Court

Clerk: Ms L Kirkwood-Smith (0131 451 3631)

The Court is the body in which are vested the ultimate authority and obligation to regulate the affairs of the University; in relation to financial and contractual issues and, by review of the actions and decisions of the Senate, also in relation to academic undertakings.

Remit

• To develop and approve the Strategic Plan for the University on an appropriate timescale
• To approve the annual budget for the University and the annual accounts
• To ensure that clear objectives are set for management and that the accountabilities of individuals and of committees which support institutional decision-making are well defined
• To provide for the welfare and recreation of the students and staff of the University
• To determine and apply appropriate performance and benchmarking measures

The full responsibilities of the Court are set out in the Statement of Primary Responsibilities (pdf)

Composition - STATUTE XII paragraph 1 (September 2007)

• The Principal
• The Vice-Principal
• Two persons appointed as follows:-
  - One by the Chancellor
  - One by the council of the City of Edinburgh
• Four members of the Senate
• Three Members of staff at least two of whom are not Academic Staff
• Two members from the former students and alumni of the University
• The President of the Students Union and one member of the Council of the Students Union of the University appointed by the Council of the Students Union
• Up to ten members appointed by the court on the recommendation of a Committee established by Ordinance and chaired by the Chancellor