University Leadership

Mr John Raine CMG OBE (Chair)
Mr Brendan Reilly
Sir David Greenaway
Ms Eleanor Deeley
Ms Folusho Falegan
Ms Hannah Clarke (Student Governor)
Mr Jack Maddock
Ms Jacqueline Drury (Staff Governor)
Mr Mark Emerton
Mr Nasir Ali
Professor Neal Juster
Mr Russell Schofield Bezer
Ms Zoe King  

Audit Committee - Terms of Reference (PDF)

Renumeration Committee - Terms of Reference (PDF)

Honours Committee - Terms of Reference and Scheme for Awards (PDF)

FE & HE Apprenticeships Oversight Group – Terms of Reference (PDF)

Nominations Committee Terms of Reference (PDF)

Primary Element 1: Accountability

The governing body is collectively responsible and accountable for institutional activities, approving all final decisions on matters of fundamental concern within its remit.

The University was fully compliant throughout the accounting period with these provisions of the CUC Code, most of which is evidenced by information provided within the financial statements. The Board of Governors is kept apprised of compliance with its relevant legal and regulatory duties via cyclical reports on the matters covered within its statement of primary responsibilities. All members, including the Student Governor and Staff Governor, share the same legal responsibilities and none are routinely excluded from discussions.

Primary Element 2: Sustainability

Working with the Executive, the governing body sets the mission, strategic direction, overall aims and values of the institution. In ensuring the sustainability of the institution the governing body actively seeks and receives assurance that delivery of the strategic plan is in line with legislative and regulatory requirements, institutional values, policies and procedures, and that there are effective systems of control and risk management in place.

The University was fully compliant throughout the accounting period with these provisions of the CUC Code, most of which is evidenced by information provided within the financial statements. The Board of Governors (which approved the current strategic plan in July 2022) receives regular reports on institutional performance against designated indicators and targets, as well as the unique environment within which universities currently operate. The High Level Risk Register, following internal development and review, is presented biannually to the Board following review by the Audit Committee. The revised Code of Practice: Academic Freedom and Freedom of Speech was reviewed and approved at its November 2023 meeting, where the annual reports of the Audit Committee and Remuneration Committee were also received and (in the latter’s case) approved for publication.

Primary Element 3: Reputation

The governing body safeguards and promotes institutional reputation and autonomy by operating in accordance with the values that underpin this Code, its various elements and the principles of public life.

The University was fully compliant throughout the accounting period with these provisions of the CUC Code. The conduct expected of governors in office is clearly set out in the governor role descriptor, and a register of interests of all governors and senior officers is maintained. Governors are not remunerated, with only expenses incurred on approved Board business reimbursed. The Secretary to the Board acts as its conduit in ensuring the Students’ Union operates in a fair and democratic manner with its financial statements and budget reported annually. Cyclical reports are made on the University’s various contention processes, including investigation of any disclosures under whistleblowing legislation.

Primary Element 4: Equality, inclusivity and diversity

The governing body promotes a positive culture which supports ethical behaviour, equality, inclusivity and diversity across the institution, including in the governing body’s own operation and composition. This includes ensuring under-representation and differences in outcomes are challenged and, where practicable, corrective action is taken to ensure fair outcomes for all.

The University was fully compliant throughout the accounting period with these provisions of the CUC Code. Fundamental to compliance with this primary element continues to be the annual reports made in relation to activity overseen by the Department of People, Performance and Culture, reports in relation to progress against the University’s Access and Participation Plan, and the University’s approach to pay gap reporting. The Nominations Committee reflects on Board and subcommittee composition as part of the progressive refreshing of membership of the governing body.

Primary Element 5: Effectiveness

The governing body ensures that governance structures and processes are robust, effective and agile by scrutinising and evaluating governance performance against this Code (and other Codes where an institution’s constitutional form requires it), and recognised standards of good practice.

The University was fully compliant throughout the accounting period with these provisions of the CUC Code. The roles of the Chair, Deputy Chair, Senior Independent Governor are codified, the roles of the Secretary clearly defined, and expectations and requirements of members clear, and supported via induction. It has an established Board subcommittee structure and will next undertake a triennial full and robust review of its governance effectiveness within the 2024/25 academic year.

Primary Element 6: Engagement

Governing bodies understand the various stakeholders of the institution (globally, nationally and locally) and are assured that appropriate and meaningful engagement takes place to allow stakeholder views to be considered and reflected in relevant decision-making processes.

The University was fully compliant throughout the accounting period with these provisions of the CUC Code. There is both a Student and Staff Governor on the Board, ensuring these perspectives can be a part of decision-making and there are a wider range of mechanisms which ensure due independence and engagement of stakeholders in decision-making.

Statement approved by the Board of Governors on 24 July 2024