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The University Court is the Governing Body of the University and is responsible for overseeing the institution's activities and agreeing the University’s strategic direction. The University Court is also responsible for the effective governance of the institution and agrees the Strategy and annual budget. Further information can be found in its Statement of Primary Responsibilities.
Court delegates responsibility to the Principal, supported by the Senior Leadership Team, to deliver the strategic objectives, manage the University’s finances, and to be responsible for the operational management of the University.
The Chair is responsible for the leadership of Court and for ensuring that the necessary business of Court is carried out efficiently, effectively, and in a manner appropriate for the proper conduct of public business. The Chair will also have a role in representing the University externally. Further information about the Role of the Chair of Court
Court has a maximum of 25 members, including independent lay members, representatives of students, staff, and the trade unions and further information can be found on our webpages - About the University Court
Appointment Process
The previous Chair of Court's term ended earlier this year and Court has agreed regulations and a process for the appointment of the new Chair. The process is overseen by an Appointment Committee, including representatives of staff and students. The process is governed by the requirements of the Higher Education Governance (Scotland) Act (2016) which requires an election to take place.
In line with the legislative requirements, an election will be held, and Court will appoint the winner of the election as the next Chair of Court. Appointment to the position is for a period of three years, with the possibility of re-appointment for a further and final period of three years by agreement of the Court.
Election
Three candidates will contest the election which will take place between 2 and 9 November 2026. The candidates are:
Open Meeting – Monday 2 November
Candidates will take part in an Open Meeting on Monday 2 November 2026, 15:00 - 16:30. This will provide an opportunity for staff, students and members of Court to hear statements from candidates and to participate in a Q&A session.
The Open Meeting will take place on campus and online via Microsoft Teams. A recording of the event will be available to view as soon as possible after the event.
Who can vote
The electorate comprises:
members of Court;
students of the University who are fully registered on the qualifying date for the election 5 October 2026
staff of the University, defined as any individual who has a salaried contract of employment with the University on the qualifying date for the election 5 October 2026. Any individuals engaged on temporary services, and honorary contracts are not entitled to vote.
All electors have a single vote, irrespective of whether they fall into more than one category. Each vote cast in the election carries equal weight.
How to vote
Voting will open at 15:00 on Monday 2 November and close at 15:00 on Monday 9 November 2026.
The University has appointed Civica to manage the electronic voting process on our behalf. All eligible staff, students and Court members will receive an email from takepart@cesvotes.com with further instructions on how to access the voting system.
If you believe that you are entitled to vote but have any difficulties, please contact the Governance team (governance@abertay.ac.uk) and they will be happy to help to resolve the issue with you.
