Council Committees

Council regularly reviews how its committees work to make sure they support effective governance and decision-making. Much of Council’s detailed work is firstly considered by its committees. Each committee is formally established, with clear terms of reference and defined memberships. Committees include Lay Members of Council, and are chaired by a lay Council member. All committees report their decisions and key discussions back to Council. All of the Council and Committee Meeting Dates for 2026/27 are available to view. 

AUDIT, ASSURANCE AND RISK COMMITTEE

The Audit, Assurance and Risk Committee is responsible for advising and assisting Council in respect of the assurance and control environment of the University. Its key responsibilities are to ensure that the University complies with statutory, University and external regulatory requirements in relation to both its financial and non-financial activities and in respect of the issues within its Terms of Reference, and the Committee has the authority to make recommendations to the University, its organisational units and its members. The Committee normally meets four times a year, however, special meetings may be called at the request of the Chair if required. 

Membership

FINANCE AND STRATEGY COMMITTEE

The Finance and Strategy Committee has oversight of and monitors the financial health of the University on behalf of Council and advises and makes recommendations to Council in respect of all financial matters in line with its Terms of Reference. Its key responsibilities are to ensure the medium and long-term financial sustainability of the University through regular reviews of the University’s financial position, to ensure the University operates a robust system of internal financial control, to monitor financial performance and compliance, and to play a critical role in applying test and challenge to all financial decisions. The Committee normally meets four times a year, however, special meetings may be called at the request of the Chair if required. 

Membership

GOVERNANCE AND NOMINATIONS COMMITTEE

The Governance and Nominations Committee keeps under review and advises Council on the University’s governance arrangements, ensuring the University pursues good practice, and complies with external governance requirements. Its key responsibilities are (i) to ensure compliance with external governance requirements, (ii) to review the membership of Council and its Committees ensuring it has the necessary balance of skills and experience to enable it to fulfil its responsibilities, (iii) to review and make recommendations on changes to the University’s governing documents, (iv) to review, advise and make recommendations on the recruitment and appointment of lay members of Council and its Committees, (v) to review, advise and make recommendations on succession planning, (vi) to oversee the induction, development and appraisal of Council members, (vii) to review Council’s Register of Interests and ensure a robust process is in place to identify any potential conflicts of interest and (viii) to review the diversity of Council and its Committees.  The Committee has agreed Terms of Reference and normally meets four times a year, however, special meetings may be called at the request of the Chair if required. 

Membership

REMUNERATION COMMITTEE

The Remuneration Committee is responsible for overseeing and scrutinizing the reward strategy of the University and ensures that it complies with the requirements of the Committee of University Chairs (CUC) Higher Education Senior Staff Remuneration Code.  The Committee provides an annual report on progress for Council which is transparent, aligned with the recommendations of the Higher Education Senior Staff Remuneration Code, and meets the requirements of good governance.

The Committee has agreed Terms of Reference and normally meets four times a year, however, special meetings may be called at the request of the Chair if required. 

Membership

COUNCIL JOINT ENGAGEMENT FORUM

The Council Joint Engagement Forum (CJEF) provides an opportunity for Trade Union representatives to discuss issues with members of Council ahead of Council meetings. The CJEF enables lay members of the University Council to engage effectively with the Campus Trade Unions on all aspects of the Council’s remit and responsibilities. It also provides a forum to discuss key strategic issues affecting staff to allow representatives to present the opinions of their members on such issues ahead of any decisions being made by Council. The Forum normally meets four times per year, and special meetings may be called by the Chair or at the request of the Trade Unions.

Membership

HONORARY AWARDS COMMITTEE

The Honorary Awards Committee is responsible for considering nominations for, and making recommendations to Council and Senate on, the award of Honorary Degrees, Honorary Fellowships, and other Honorary Awards of the University. In line with its Terms of Reference, the Committee keeps under review the procedures and criteria governing the submission and consideration of nominations and may recommend changes where appropriate. The Committee reports to the Governance and Nominations Committee and meets as necessary, at least once per year.

Membership