Governance

University governance is the constitutional forms and processes through which we govern our affairs. The Board of Governors is the most senior committee in the University's governance structure.

About us 

Established in accordance with the University's Articles and Instrument of Government, the University's Board of Governers meets six times a year. Its responsibilities are outlined in The Statement of Primary Responsibilities.   

The Board operates in accordance with the Committee of University Chairs (CUC) Higher Education Code of Governance 2020 and Higher Education Senior Staff Remuneration Code, both of which have been formally adopted. The Board also operates in accordance with the seven principles identified by the Committee on Standards in Public Life (selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership), and with due regard for both the UK Corporate Governance Code 2018 insofar as it is applicable to the HE sector, and for the Charity Commission's guidance on public benefit.

The work of the Board of Governors is supported by four sub-committees: 

The constitution of the Board of Governors is determined by the Instrument of Government.   

The majority of members are drawn from outside of the University and are referred to as independent members. The Board has a total of 13 members as follows: 

• Nine independent members
• One academic staff governor 
• One student governor – the serving President of the Students’ Union 
• One co-opted professional services staff governor 
• The Vice-Chancellor 

The profile of membership reflects the experience and expertise required for the University to meet its statutory obligations and to achieve its strategic aims and objectives. The membership is subject to regular review against a matrix of expertise and experience. 

• Chris Pomfret OBE, Chair of the Board of Governors
• Charles Wace, Deputy Chair of the Board of Governors
• Professor Emma Hunt, Vice Chancellor & Chief Executive
• Alison Cressey, Independent Governor
• Vicky Gosling, Co-opted Professional Services Staff Governor
• Mandy Jandrell, Academic Staff Governor
• Tim Jones, Independent Governor
• Duncan Leslie, Independent Governor
• John Mathers, Independent Governor
• Helen Owers, Independent Governor
• Luke Court, Student Governor
• Professor Keith Straughan, Independent Governor
• Julie Fielding, Independent Governor 

We are currently recruiting to fill forthcoming vacancies for Independent Members of our Board of Governors. For details of the vacancies and how to apply, please download our information pack.

Please contact us if you require any further information: