Senior Governor (Senior Lay Member of Court)

Description

The University of Aberdeen is seeking to appoint its next Senior Governor, the senior lay member of the University Court. The role is akin to the Chair of a Board or University Council, providing leadership to the governing body and playing a central role in ensuring the effective governance and long‑term sustainability of the institution.

The University of Aberdeen is one of the UK’s ancient universities - founded in 1495 it is the fifth-oldest university in the English-speaking world. Aberdeen combines a rich academic heritage with a forward-looking approach to teaching and research. Through its Aberdeen 2040 strategy, the University sets out an ambitious vision to become a more “inclusive, interdisciplinary, international and sustainable university,” building on its historic strengths while responding to the challenges of the future.

In line with its foundational purpose, the University is committed to education and research that are “open to all and dedicated to the pursuit of truth in the service of others”. Aberdeen focuses its research on key global challenges through five interdisciplinary priority areas: health, nutrition and wellbeing; social inclusion and cultural diversity; energy transition; data and artificial intelligence; and environment and biodiversity. These areas reflect a commitment to producing research that delivers meaningful impact both locally and globally.

The Role and Its Statutory Functions

The Senior Governor provides leadership of the University Court and is responsible for ensuring that the governing body conducts its business effectively, efficiently and in accordance with its statutory, legal and governance responsibilities. Acting as a charity trustee, the Senior Governor must ensure that Court operates in the best interests of the University and upholds high standards of governance, integrity and public accountability.

The functions exercisable by the Senior Lay Member of the governing body include:

• Leading the effectiveness and conduct of the University Court
• Ensuring the University discharges its statutory, regulatory and governance obligations
• Chairing meetings of Court, or agreeing appropriate arrangements for chairing with the Rector
• Leading Court’s oversight of strategy, performance, risk and financial sustainability
• Enabling constructive challenge and accountability of the Principal/executive, while maintaining a clear distinction between governance and management
• Promoting inclusive, transparent and well‑governed decision‑making

Criteria for Appointment

Candidates will be assessed against published criteria which include:

• Senior leadership experience at board or organisational head level within a large and complex organisation
• Proven experience of chairing a complex board or major committee
• Strong governance capability and a clear understanding of the distinction between governance and executive responsibilities
• Significant strategic and financial experience
• Independence of judgement, integrity and credibility
• The ability to work effectively within complex stakeholder environments

Appointment Process

The appointment of the Senior Governor is subject to election under Scottish legislation. The process will involve an initial selection stage followed by a formal election by staff and students of the University conducted in line with statutory requirements.

Remuneration, Allowances and Expenses

Remuneration in the form of an honorarium of £22,000 is available for this role, based on an expected annual time commitment of 50 days. Reasonable expenses incurred in connection with attending an interview, or otherwise participating in the appointment or election process, and in undertaking the role, will be reimbursed in accordance with university policy.

Further Information

To arrange a conversation about this opportunity please contact Dr Maliha Ahmed maliha.ahmed@gatenbysanderson.com

Key Dates

• Applications Close – Midday, Monday 11 May 2026
• Interviews - expected to be 23 June 2026.
• Open Meetings with students and staff for Candidates in the Election – Late September – (date to be confirmed)
• Election – Late September (dates to be confirmed)

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