University Court

The Court is the governing body of Queen Margaret University, established by the Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh (Scotland) Order of Council 2007 which came into force on 1 April 2007.

The Court is responsible for the carrying out the objectives of the university, ensuring the financial sustainability of the university and approving the strategic plan. The Court is supported by a number of committees including the Finance & Estates Committee, Audit Committee, Nominations Committee and senior Management Remuneration Committee. The Health and Safety Committee, Equal Opportunities Committee and the Staff Policy and Development Committee also report to Court.

The Court delegates some responsibilities to the Senate, including the academic work of the university and the conferring of degrees and other awards. Operational management is delegated to the University’s senior management team under the leadership of the Principal and Vice Chancellor.

An important aspect of the Court’s work is establishing and monitoring systems of control and accountability, including financial control, and reviewing the performance of the University.

The Court meets at least five times a year.

Membership of the Court is made up of:

• Between 12 and 16 lay members who bring with them skills and experience of value to the University.
• The Principal and Vice Principals.
• Three staff members, two of whom are elected by staff, one who is elected by Senate and
• The Student President and one other Students’ Union office-bearer

Court members commit to conducting themselves in accordance with accepted standards of public life: openness, integrity and accountability. They hold office for a fixed term and they exercise their responsibilities in the interests of the University as a whole rather than as a representative of any constituency. They agree to abide by the university Court’s Code of Conduct and must complete a Register of Interests form annually.

Appointed by the Court from amongst the lay members, the Chair provides leadership to the Court and works closely with the Principal.

Court Meeting dates for 2011

Wednesday 2 February, 4pm, QMU campus

Wednesday 9 March, 2.30pm, QMU campus (Court Away Day),

Thursday 10 March, 9.00am, QMU campus (Court Away Day),

Wednesday 11 May, QMU campus

Wednesday 22 June, QMU campus

Wednesday 12 October, QMU campus

Wednesday  14 December, QMU campus

^ to top