The Board of Governors is responsible for the strategic direction of the University, including:
- determining its educational character and mission
- overseeing its financial viability
- making key policy decisions about the running of the University.
The Vice-Chancellor and his team then implement these decisions.
Board members are expected to act in accordance with an agreed code of conduct which includes abiding by the seven principles of public life as identified in the Government's Nolan Report: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.
The Board is supported by the University Secretary, Adrian Parry, and the Corporate Governance and Committees Unit.
Governing documents
- (PDF) details the Board's work.
- Instrument of Government (PDF) and Articles of Government (PDF) set out the responsibilities of the Board, Vice-Chancellor and Academic Council, as approved by the Board of Governors.
- Scheme of Delegation (PDF) outlines the authority for the University's major organisational responsibilities.
- Code of Conduct (PDF) for members of the Board: Guidance on standards of behaviour, conduct and accountability.
- Standing Orders (PDF) set out the specific procedures and processes to be followed by the Board for the government and conduct of its business.
Who is on the Board?
There are 15 members of the Board of Governors.
- 11 independent members
- One academic staff member
- One professional services staff member
- One student member
- The Vice-Chancellor
Board meetings
View the Board of Governor's Terms of Reference (PDF) and the minutes of the Board of Governor's meetings.
How does the Board make decisions?
The Board acts on its own and through its five committees, each of which includes at least three Board members: