Report of the Governing Body (The University Court)
This statement sets out how members of the governing body of the University (‘University Court’), in their capacity as directors of Â鶹Éçmadou, Registered company No. SC007335, and as trustees of the Â鶹Éçmadou, Scottish Charity No. SC002750 have acted both to promote the success of, and in the interests of the University.
In doing so, the members of a governing body, collectively and individually, have committed upon their appointment to the University Court to act in accordance with the ethical and behavioural standards set out in the Nine Principles of Public Life in Scotland, which incorporate the seven ‘Nolan Principles’. These principles are the foundation for the governing body’s behaviour and its decision-making processes.
The governing body’s intention is to behave responsibly and to ensure that the University operates in a responsible manner, maintaining a reputation for high standards of conduct and aligning fully within accepted principles of good governance, including those applying specifically to Universities in Scotland. The governing body is collectively responsible for the long-term success of the University and, as part of their induction programme, members are briefed on their duties as Directors and Trustees. Members have access to ongoing training and development to provide them with the relevant skills and knowledge to conduct their duties, further information on which is set out in the Corporate Governance Statement later in this report.
Employee Involvement
The University recognises the benefits of keeping employees informed of its financial and academic performance. Information on matters of interest to employees is given through regular staff briefing sessions, Senior Leadership Team staff listening sessions, through staff involvement in stakeholder groups, and through regular communication from the Principal.
Student Involvement
The University consults with, and takes account of the views of the student body in a number of ways. The Student President (Academic) and the Student President (Activities) are full members of the University Court and of the Senate. Student members constitute 10% of the membership of the University Senate, and student representation is embedded in all senior committees of the University. Senior members of staff, including the Principal, engage directly with the Students’ Union to consult upon or explain aspects of the University’s operations and plans and to answer questions from student representatives. The Deputy Principal and Deputy Vice-Chancellor, The Vice-Principal & University Secretary and the SU Sabbatical Officers meet every six weeks as the Student Union Partnership Board to discuss issues of common concern and interest.
Our Student Partnership Agreement covers the period 2024-26 and will be reviewed in 2025-26. At this stage, we are considering strengthening the content around communication, based on student feedback around communication gaps, but also communication overload. To inform this discussion, we are considering NSS (and other survey) data under the Organisation and Management category.
Through our Student Partnership Project, we are reflecting on alignment with sector reference points. Features of the Ambition Statement under active consideration include reward and recognition for students and diversity of representation. The QAA Quality Code has been helpful in developing our thinking around recognition and celebration. In terms of diversity, there are ongoing efforts to reach the wider student population, including our Â鶹Éçmadou Online community. From 2026 we plan to introduce an annual report on the Effectiveness of Partnership Working.
Directors’ and Officers’ Liability Insurance
During the year the University maintained a Directors’ and Officers’ liability insurance policy to provide cover against any civil liability attaching to Court members or Officers of the University in connection with their University activities.
Members’ Liability
The liability of each member of the University upon winding up of the Company is limited to 50p. Distributions to members are not permitted by the Articles of Association of the Company.
Employment of Disabled Persons
The University’s policy remains to afford equal opportunity to all, including disabled people whether registered or not, to apply for employment and, during employment, to receive the support and development they require to enable them to make a full contribution to the University. As a Disability Confident Level 2 employer, we are on a continuous learning journey, seeing to evolve and improve our practice, with support from the Disability Confident scheme resources. Our aim is to be better equipped to nurture a workforce where every member feels valued and empowered to contribute their unique talents.
Creditors’ Payment Policy
Unless special terms are agreed, it is the University’s policy to pay invoices 30 days from the date of the invoice (in accordance with the CBI prompt payment code). Within the last Payment Practices reporting period to July 2025, the average time taken to pay invoices was 21 days (equivalent to 31 July 2024 13 days), with 69% being paid within 30 days, and only 2% being greater than 61 days. In agreements negotiated with suppliers, the University endeavours to include and abide by specific payment terms. At 31 July 2025, trade creditors represented 26 days of relevant expenditure (2024: 32 days). Interest paid under the Late Payment of Commercial Debts (Interest) Act 1998 was £nil (2023/24: £nil).
Going Concern
The University’s activities, together with the factors likely to affect its future development, performance and position, are set out in the Strategic Report, which also includes information on cash flows and borrowing facilities, and the University Court’s assessment of going concern. Further information on the assessment of going concern is also set out in the section on accounting policies on page 35. The University Court believes that the University is well placed to manage its business risks successfully.
Membership of the University Court
| Name | Appointed/Retired Date | Attendance Record | Interested/Occupation |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Pamela Woodburn (Chair) |
Appointed 1 April 2021 |
5/6 |
Manager, Christian Aid |
|
Professor John Harper (Vice-Chair) |
Appointed 1 December 2020 |
6/6 |
Former Principal & Vice-Chancellor, Robert Gordon University |
|
Janet Archer |
Appointed 1 October 2022 |
5/6 |
Chief Executive, Edinburgh Printmakers |
|
Patrick Bartlett |
Appointed 1 February 2024 |
6/6 |
Chartered Accountant |
|
Jay Brown |
Retired 9 June 2023 |
4/5 |
Student President - Academic Life |
|
Professor Richard Butt |
Appointed 1 September 2016 |
6/6 |
Deputy Principal and Deputy Vice-Chancellor Ex Officio |
|
Silvia Cardinale |
Appointed 10 June 2024 |
6/6 |
Student President - Student Activities |
|
Julie Churchill |
Retired 30 September 2025 |
5/6 |
Staff Member, Appointed by Senate |
|
Karen Cullen |
Retired 31 May 2025 |
4/5 |
Elected Support Staff Member |
|
Dr Maria Giatsi-Clausen |
Retired 30 September 2025 |
5/6 |
Nominated Trade Union Member – Academic Staff |
|
Sir Paul Grice |
Appointed 1 October 2019 |
5/6 |
Principal & Vice-Chancellor, Ex Officio |
|
Ann Hill |
Appointed 1 November 2025 |
4/4 |
Further and Higher Education Consultant |
|
Steven Hendry |
Appointed 1 June 2021 |
6/6 |
Director, Capital Markets Team, CBRE |
|
Ellenore Hobkirk |
Appointed 1 March 2024 |
5/6 |
Philanthropy wealth planning specialist |
|
Dr Kavi Jagadamma |
Appointed 1 December 2022 |
6/6 |
Elected Academic Staff Member |
|
Sofia Khan |
Appointed 1 December 2024 |
4/4 |
Scholarship Development Officer, Robertson Trust |
|
Dr Arturo Langa |
Resigned 30 September 2025 |
3/6 |
Consultant Psychiatrist, NHS Lanarkshire |
|
Zoe McCallum |
Appointed 10 June 2025 |
1/1 |
Student President - Academic Life |
|
James Miller |
Appointed 1 February 2023 |
4/6 |
Chartered Accountant |
|
Jacqueline Morrison |
Appointed 1 February 2023 |
5/6 |
Director, Napkin Innovation |
|
Elizabeth Porter |
Retired 28 February 2025 |
2/4 |
Chartered Management Accountant |
|
Garvin Sealy |
Appointed 1 June 2021 |
3/6 |
Co-Director, EqualiTree Community Interest Company |
|
Carol Sinclair |
Retired 30 June 2025 |
6/6 |
Director, Sinclair Wilson, Arts & Business Consultancy |
|
Guy Smith |
Appointed 1 October 2022 |
4/6 |
Finance Director |
|
Bill Stronach |
Appointed 1 February 2023 |
5/6 |
Nominated Trade Union Member - Support Staff |
|
Andrew Watson |
Appointed 1 February 2024 |
5/6 |
Non-Executive Director, Dundee Student Villages |
Membership of University Court Committees during the year to 31 July 2025
Audit and Risk Committee
| Name | Role | Appointed/Retired Date | Attendance record |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Patrick Bartlett |
Convener |
Appointed 18 December 2024 |
2/2 |
|
Guy Smith |
Member |
|
3/4 |
|
James Miller |
Member | 3/4 | |
|
Carol Sinclair |
Member | Retired 30 September 2025 | 2/4 |
Finance & Estates Committee
| Name | Role | Appointed/Retired Date | Attendance |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Janet Archer |
Member | 3/4 | |
|
Professor Richard Butt |
Member | 4/4 | |
|
Sir Paul Grice |
Member | 3/4 | |
|
Professor John Harper |
Member |
|
4/4 |
|
Steven Hendry |
Member |
|
3/4 |
|
Elizabeth Porter |
Member | Retired 28 February 2025 | 2/2 |
|
Andrew Watson |
Convener | 4/4 |
Nominations Committee
| Name | Role | Appointed/Retired Date | Attendance Record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pamela Woodburn | Convener | 2/2 | |
|
Jay Brown |
Member | Retired 9 June 2023 | 2/2 |
|
Karen Cullen |
Member | Retired 31 May 2023 | 1/2 |
|
Sir Paul Grice |
Member | 1/2 | |
|
Professor John Harper |
Member | 2/2 | |
|
Garvin Sealy |
Member | 0/2 |
Senior Management Remuneration Committee
| Name | Role | Appointed/Retired Date | Attendance Record |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Professor John Harper |
Convener | 1/1 | |
|
Ellenore Hobkirk |
Member | Appointed 2 October 2024 | 1/1 |
|
Guy Smith |
Member |
1/1 |
|
|
Pamela Woodburn |
Member | 1/1 |
Disclosure of information to auditors
The members of the University Court who held office at the date of approval of these financial statements confirm that, so far as they are each aware, there is no relevant audit information of which the University’s auditors are unaware. Each member of the University Court has taken all the steps that he/she ought reasonably to have taken as a Member of Court to make himself/herself aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that the University’s auditors are aware of that information.
On behalf of the University Court
Pamela Woodburn
Chair
19 December 2025
