Convener of Court

We are seeking a Convener of Court to lead our governing body, the University Court. We are looking for someone who is excited by our distinctive strategy and ambition with a deep personal commitment to higher education and the values, aims and objectives of the University of Strathclyde.  We would be delighted to hear from you if you are able to bring your experience to this opportunity

We are a leading international technological university, that is socially progressive. Building on our Enlightenment roots as a “place of useful learning”, the University is recognised for engagement with business, industry, and the public sector world-class teaching and research and a deep commitment to innovation and enterprise.
Under the leadership of our Principal, Professor Sir Jim McDonald GBE FREng FRSE, our new strategic plan, Strathclyde 2030, sets out our ambitious programme for the next 6 years delivering academic excellence, operational effectiveness, and financial strength as we deliver world leading education and impactful research, continually investing to further develop our global and local contribution to society.

You will lead our Court, working closely with the Principal and Executive team as they deliver our strategic plan.  This is an exceptional opportunity to play a vital part in the success of a dynamic, ambitious and distinctive institution.

It is estimated that the Convener of Court will need to devote 1 working day per week during term time (equivalent to around 30-40 days per year) to effectively fulfil the responsibilities of the post. There will be an occasional requirement to attend further ceremonial and business events and for the Convener to be flexible and to be available to attend meetings in Glasgow at relatively short notice.

We are looking for an individual with extensive leadership experience and knowledge of large, diverse organisations in the private, public or third sector.  The Convener of Court will be someone who leads confidently at Board and senior executive level with a strong understanding of the principles and effective implementation of good corporate governance in complex and challenging environments.  You will be demonstrably well equipped to support the University in building and maintaining relationships with a diverse range of external and internal stakeholders as well as confidently representing the University in an ambassadorial role in all industrial, academic and public sector environments.

Further details on the criteria for the role and other information relating to the appointment are set out in the candidate pack.

To apply for this post, please submit your CV and a supporting statement (each of which should be no more than two pages in length) together with an Equality and Diversity Monitoring Form (that will be used only for monitoring purposes and will not be seen by the selection panel) to Ailsa Sutherland, Director at FWB at applications@fwbltd.com.

We expect to hold interviews on the 25th June and for the election phase to take place in October 2024.

Initial and confidential enquiries regarding the role may be made to Ailsa Sutherland on 0131 539 7087.

The University of Strathclyde is a socially progressive institution that strives to ensure equality of opportunity and celebrates the diversity of its student and staff community. Strathclyde is people-oriented and collaborative, offering a supportive and flexible working culture with a deep commitment to our equality, diversity and inclusion charters, initiatives, groups and networks.

We strongly encourage applications from Black, Asian and minority ethnicity, women, LGBT+, and disabled candidates and candidates from lower socio-economic groups and care-experienced backgrounds.