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Further particulars - Environment and Infrastructure Committee Vacancy 2026

Further information on the role

Thank you for looking further into our Court Committee role. We hope the information below is helpful and that you choose to apply. The University is looking for a member with experience of environmental sustainability in a business context.

Lay members of the Environment and Infrastructure Committee are independent of the University and contribute by providing an external perspective on important issues. Membership is for a three-year term, with the option to be considered for two further three-year terms.

Within the initial three-year term members would:

  • become familiar with key topics within the remit of the Committee (for example, the University’s Sustainability Strategy and the Climate Action Framework);
  • become familiar with legislation and processes that impact on the work of the Committee;
  • provide scrutiny of the University’s initiatives to sustainably develop and manage its physical and digital infrastructure, using their own experience of good practice in a relevant area;
  • provide advice on actions that the University could take to improve its physical and digital infrastructure, using their own experience of good practice in a relevant area;
  • demonstrate the University’s values of Inspire, Belong, Collaborate, and Celebrate;
  • promote equality, diversity and inclusion within the Committee and through its work; and
  • regularly attend meetings and contribute to discussion.

The Environment and Infrastructure Committee is part of the University’s governance structure, with delegated authority from the Court. By focusing on infrastructure and sustainability at Heriot-Watt, the Committee helps the Court to:

  • oversee the physical and digital strategic plan that supports the University Strategy;
  • monitor delivery of major physical and digital infrastructure projects;
  • monitor commercialisation and partnership development opportunities;
  • provide governance oversight and support for the ongoing development of the University’s sustainability strategy and Climate Action Framework;
  • monitor progress relative to the 10 Sustainability Commitments;
  • ensure that proposed investments in physical and digital infrastructure take account of environmental sustainability; and
  • oversee the University’s strategic plan for the management of its heritage collections.

The University Secretary, the governance team and fellow governors are all on hand to help new members and induction is provided to help governors develop their knowledge and skills.

The Committee normally meets four times a year, with meetings lasting around two hours. Members will prepare for meetings by reviewing the papers circulated, which should take no more than half a day on each occasion. In addition, lay members of the Court Committees are invited to attend two Court Strategy Days per year at the Edinburgh Campus, one in November and one in May. The total time commitment for the role is a minimum of seven days per academic year.

The majority of Environment and Infrastructure Committee meetings take place via Microsoft Teams, with the option of one in-person meeting per year at the discretion of the Chair. Online attendance at in-person meetings can be arranged for those unable to travel to the Edinburgh Campus. Meetings are normally scheduled from 10am – 12pm (UK time), 2pm – 4pm (Dubai time), and 6pm – 8pm (Malaysia time).