Lay Court Member; Finance - Edinburgh Napier University

Edinburgh Napier is an inspiring and innovative University. With a reputation for the diversity of its student community, the employability of its graduates, its international reach and strong links to business through research and innovation, it is widely regarded as the number one modern University in Scotland. It is home to over 1,500 staff and over 20,000 students across the five academic schools.

The University is looking to appoint a Lay Court Member who will bring strong strategic and practical finance experience to the Court. Lay Members are external persons appointed by the University’s governing body, the Court, who contribute through a variety of different interests and experience. The Court governs all areas of the University which includes its students, staff, network, community and alumni.

Lay Court Members help to shape the University’s strategic direction and oversee its performance, ensuring successful delivery of its vision, values and strategic objectives. As the University is a registered charity, Lay Court Members are also Charity Trustees.

• Will be able to demonstrate significant experience of operating at a senior level in any business or organisation in the private, public or voluntary sectors.
• Will bring an external perspective, diversity of thought and help facilitate opportunities for the University – a commitment and enthusiasm for Higher Education will also be an important attribute to bring.
• Should be expected to demonstrate sensitivity to the cultural dimensions of operating in the Higher Education sector, recognising that the University has many international partners and stakeholders.
• Should be able to articulate their commitment to the highest principles of public life in Scotland, incorporating the seven Nolan Principles of selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.
• Should bring the ability to challenge constructively and balance this with excellent communication and interpersonal skills to work collectively and effectively with other members of the Court.
• Need not have operated in a Non-Executive or Trustee capacity in the past but do have a strong understanding of oversight and governance and the role of the Court in this capacity.
• Should bring a demonstrable desire to really want to take on this responsibility and give something back, with a style and approach that reflects this at all times.

The Lay Court Member role requires a time commitment of approximately 12 days per annum. This will typically consist of four meetings of Court each year, up to five meetings of Court Committees every year, two governing body/executive strategy meetings plus ad hoc communications, University Graduations and other events where possible. Lay Court Members may also be asked to support the work of the University in other ways such as by sitting on advisory panels, steering groups or by participating in mentoring programmes.

Lay Court Member positions are non-remunerated but necessary travel and other incidental expenses related to the conduct of Court business will be reimbursed.

We are looking to appoint an outstanding finance leader with the experience, capacity and enthusiasm to use their extensive finance knowledge to the benefit of the entire Edinburgh Napier University community. Candidates may be CA or similarly qualified, but this is not a pre-requisite.

Interested candidates should send their CV to Graham Burns of FWB at applications@fwbltd.com.