Swansea University has been a registered charity since October 2010 (charity number 1138342), and is thus accountable to the Charity Commission and must comply with its guidance. The Council acts as the Board of Trustees of the charity and each member of Council is therefore a trustee of the University.
The objects of the University are to advance learning and knowledge by teaching and research, and engages in activities to promote and contribute to cultural, social and economic development within Wales and beyond.
The University is an independent corporation, whose legal status derives from a Royal Charter originally granted in 1920, granting the authority to teach, conduct research and to award degrees and other qualifications. The University's objects, powers and framework of governance are set out in the Supplemental Charter, the latest amendments to which were approved by the Privy Council in 2007, and its supporting Statutes. The Statutes lay down a number of high-level rules, which in turn, are supported by more detailed Ordinances.
The University’s annual Corporate Governance Statement, Public Benefit Statement and consolidated financial statements are published on our website.
The University has a responsibility to notify the Charity Commission of all serious incidents, promptly and fully, even if it has been reported to the police or other regulators. The Council has therefore approved a procedure which provides guidance on the reporting of serious incidents to the Charity Commission.