Esther Robertson, Chair of Court, updated that the University Court approved the contract extension of Professor Nigel Seaton as Interim Principal and Vice-Chancellor for six additional months.
In the email update, Esther Robertson stated that:
“Together with Dr Ian Mair, I conducted that review earlier this month and we made a recommendation to Court to further extend Nigel’s contract to Wednesday 14 October 2026.”
The previous extension was decided at the University Court Meeting on 13 October in 2025. This was to be followed by a review of the university’s progress both on recovery and the appointment of a permanent Principal.
It appears that the University is improving on the above, which is why Professor Seaton’s contract has been extended for a further six months.
Another reason for the extension can be that the process of recruiting for a new permanent principal may take several months to find the right candidate and for them to be available to start (noting that anyone currently in employment may have to give a significant period of notice).
Which is why the University has engaged executive search consultants Perrett Laver to support the appointment of the next Principal and Vice-Chancellor.
The University Court discussed the formation of the selection committee, which seems to be quite diverse and inclusive of student representation. Key members include:
- A student member of Court
- An elected member of Court (elected by the Staff Council)
- A member of Court nominated by the trade unions
- A member of Senate
- A Principal from another Scottish university
- E.tc.
The full membership will be confirmed very soon and students can share their views by filling the Principal’s Recruitment survey which closes at 12:00 (noon) on Tuesday 7 April. Responses are anonymous and will be analysed by Perrett Laver.
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