University Council
Council is the governing body of the University, in accordance with our Charter and Statutes.
It has ultimate accountability for decision making, ensuring there is effective management in place and determining our future direction.
Council stewards the University’s reputation, resources and infrastructure.
It also ensures we remain financially sustainable and that we meet our legal obligations.
In order to provide independent oversight, the Chair and the majority of Council members are not members of University staff.
Council meets four times each year and also holds a strategic away day at the start of each new academic session.
Terms of reference
Council's Statement of Primary Responsibilities explains what it does, how it reviews its own effectiveness and how it delegates authority.
Contact us
Chair of Council: Alice Maynard
Pro-Chancellor
For agendas and minutes: Adam Hewitt
Interim University Secretary
Hannah Smallpage-Hurst
Governance & Assurance Administrator
Related links
Questioning and curiosity
Chair of Council, Dr Alice Maynard, talks about the role of non-executive members in questioning and holding Council to account, and why we need different perspectives at the table.
Alice became Chair of Council in August 2023.
Subcommittees
Council delegates work to subcommittees chaired by independent Council members.
The subcommittees of Council are:
Find out more
Contact us
Chair of Council: Alice Maynard
Pro-Chancellor
For agendas and minutes: Adam Hewitt
Interim University Secretary
Hannah Smallpage-Hurst
Governance & Assurance Administrator