About the Council
University Council is a key component of the University’s governance structure. It debates and approves major decisions, monitors risk and performance and receives reports on teaching, research and student development. Council provides robust governance, counsel and insight in support of the mission, strategy and policies of the University and remains responsive to future challenges and competition. Council also supports the work of the University’s Executive Board which is made up of a group of executive colleagues.
Members of Council are expected to develop a detailed understanding of the workings of the University and the context in which it operates, but also to bring knowledge and experience from outside the University and provide an external and objective perspective. They are expected to be sympathetic to the University’s vision of achieving international distinction in education and research and to the particular culture that exists within a university community.
Furthermore, members of Council act as ambassadors for the University. As a body of high profile and influential individuals, Council members effectively represent the University in the local community, amongst staff and students, and through international networks and representative bodies.
Members of Council are drawn from a diverse range of backgrounds. Members include senior managers and academics from within the University, external members including University alumni, leading local, national and international businesspeople and representatives from the University’s vibrant student body.
The formal business of Council takes place through five meetings every year, and through committees specialising in specific areas of the University business. Informally, however, Council members are also encouraged to represent the University at key events such as awards and graduation ceremonies, openings and launches, and key community events.
Role of Council
The operation of Council is governed by the University’s Royal Charter, its Statutes and Ordinances. The overall role of members of Council is to exercise the powers of Council as set out in Ordinance X. In doing so, members of Council are required to take on the following three main areas of responsibility:
- Participating in the work of Council in an effective and conscientious manner;
- Conducting themselves in a manner appropriate to their membership of Council and to maintaining and enhancing the standing of the University;
- Ensuring collectively that the University’s activities and management are in accordance with the public interest governance principles of the Office for Students.
The experience and attributes required for membership of the University Council are set out at the end of this document.
Responsibilities for Participation in the work of Members of Council should:
- Play an appropriate part in ensuring that the necessary business of Council is carried on efficiently and effectively.
- Make rational and constructive contributions to debate and ensure their knowledge and expertise is available to Council as opportunity arises.
- Set sufficient time aside for attending meetings of Council, reading meeting papers beforehand and participating in such communications regarding the work of Council as may occur between meetings of Council.
- Participate in induction and training events provided by the University or other bodies as appropriate.
- Exercise their responsibilities in the interests of the University as a whole, rather than as representatives of any constituency, and accept collective responsibility for the decisions reached by Council.
- Participate in procedures for the regular review of the performance of individual members and of Council as a whole.
- Maintain an awareness of the activities of the University and of the higher education sector in general, taking advantage of the presentations and briefings arranged by the University in this regard.
- Endeavour to establish constructive and supportive but challenging working relationships with the University and its senior staff. Members do not, however, have an executive role and should ensure their engagements are primarily advisory and facilitating.
- Seek advice from the Registrar if, at any time, they have concerns as to whether Council is acting in accordance with the University’s Charter and Statutes or with the University’s internal rules and regulations.
Collective Responsibilities of Members of Council
In line with the public interest governance principles of the Office for Students, members of Council should collectively ensure that:
- Academic staff at the University have freedom within the law to question and test received wisdom and to put forward new ideas and controversial or unpopular opinions without placing themselves in jeopardy of losing their jobs or privileges.
- The University operates openly, honestly, accountably and with integrity and demonstrates the values appropriate to its mission.
- Public funds are managed appropriately, in line with the conditions of grant and the principles of regularity, propriety and value for money, and that the interests of taxpayers and other stakeholders are protected.
- All students have opportunities to engage with the University and this allows for a range of perspectives to have influence over the management and governance of the University.
- The academic governance exercised by Senate is adequate and effective.
- The sustainability of the University’s operations is maintained through comprehensive corporate risk management and control arrangements (including for academic risk); this includes the University’s ability to continue to comply with all of its conditions of registration with the Office for Students.
- Adequate and effective arrangements are in place to provide transparency about value for money for all students and for taxpayers.
- Freedom of speech within the law is secured within the University.