Role and responsibilities of SMG

The SMG assists the Vice-Chancellor in overseeing the strategic direction for the University and delivering its vision.  The Group ensures there is effective leadership, management and co-ordination of all the major academic and support activities undertaken by the University. The group monitors and interprets external events, for example financial or political developments, to understand any likely impact on the University.

For a summary of the meetings taking place each month please see the SMG meeting digests.

SMG is responsible for developing the detailed strategies to deliver the University Plan. Strategies are designed around key areas for the University including: teaching and learning, research, the student experience, estates and campus development, finance, human resources, business and community and governance and management.

Their portfolio of management responsibility includes resources (for example people, finance, technology and estates), organisation (for example structures, policies and decision-making) and services (for example systems, projects and service delivery).

SMG takes key executive decisions and ensures that the institution operates efficiently. The group supplies the Council and its committees with executive reports, draft budgets and accounts, key performance indicators, benchmarking information on capital investment and reports on risk management.