The University of the West of Scotland Order of Council 2019

law://uk/ssi/2019/212@2026-11-12

Contents

Part 1 · Citation, commencement and interpretation

Article 1Citation and commencement#

This Order may be cited as the University of the West of Scotland Order of Council 2019 and comes into force on 1 October 2019.

Article 2Interpretation#

In this Order—• “the 2016 Act” means the Higher Education Governance (Scotland) Act 2016,• “the 1954 Scheme” means the Paisley College of Technology Scheme 1954,• “Chair of Court” means the person referred to in article 7(a),• “Court” means the governing body of the University constituted and incorporated by the 1954 Scheme, and renamed as narrated in article 3,• “objects of the University” means the objects of the University as set out in article 4,• “Principal” means the Principal and Vice-Chancellor referred to in article 15 or any person authorised, whether for the purposes of this Order or otherwise, for the time being to act as Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University,• “Senate” means the body referred to in article 16,• “University” means the University of the West of Scotland, a designated institution under section 44 of the Further and Higher Education (Scotland) Act 1992 and renamed in accordance with section 49 of that Act as narrated in article 3.

Part 2 · The University

Article 3Name#

(1)The name of the University, previously “University of Paisley”, “Paisley College of Technology” and “Paisley Technical College”, is “University of the West of Scotland”.

(2)The name of the governing body, previously “Court of the University of Paisley”, “Governors of Paisley College of Technology” and “Governors of Paisley Technical College”, is “Court of the University of the West of Scotland”.

(3)The change of names effected by paragraphs (1) and (2) does not affect the rights or obligations of any person or render defective any legal proceedings and any reference in any agreement, instrument, document or other writing in force or in existence immediately before the coming into force of this Order to—

(a)the University of Paisley, Paisley College of Technology or Paisley Technical College,

(b)the Court of the University of Paisley, Governors of Paisley College of Technology or Governors of Paisley Technical College,

is to be read as a reference to the University of the West of Scotland or the Court of the University of the West of Scotland as appropriate.

Article 4Objects of the University#

The objects of the University are to provide education, to undertake and carry out research and to promote teaching, scholarship, research and innovation.

Part 3 · The Court

Article 5Powers and functions of the Court#

(1)The Court is to conduct the affairs of the University and carry out and promote the objects of the University.

(2)In particular, the Court is to—

(a)ensure the effective management of the University,

(b)plan the strategic direction of the University,

(c)plan the future development of the University in order to advance the objects of the University.

(3)Subject to the 1954 Scheme, the Court has all the rights, powers and privileges necessary and expedient for the purposes of, or in connection with, the performance of its functions and in particular has the powers and functions set out in schedule 1.

(4)The Court is to adopt and publish a statement of its primary responsibilities.

Article 6Delegation of powers, functions and duties of the Court#

(1)Subject to paragraph (2), the Court may delegate any of its powers, functions or duties to any person or body in accordance with a scheme made by the Court.

(2)The Court is not to delegate any matter it considers to be material to—

(a)the solvency of the University,

(b)the determination of the strategic direction of the University,

(c)the appointment of the Principal under article 15,

(d)the appointment of the Secretary to the Court under paragraph 4 of schedule 1,

(e)the consideration of any amendment or revocation of this Order,

(f)the approval of the annual business plan and annual budget,

(g)the arrangements for risk management,

(h)the review and monitoring of the performance of the University,

(i)the approval of the University’s annual audited accounts,

(j)safeguarding the property or assets or the University.

Article 7The composition of the Court#

The membership of the Court is to be composed of—

(a)the Chair of Court, being the person appointed by the Court to the position of senior lay member by virtue of section 8 of the 2016 Act,

(b)the Principal,

(c)one person having the role of Deputy Principal, however named,

(d)two persons appointed by being elected by the staff of the University from among their own number,

(e)one person appointed by being nominated by a trade union from among the academic staff of the University who are members of a branch of a trade union that has a connection with the University,

(f)one person appointed by being nominated by a trade union from among the support staff of the University who are members of a branch of a trade union that has a connection with the University,

(g)two persons appointed by being nominated by the students’ association of the University from among the students of the University,

(h)one person appointed by being nominated by the Senate from among its elected academic members,

(i)11 to 15 persons appointed by the Court from time to time in accordance with its rules and procedures with the aim of the membership having such skills and experience as the Court determines to be relevant, but who may not be members of staff or students of the University.

Article 8Appointment of Chair of Court#

(1)The Chair of Court is to be appointed in accordance with sections 3 to 8 of the 2016 Act and an appointment process prescribed by the Court.

(2)Subject to article 11, the Court is to prescribe the duties, responsibilities and terms and conditions of the Chair of Court, which may include such remuneration and allowances as the Court considers to be reasonable in accordance with section 9 of the 2016 Act.

Article 9Appointment and role of Vice-Chair#

(1)The Court is to make rules for the appointment of a Vice-Chair from among the members appointed under article 7(i).

(2)The Vice-Chair is to preside at meetings of the Court and is to exercise the functions of the Chair of Court in the absence of the Chair of Court or while the position is vacant.

(3)In the absence of both the Chair of Court and the Vice-Chair at any meeting, the members of the Court present may appoint a chair from among the members appointed under article 7(i) who are present at the meeting.

Article 10Elections and nominations to Court#

(1)The members of the Court referred to in article 7(d) are to be elected in accordance with rules made by the Court in accordance with section 11 of the 2016 Act.

(2)The members of the Court referred to in article 7(e), (f) and (g) are to be nominated in accordance with rules made by the Court in accordance with section 12 of the 2016 Act.

(3)The member of the Court referred to in article 7(h) is to be nominated in accordance with rules made by the Senate and approved by the Court.

Article 11Term of office of members#

(1)The Court is to make rules relating to the term of office of members appointed under article 7(a) and (d) to (i) and the rules may make different provision for different categories of member.

(2)Rules made under paragraph (1) are to prescribe (in particular)—

(a)the term of office, but no term is to be longer than 4 years,

(b)eligibility for re-appointment or extension of term of office,

(c)the maximum term of office when aggregated with any previous term of office but the term of office—

(i)is to include any term served before the coming into force of this Order, and

(ii)is not to include any term of office served by a member under article 7(b) or (c).

Article 12Resignation and removal of members from office#

The Court may make rules about the procedure for the resignation and removal of its members in accordance with section 13 of the 2016 Act.

Article 13Conflicts of interest#

The Court may make rules in relation to identifying and managing conflicts of interests of its members and of the members of its committees.

Part 4 · Appointment of Chancellor and Principal

Article 14Appointment of Chancellor#

(1)The Chancellor is the titular head of the University and is to confer degrees, diplomas and other academic awards and distinctions.

(2)The Chancellor is to be appointed by the Court for such term of office as the Court may determine.

Article 15Appointment of Principal and Vice-Chancellor and discharge of functions#

(1)The Principal and Vice-Chancellor is the chief academic and administrative officer of the University.

(2)The Principal is to be appointed by the Court in a manner to be determined by the Court from time to time.

(3)The Principal is to discharge the functions of the Court relating to the organisation, management and discipline of the University in accordance with arrangements made by the Court and subject to the general control and direction of the Court.

(4)In the absence of or during any vacancy in the office of the Chancellor, the Principal has the powers confer degrees, diplomas and other academic awards and distinctions, and to appoint a person who has all powers of conferment in the absence of both the Chancellor and the Principal.

Part 5 · The Senate

Article 16Composition of Senate#

(1)Subject to paragraph (2), the Court is to appoint and maintain by further appointment a Senate constituted and appointed in accordance with Chapter 2 of Part 1 of the 2016 Act.

(2)The Court is to make rules relating to the term of office of members of the Senate, and the rules may make different provision for different categories of member.

(3)Rules made under paragraph (2) are to prescribe (in particular)—

(a)the term of office, but no term is to be longer than 4 years,

(b)eligibility for re-appointment.

(4)The Principal is the chair of the Senate.

Article 17Functions of the Senate#

(1)The Court is to delegate to the Senate—

(a)the powers and functions of the Court relating to the overall planning, co-ordination, development and supervision of the academic work of the University, particularly those functions set out in paragraphs 6 to 8 of schedule 1,

(b)any other functions of the Court that the Court may determine,

provided that all such functions are subject to the general control and direction of the Court.

(2)In discharging the functions specified in paragraph (1), the Senate has all the powers and duties of the Court in relation to those functions and has the power to make any recommendation to the Court on any matters relating to those functions as the Senate thinks fit.

Article 18Proceedings of Senate#

The proceedings of the Senate are to be regulated by rules made by the Senate and approved by the Court, and the rules—

(a)must provide for—

(i)a minimum number of meetings of the Senate each year,

(ii)the appointment of a Vice-Chair,

(b)may provide for—

(i)the appointment by the Senate of any committees as it considers appropriate,

(ii)any other matters connected with the functions of the Senate.

Part 6 · Miscellaneous

Article 19Transitional provisions#

(1)The governor appointed to chair the Court under article 6(1)(b)(iv) of the University of Paisley (Scotland) Order of Council 1993 who is in office immediately before 1 October 2019 is to be regarded, for the remainder of that governor’s period in office, as if appointed to the position of Chair of Court in accordance with articles 7(a) and 8(1) of this Order.

(2)The president of the students’ association appointed as a governor under article 6(1)(a)(iii) of the University of Paisley (Scotland) Order of Council 1993 and the person appointed as a governor of the Court under article 6(1)(b)(ii) of that Order who are in office immediately before 1October 2019 are to be regarded, for the remainder of their periods in office, as if appointed to the Court in accordance with article 7(g) of this Order.

Article 20Amendments and revocations#

Schedule 2 has effect.

Schedule 1 · Powers and functions of the Court

(1)The Court has the powers and functions set out in the following paragraphs.

(2)To make rules, regulations, standing orders, policies and procedures for the exercise of the functions and duties of the Court acting on behalf of the University.

(3)To appoint and regulate committees of its own members, and to invite persons from outside the Court to join such committees as the Court considers appropriate.

(4)To appoint a Secretary to the Court.

(5)To admit students, and to manage all aspects of their education at, and relationship with, the University.

(6)To grant higher education awards including degrees, diplomas, certificates and other academic awards or distinctions, including honorary degrees and titles.

(7)To deprive a recipient of a degree, diploma, certificate or other academic award or distinction, including honorary degrees and titles, previously conferred by the University.

(8)To create and maintain codes of conduct and regulations required for the maintenance of standards and good order within the University.

(9)To establish and monitor systems of control and accountability including financial and operational controls and risk management.

(10)To review and monitor the performance of the University and its performance and to comply with any conditions imposed by the Scottish Funding Council for the payment of any grant.

(11)To receive and spend recurrent and capital funds, lend money, borrow or raise money, offer security and invest University monies and assets as the Court sees fit.

(12)To enter into contracts.

(13)To defend and conduct legal proceedings.

(14)To create and own intellectual property and make discoveries and inventions of any type and exploit these commercially.

(15)To merge with or to form relationships, associations or affiliations with other educational institutions and other bodies both public and private.

(16)To initiate, establish, maintain, acquire or dispose of any companies, or any other legal entities, whether charitable or commercial, alone or in association with any other persons or entities, to hold or continue to hold shares and interests in such companies, and to carry on any trade or business whatsoever to carry out the objects of or to be for the benefit of or to advance the interest or well-being of the University.

(17)To charge fees for any service provided by the University and to raise, generate and receive income from any sources to further the objects of the University.

(18)To acquire, hold, dispose of and deal with property or any interest in property or any assets of the University, provided that the name “W B Barbour” is retained in connection with a part of the University’s buildings.

(19)Subject to article 15, to employ staff and other contractors and regulate their employment.

(20)To make pension arrangements for staff and to provide benefits to staff, their spouses, partners, dependants and others.

(21)To approve the constitution of, to maintain and liaise with an association representing the students of the University and to grant such sums of monies to the association as the Court considers appropriate.

(22)To keep a register of graduates of the University and to establish and maintain an alumni association.

(23)To create, maintain and award fellowships, scholarships, studentships and other prizes, and to discontinue all such awards, provided that the name of William Bow is associated with one or more such awards.

(24)To receive donations, legacies and other gifts to further the objects of the University.

(25)To reimburse any member of Court appointed under article 7(b) to (i) for reasonable travel and subsistence expenses.

(26)To provide any facilities and to carry on any activities which are necessary or desirable to enable the University to fulfil its objectives.

Schedule 2 · Amendments and revocations

Part 1 · Amendment of the 1954 Scheme

(1)In section 1 of the 1954 Scheme (interpretation)—

(a)in the definition of “governing body”, for “article 4 of the 1993 Order”, substitute—

• “article 3(2) of the University of the West of Scotland Order of Council 2019”,(a) omit the definition of “the 1993 Order”.

(2)For section 3 of the 1954 Scheme (application of the 1993 Order) and the cross-heading immediately preceding it, substitute—“3 This scheme is amended by and is subject to the University of the West of Scotland Order of Council 2019.”

Part 2 · Revocations of Orders of Council

(3)The instruments listed in column 1 of the Table are revoked to the extent specified in column 3 of the Table.

Column 1Instrument revoked	Column 2Reference	Column 3Extent of revocation
The University of the West of Scotland (Amendment of the University of Paisley (Scotland) Order of Council 1993) Order of Council 2015	S.S.I. 2015/209	Whole instrument
The University of the West of Scotland Order of Council 2009	S.S.I. 2009/194	Whole instrument
The University of the West of Scotland Order of Council 2007	S.S.I. 2007/426	Whole instrument
The University of Paisley (Scotland) Order of Council 1993	S.I. 1993/558	Whole instrument

Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.

Article 1Citation and commencement#

Article 2Interpretation#

Article 3Name#

Article 4Objects of the University#

Article 5Powers and functions of the Court#

Article 6Delegation of powers, functions and duties of the Court#

Article 7The composition of the Court#

Article 8Appointment of Chair of Court#

Article 9Appointment and role of Vice-Chair#

Article 10Elections and nominations to Court#

Article 11Term of office of members#

Article 12Resignation and removal of members from office#

Article 13Conflicts of interest#

Article 14Appointment of Chancellor#

Article 15Appointment of Principal and Vice-Chancellor and discharge of functions#

Article 16Composition of Senate#

Article 17Functions of the Senate#

Article 18Proceedings of Senate#

Article 19Transitional provisions#

Article 20Amendments and revocations#

Connections

Defined terms · 8

Key facts

History · 1 version

Article 1Citation and commencement#

Article 2Interpretation#

Article 3Name#

Article 4Objects of the University#

Article 5Powers and functions of the Court#

Article 6Delegation of powers, functions and duties of the Court#

Article 7The composition of the Court#

Article 8Appointment of Chair of Court#

Article 9Appointment and role of Vice-Chair#

Article 10Elections and nominations to Court#

Article 11Term of office of members#

Article 12Resignation and removal of members from office#

Article 13Conflicts of interest#

Article 14Appointment of Chancellor#

Article 15Appointment of Principal and Vice-Chancellor and discharge of functions#

Article 16Composition of Senate#

Article 17Functions of the Senate#

Article 18Proceedings of Senate#

Article 19Transitional provisions#

Article 20Amendments and revocations#