Jobs at Glasgow

Join us and Make Your Mark

Are you looking for a new and exciting opportunity to guide an ambitious, global university?

The University is looking to appoint a co-opted member to join the University's Court to help us achieve our plans. We are seeking people who are motivated by our ambitions and who can bring innovative thought and challenge.

The Court is the university’s governing body and oversees our strategy and vision. You can help us in delivering our Vision and Values - placing these at the heart of everything we do. 

This is a unique opportunity to become a critical friend, provide expert guidance and assist in taking the University forward. Ideally, candidates will demonstrate a range of skills and have significant strategic leadership experience gained within large, complex organisations. We would particularly welcome applications from individuals with at least two years of building and land management expertise, higher education sector knowledge, and wider senior leadership experience.

If you share our values and can help the University achieve its ambitious goals and deliver positive change, we would be delighted to hear from you.

Equality and diversity

The University of Glasgow is committed to equality and ensuring all students, staff and visitors have a positive experience of the learning, teaching, research and work environment.

We are keen to hear from people excited by the opportunity to add value irrespective of their sex, gender identity, gender re-assignment, age, disability, sexual orientation, religion or belief, race and traditionally under-represented groups, and to preserve gender balance on the Court in accordance with the Gender Representation on Public Boards (Scotland) Act 2018, we would welcome and encourage applications from women.

The University of Glasgow & UK HE

The University of Glasgow is consistently ranked within the top 30 UK universities and within the global top 100.

We’ve been making history since 1451 and shaping the world for 575 years, and we’ll continue developing the world changers of tomorrow.

The University of Glasgow fostered the talents of seven Nobel laureates and many political leaders who have had a profound impact on life in Scotland, the UK and across the world.  Scotland’s first female medical graduates completed degrees at the University in 1894 and the world’s first ultrasound images of a foetus were published by Glasgow Professor Ian Donald in 1958.  In 1840 the University of Glasgow was the first in the UK to appoint a Professor of Engineering and first in Scotland to have an electronic computer in 1957.

More recently, the University has invested in academic facilities, including the newly completed James McCune Smith Learning Hub and the Advanced Research Centre.  We aim to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030, and intend to consolidate our position as a diverse, inclusive institution which welcomes staff and students from around the world.

Glasgow is in an elite group of globally leading research-intensive universities. Over the last few years we have made great strides in our  performance. Our strategic plan sets out our ambitions to build on our current strong academic and financial position to be a world-changing university.

UK Higher Education

The UK is a global leader in higher education research and teaching. The sector generates more than £30bn of revenue for the UK economy; in Scotland, the annual economic impact now stands at £6.7bn gross value added. The Scottish HE Sector currently employs around 50,000 people and supports over 144,000 jobs in the Scottish economy.

Scotland has a world-renowned education system, top-class universities and a reputation for producing creative thinkers and innovators. More than 241,000 chose to study in Scotland, including more than 50,000 are international students from over 180 different countries. Scotland is home to 15 campus-based universities, as well as three specialist institutions and to 2 of the world’s top 100 universities [Times Higher World University Rankings 2024].

The Scottish HE sector has pioneered developments in teaching including an ‘enhancement-led’ approach that makes  students a key partner in the quality of their education. Scotland’s universities are also a world-class research force, pushing the boundaries of discovery and placing the sector at the very top of international rankings for the citation of research findings.

Higher education in Scotland is devolved to the Scottish Parliament, with funding and policy decisions affecting higher education taken primarily by the Scottish Government, Scottish Parliament and Scottish Funding Council.

Glasgow City and University of Glasgow Innovation

With a population of over 1 million, Glasgow, situated near the west coast of Scotland, is Scotland's largest city and the UK's fourth largest whilst serving as the traditional gateway to the spectacular Highlands and Islands.

Glasgow is home to Scotland's national opera and media, and is renowned for its architecture, museums, festivals and food scene, whilst also being the UK's first UNESCO City of Music.

With its deep-rooted history, contemporary culture and world-class facilities, Glasgow continues to shine on the global stage. Following its successful hosting of the Commonwealth Games in 2014 and COP26 in 2021, and recognition as the European Capital of Sport in 2023, the city this year celebrates its 850th birthday and is looking forward to hosting the 2026 Commonwealth Games.

Voted the friendliest city in the world (source: Conde Nast Traveller 2025 Readers' Choice Awards), Glasgow truly lives up to its strapline, ‘People Make Glasgow’, encapsulating the warmth, diversity and character of its multinational community.

The Gaelic for Glasgow translates to 'Dear Green Place' in recognition that the city boasts over 90 parks and gardens whilst being just a short drive from Loch Lomond and Scotland's stunning countryside.

Glasgow is well connected with major European destinations less than an hour away. Two train stations serve the city alongside one of the oldest subway systems in Europe and an international airport.

The Glasgow Riverside Innovation District (GRID) is an ambitious partnership between the University, Scottish Enterprise, Glasgow City Council and the local community of Govan. GRID is creating opportunity and lasting benefit for all by stimulating economic growth, creating jobs, attracting inward investment and improving the wellbeing of citizens. Within GRID, the University is creating a precision medicine living laboratory including a purpose-built Health Innovation Hub which will create 450 new employment opportunities.

The University Court

The Court is the University’s governing body and is the legal persona of the University. Its powers have been defined over a number of years, commencing in 1858 when the Court was first established, and are set out in the Universities (Scotland) Acts 1858-1966 and the Higher Education Governance (Scotland) Act 2016, and subsidiary ordinances, resolutions and regulations.

Court is the University’s legal authority and collectively it is responsible for the proper conduct of the University’s public business, for strategic vision, monitoring effectiveness and performance of the University, approving Finance, Estate, People & OD strategies including diversity and inclusion and ensuring the good name and values of the University. The Court has 25 members with each playing an integral role.

Click here to view the current membership of University Court

Click here to view the Statement of Primary Responsibilities of the University Court

The Role of the Co-opted Court Member

Your knowledge and experience will assist our inspiring people to change the world together

The main purpose of the role of the Court Member is to assist Court in performing its statutory functions. 

Co-opted Court Members are neither employees nor students of the University, and are appointed by the Court itself - A majority of members on Court are external. Once appointed, all members are charity trustees as the University is a registered educational charitable body.

As a founding member of the Russell Group, Glasgow is one of the UK's leading research universities. It has a strong and growing international profile with over 9,000 employees and an annual turnover of over £1bn, having a powerful impact on the Scottish economy. The successful candidate will be contributing to the University’s development at an exciting time following the publication of our new Strategic Plan and major redevelopment plans for the campus.

Co-opted Court Member Responsibilities

The Co-opted Court Member duties and responsibilities are:

  1. Standards
    • All Court Members are responsible for ensuring that they conduct themselves in accordance with accepted standards of behaviour in public life, embracing selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty, and leadership.
    • All Court Members must provide an up-to-date Register of the Interests and shall make a full and timely personal disclosure of any actual or perceived conflict of interest.
  2. Business of the University
    • Co-opted Court Members, through the Chair, should endeavour to establish a constructive and supportive but challenging working relationship with the senior managers of the University, recognising the proper separation between governance and executive management, and avoiding involvement in the day-to-day executive management of the University.
    • Co-opted Court Members are expected to sit on at least one or more of the following committees of Court: the Audit & Risk Committee, Finance Committee, Estates and Sustainability Committee, Student Experience Committee, Nominations Committee, People and Organisational Development Committee, Information Policy and Strategy Committee, and the Remuneration Committee.
  3. Personal 
    • Court Members will have a strong personal commitment to Higher Education and the values, aims and objectives of the University.
    • Court Members will, at all times, act fairly and impartially in the interests of the University as a whole, using independent judgement and maintaining confidentiality as appropriate.
    • Court Members drawn from a particular sector or community, must not act as if delegated by that particular constituency.
    • Court Members are expected to attend all meetings of Court and of committees of which they are a member, or give timely apologies if absence is unavoidable.
    • Court members will attend induction/training events organised by the University or other appropriate bodies such as Advance HE as required.

Candidate Requirements

Candidates should be senior leaders with substantial experience in large, complex organisations across the private, public or third sectors. A proven track record at board level is essential, along with the independent judgement, strategic insight and analytical ability required to address complex issues, including financial and risk information. Candidates must be confident in scrutinising long‑term plans and offering constructive challenge to support transparent, evidence‑based decision‑making.

Integrity, sound judgement and a clear understanding of good governance and the responsibilities of a University Court are vital. Strong interpersonal and communication skills are required to work collaboratively with fellow Court members, the Principal and senior leaders, and to build constructive relationships across diverse stakeholder groups.

A commitment to higher education, and to the mission and values of the University of Glasgow, is essential. Candidates must also demonstrate a strong commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion, and be willing to contribute actively to the work of Court and its committees through thorough preparation and collegiate decision making.

Knowledge of the challenges and opportunities facing modern universities—such as funding, regulation, digital transformation, research competitiveness and student experience—would be valuable. Experience in governance, financial stewardship, audit and risk, estates, public policy, organisational culture or major organisational change would be advantageous, as would familiarity with public bodies, charities or international environments.

Candidates must also be able to commit the necessary time to Court business and feel confident representing the University externally, supporting its civic, national and global role.

Court Member Benefits and Terms

Membership of the University Court would be for four years in the first instance with the potential to be appointed for a second term. 

This is an important role, requiring time commitment and flexibility, given that the actual time spent on the role can be unpredictable. Candidates will be expected to commit to around 12-15 days per year, plus personal preparation time, to effectively fulfil the duties.

Typically Court Members are required to prepare for, travel to and participate in the following meetings and events per year:

  • Five meetings of Court per annum: these currently take place between September and June on a Wednesday afternoon from1.30pm for about 3.5 hours, preceded from about 11am with briefing meetings.
  • Five meetings of a Court Committee.
  • Occasional events, dinners, lectures, attendance at strategy days.

Membership of the University Court is non-executive and brings with it following benefits:

  • It is a unique opportunity to become our critical friend, provide expert guidance and assist in delivering innovative solutions.
  • As a Court Member, the University offers the platform to engage, inspire and influence regionally, nationally and internationally whilst expanding personal and professional horizons.

This position is unremunerated, however University will meet all reasonable expenses incurred in connection with membership of the Court or activities on behalf of the University, including childcare costs.

Candidates must not be employees or current students of the University of Glasgow.   

How to Apply

Closing Date: Friday 24th April 2026

Interviews: June 2026

To apply, please submit a comprehensive Curriculum Vitae along with a Covering Letter setting out your interest in the role and details of how you match the required criteria. Applications should be sent via the below link: 

Click here to apply 

For a confidential discussion about these opportunities, please contact Amber Higgins, Executive Officer and Clerk of Court, Court Office: