(1) The governing body of a higher education institution is to include the position of senior lay member (however the institution chooses to name the position).
(2) The senior lay member of the governing body of a higher education institution has—
(a) the duty to preside at meetings of the governing body,
(b) a deliberative and a casting vote at such meetings,
(c) responsibility for—
(i) the leadership and effectiveness of the governing body,
(ii) ensuring that there is an appropriate balance of authority between the governing body and the principal of the institution.
(3) Another member of the governing body of a higher education institution may be selected by the governing body to exercise any of the functions mentioned in subsection (2) in the absence of the senior lay member or while the position is vacant.
(4) Subsections (2) and (3) are subject to section 2. Commencement Information I1 S. 1 in force at 30.12.2016 by S.S.I. 2016/382 , reg. 2(1)
Section 2
2. Interaction with role of rector S
(1) Subsection (2) applies in the case of a higher education institution at which there is a rector who has functions under section 4 of the 1858 Act and section 5(5) of the 1889 Act (each of which contains provision relating to the role of the rector at an older university).
(2) Paragraphs (a) and (b) of subsection (2) of section 1 and subsection (3) of that section so far as relating to those paragraphs are of no effect in relation to the institution (but see section 5(5) of the 1889 Act (which also contains provision about who is to preside at certain meetings in the absence of the rector)).
(3) In this section— “ the 1858 Act ” means the Universities (Scotland) Act 1858, “ the 1889 Act ” means the Universities (Scotland) Act 1889. Commencement Information I2 S. 2 in force at 30.12.2016 by S.S.I. 2016/382 , reg. 2(1)
