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
Register of interests
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.
Court agendas, minutes and papers
Review of Court effectiveness
A copy of the summary report from the last review of Court Effectiveness is available here Court Effectiveness Report.
Induction and training
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:
Court documentation
Report on the Chair of Court Election and Procedure
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.
Arms
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-Chancellor'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 Chair of Court (Senior Lay Member);
• the Vice-Chair of Court (Lay Member);
• up to eleven other Lay Members (including one member representing the alumni body);
• the Principal and Vice-Chancellor;
• the Senior Deputy Principal;
• three members nominated by Academic Council from among their own number;
• the Provost of Stirling;
• two students nominated by the Students’ Union;
• one member of academic staff elected by staff;
• one member of professional services staff elected by staff;
• one member of academic staff nominated by a trade union;
• one member of professional services staff nominated by a trade union.
The University Secretary and members of the Senior Management Team also attend Court meetings to provide information and advice when called upon.
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Chair of Court
Members of the University Court
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Lay member from 2019
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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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Lord Provost of Stirling
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Vice President of Communities, Stirling Students’ Union - student member from 2025
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Member of Academic Staff from 2024
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President of Stirling Students’ Union – Student member from 2024
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Lay member from 2019
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Member of Academic Staff 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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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
University Secretary
Chief Operating Officer and University Secretary
The University Secretary has a direct reporting link to the Chair of Court for the conduct of governing body business and acts on the instruction of the Court itself.
The University Secretary is responsible for providing support to University Court to ensure it can discharge its duties, and all members of University Court and its committees have access to the University Secretary for advice and guidance about their responsibilities under the Charter, Statutes and Ordinances, including relevant legislation and the requirements of the Scottish Funding Council.