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Further Particulars - Heriot-Watt University - EIC Chair and Court Vacancy 2026

Futher Information on the Role

Thank you for looking further into our Court and Chair of the Environment and Infrastructure Committee role. We hope the information below is helpful and that you choose to apply.

Lay members of the Court 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.

Court members would be expected to:

  • make a positive contribution to the strategic development of the University, sharing their skills and experience from other contexts;
  • review and advise on the University’s performance, ensuring the robustness and transparency of the required monitoring and controls, governance and assurance systems;
  • be a critical friend, ambassador and advocate for the University;
  • challenge and debate constructively during meetings, and contribute to the effectiveness of the Court and any Court committee they serve as part of a cohesive group with collective responsibilities;
  • analyse complex issues and apply strategic and analytical approaches to the collective decision-making process;
  • recognise and respect the balance and interactions between governance and executive management functions;
  • support equality, diversity and inclusion and demonstrate through their behaviours the University’s values of Inspire, Belong, Collaborate and Celebrate;
  • seek to advance their knowledge and understanding of the complex and changing higher education environment, nationally and internationally; and
  • participate in the life of the University more widely.

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

The Chair of the Environment and Infrastructure Committee provides leadership to the committee and plays a critical role in ensuring its effectiveness, setting the agenda and tone of the Committee’s work. The Chair must have a clear understanding of the committee’s duties and responsibilities and understand the culture and mission of the University. The Chair plays a key role in focussing the agenda on important strategy issues and the Court priorities; the University’s sustainability strategy; and the strategy for its physical and digital infrastructure, with a focus on value for money and commerciality. The Chair will be commercially astute, bringing best practice and a commercial mindset to the work of the Committee and the role of Chair. The Chair will have a strong professional relationship with the relevant executives, helping maintain focus on implementing the University’s Strategy in the areas of sustainability and infrastructure.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

  • To approve the agenda and draft minutes of Environment and Infrastructure Committee meetings.
  • To Chair and participate in meetings of the Committee.
  • To report on the activities of the Committee to Court.
  • To ensure the Committee is acting within its powers and terms of reference and conduct a review of the terms of reference on an annual basis.
  • To provide support and direction to Committee members to ensure their contribution is relevant and effective.
  • To undertake other duties consistent with the role of the Committee Chair to ensure effective governance oversight.

BACKGROUND AND EXPERIENCE

  • A person with an excellent working knowledge of sustainable management of physical and digital infrastructure.
  • A person with experience of optimising space utilisation, commercialising assets and achieving value for money.
  • An independent and proactive leader with confidence and integrity.
  • A highly respected and experienced board member.
  • A person with experience of leadership and chairing a committee.
  • A good listener and communicator who can facilitate successfully.
  • A champion of open, inclusive discussion, with the experience to manage challenge effectively.

The Court normally meets six times a year. There are four regular business meetings that last around half a day. These are currently held via Microsoft Teams. Members will prepare for meetings by reviewing the papers circulated, which should take no more than half a day on each occasion. Court members are also invited to attend two Court Strategy Days per year on the Edinburgh Campus, one in November and one in May.

The Chair of the Environment and Infrastructure Committee would normally chair four meetings per year, and will also be a member of the Court Interim Business Committee, which meets in person at the Edinburgh Campus five times per year as well as dealing with urgent items by correspondence in between Court meetings.

The minimum expected time commitment for the role is approximately 25 days per academic year.

Members are also encouraged to take a general interest in activities open to them to develop their understanding of the University and its community.