University Court
The University Court is the governing body of the University, working to the Nine Principles of Public Life in Scotland: duty, selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability and stewardship, openness, honesty, leadership and respect.
The Court is responsible for the following key areas:
- mission, vision and strategy of the University
- University students and staff
- financial systems and control environment
- corporate governance
- senior management of the University
The Chair of the Court is responsible for the leadership and effectiveness of Court and ensures that the University is well connected with its stakeholders, including its staff and students. The Chair ensures that Court members work together effectively and efficiently, and have confidence in the procedures laid down for the conduct of business.
University Court information
Court maintains a Register of Interests into which members of University Court and officers declare any personal, business or other interest which may, or may be perceived by a reasonable member of public to, influence their judgement and the University’s decision making process.
A copy of the summary report from the last review of Court Effectiveness is available here Court Effectiveness Report.
Induction is arranged for new members when required. New members will be contacted about this to arrange suitable times. For ongoing training the University makes use of AdvanceHE Governors Development Programme which provides opportunities for governors to continually develop their skills.
Details of courses currently being offered are available below:
The University recently undertook a process to appoint a Chair of its Governing Body, the University Court, in accordance with the requirements of the HE Governance (Scotland) Act 2016.
The University of Stirling's coat of arms dates back to November 1966 and, following application to the Lord Lyon, the University gained its University status by Royal Charter on 27 December 1967.
The coat of arms is reserved for ceremonial purposes, graduation certificates and the Principal and Vice-Cancellor's Office only.
The coat of arms may be described as an arched bridge topped by a tower and surrounded by open books. The bridge may represent a governor or magistrate, the tower safety and guardianship, while the open books have clear associations with learning and knowledge. The imagery portrays the University as an official guardian entrusted with the safekeeping of the process of imparting knowledge, whilst willingly serving the public.
On a more visual level, the three elements of the coat of arms may be interpreted as a reflection of the University’s striking location in a historic Scotland, suggesting as they do Stirling Bridge, the National Wallace Monument and the University itself.
University Court membership
Membership of Court is defined in Statute 9 in the University Calendar. Chaired by a lay member, it comprises:
- The Principal
- The Convenor of Stirling Council
- The President and Vice President of the University of Stirling Students’ Union
- One member nominated by the Chancellor
- The Senior Deputy Principal
- Six members of Academic Council, of which no fewer than two should be non-professorial
- One member from the University of Stirling Alumni
- Up to eleven other lay members (non-University staff)
- One member appointed by Staff Assembly not being a member of Academic Staff
The University Secretary and Service Directors from across the University also attend Court meetings on a regular basis. Court is serviced by a Clerk to Court from Policy and Planning.
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Chair of Court
Members of the University Court
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Lay member from 2019
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Lay member from 2016
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Member of Academic Staff from 2023
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Lay member from 2023
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Lay member from 2019
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Lay member from 2022
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Lord Provost of Stirling
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Member of Academic Staff from 2024
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Lay member from 2017
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Vice President of Communities, Stirling Students' Union
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Lay member from 2019
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Member of Academic Staff from 2023
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Student member from 2023
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Lay member from 2023
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Member of Academic Staff from 2023
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Member of Professional Services Staff from 2020
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Academic Council Representative from 2022
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Professor Malcolm MacLeod BSc, PhD, FRSA, FBPsS
Senior Deputy Principal (Operational Strategy and External Affairs)
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Professor Sir Gerry McCormac FRSE, FSA, FRSA, FHEA
Principal and Vice-Chancellor
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Lay Member from 2019
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Lay member from 2022
Gary Fleming
Member of Professional Services Staff from 2022