed
Court Seminar
Prior to the formal meeting of Court, Court received presentations and held discussions on the University’s research missions, the innovation career pathway and University finances.
Court membership
Court welcomed a new member in the position of General Council Assessor, following a competitive recruitment process involving members of Court and representation from the General Council.
Update from the Principal
Peter Mathieson, Principal & Vice-Chancellor, updated Court on a number of recent developments, including:
- The introduction to Parliament of the Tertiary Education and Training (Funding and Governance) (Scotland) Bill;
- Meetings of the General Council and the Russell Group;
- An event celebrating long-serving University staff;
- Work to enhance the student experience;
- A visit to India for a series of meetings on existing and prospective partnerships;
- Attendance at a reception celebrating the UK’s AI ecosystem hosted by the Prime Minister, at 10 Downing Street;
- Significant research awards in renewable energy generation.
Finance
Court received a report on current and forecast financial performance and contextual factors affecting UK universities. Court discussed a planned approach to rebalancing the University’s income and expenditure.
Communications were issued to the University’s staff and students following this discussion. Staff can access further information on the Finance SharePoint site:
Annual People Report
Court received the Annual People Report covering the academic year 2023-24 and a number of positive developments, including reduced staff contribution rates to the Staff Benefits Scheme following its valuation, progress in simplifying the academic promotions process and a reduction in the University’s gender pay gap.
The report is to be published in due course.
Other items
Court received an update on student recruitment for entry in 2025-26. Regular reports were received from the Students’ Association, the Sports Union, the Development and Alumni Office and Court’s committees. A Knowledge Exchange & Innovation Fund Strategy was approved for submission to the Scottish Funding Council (SFC) and Court received the University’s Self-Evaluation Action Plan on quality assurance and enhancement in learning and teaching, which had been submitted to the SFC. Resolutions to establish and re-name personal Chairs were approved.
More detailed information on the University Court, including the membership, agenda, open papers and approved minutes can be found on the University Court webpages: