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Governance Issues

This article discusses the legal position and governance structure of universities in the UK, including the roles and responsibilities of the Board, Academic Council/Senate, and Vice Chancellor. It also explores accountability measures and typical committee structures.

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Governance Issues

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  1. Governance Issues By John Fielden London. February 25th 2009

  2. The legal position Universities in the UK are all independent legal entities and can be: • Created under a royal charter (Cambridge in 1209). • Created under an Act of Parliament (UCL in 1826). • Formed as a special kind of limited company (eg LSE). • A charity. They own all their land and buildings – even if the State has paid for them London. February 25th 2009

  3. Three pillars of governance • Board (overall responsibility) • Academic Council/Senate (academic advice to Board) • Vice Chancellor and the Management Team (given delegated powers by Board to manage) London. February 25th 2009

  4. Who is accountable? If a university gets into trouble in the UK, the Board is responsible and the Chair of the Board may be asked to report to a committee of Parliament. Vice Chancellors may be dismissed by the Chair of the Board. London. February 25th 2009

  5. Governance in the autonomous university (USA and UK) The functions of the Board are to: • Appoint the President/VC and monitor his/her performance (annual appraisal and salary review). • Approve the university mission, strategic plans and operating budgets. • Monitor performance against the strategy and plan, using performance indicators. • Establish and monitor control and risk management systems. London. February 25th 2009

  6. Size of Board • UK, from 15 to 40 (the Board decides) • Australia, 10-15 • USA, 8 to 20 • Malaysia, 8 to 12 • Look at Eurydice paper London. February 25th 2009

  7. Membership of the Board UK guidelines • A majority of non academic members. • Community/industry represented • Chair is non academic. • Students and staff are represented. • No central government representative • All members are unpaid • Members undertake to be impartial – no vested interests • “Cabinet decision making” principles) London. February 25th 2009

  8. TYPICAL (SIMPLE) UNIVERSITY COMMITTEE STRUCTURE - UK BOARD Remuneration Committee Audit Committee Nominations Committee Academic Council or SENATE Planning & Finance Committee Learning and Teaching Committee Estates Committee Safety Committee Information Services Committee Research Committee Regional & Communications Committee Human Resources Committee Academic Planning Committee Student Services Committee Investment Committee London. February 25th 2009

  9. Effective governance • Codes of Practice (Australia, Denmark, UK) • Clear definition of roles of Chair, VC/ President, Board Members and managers. • Board members govern but do not interfere in management. • Training and development for Board members. • Board reviews its own performance. London. February 25th 2009

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