The University’s organisational structure is typical to other higher education institutions. It includes the following key role holders:
The Chancellor is the titular head of the University and holds a primarily ceremonial, rather than executive, function, which includes presiding at the University’s graduation ceremonies and representing the University at other formal events.
The Chair of the Board of Governors is responsible for leadership of the Board. As Chair of Board meetings, he/she is responsible for ensuring that the necessary business of the Board is carried out efficiently, effectively and in a manner appropriate to the proper conduct of public business. The Chair is responsible for ensuring that the Board exercises collective responsibility and encourages all members to work together effectively, contributing their skills and expertise as appropriate.
The current Chair of the Board of Governors is Farooq Hakim who took up this appointment in August 2022.
The Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive is the executive head of the University and has overall responsibility for its leadership and management, including making proposals to the Board about the educational character and mission of the University and for implementing the decisions of the Board. The Vice-Chancellor also holds responsibility for determining the University’s academic activities, following consultation with Academic Board. As ‘accountable officer’, the Vice-Chancellor is responsible to the Board for ensuring compliance with the terms and conditions of funding and for providing the OfS with clear assurances about compliance.
The current Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive is Sir David Bell, who took up his post in September 2018.
University Executive is the University’s senior leadership team, led by the Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive.
The Clerk to the Board of Governors is accountable to the governing body and provides advice to the governors and its committees on governance, constitutional and procedural matters. The Clerk is responsible for providing efficient administrative support to the governing body and its committees, ensuring the governing body is properly constituted and that procedures are managed effectively within legal requirements.
The current Clerk to the Board of Governors is Andrea Walters, University Secretary.
Published: 1 November 2023