Ensuring the provision of high-quality research, scholarship and teaching at their University. We expect members to actively seek and receive assurance that academic governance is robust and effective. Governing bodies also need to provide assurance on academic standards and the integrity of academic qualifications.

Always acting ethically in line with the principles of public life (the Nolan principles), the institution’s own ethical framework,

“CUC members need to act, and ensure their governing body acts, and is perceived to act, impartially, and not be influenced by social or business relationships. Institutions must maintain, check and publish a register of the interests of members and senior executives. A member who has a professional, pecuniary, family or other personal interest in any matter under discussion which may be seen to conflict with the best interests of the institution must also disclose the interest in advance of any discussion on the topic.”

Members should ensure their governing body is engaged in the development of the institution’s strategy and formally approves or endorses the strategic plan in accordance with its constitution and the expectations of stakeholders, including students and staff.

The governing body needs assurance that the strategic plan is supported by plans or sub-strategies which ensure there are: enough resources to support the institution’s aims and objectives; meet academic standards; protect the collective student interest; meet any regulatory or funding commitments; effective arrangements for the management of information which meet ethical standards, Freedom of Information requirements and other legislation on the use and protection of data; policies and procedures in place which support the delivery of the institution’s strategy in an environmentally sustainable way.

The CUC believes governing bodies have a responsibility to promote a positive culture which supports ethical behaviour, equality, inclusivity and diversity across the institution, including in the governing body’s own operation and composition. This includes ensuring under-representation and differences in outcomes are challenged and, where practicable, corrective action is taken to ensure fair outcomes for all.

We expect our members to ensure that Universities continue to play a vital role in supporting business and communities, promoting local and national economic growth and innovation, and supplying highly skilled and employable graduates. Governing Bodies should ensure their University’s approach to risk management supports agility and innovation and their governance arrangements, provides authority to act and supports collaboration and the exchange of knowledge between universities and businesses, local authorities, professional bodies, charities and a wide range of other stakeholders.

“Governing bodies play an important role in ensuring there is sufficient management freedom and institutional autonomy”
Chairs of Governing Bodies are also expected to promote and ensure freedom of speech and academic freedom as part of the commitment to cultural growth.

Ensuring their institution is accessible and relevant to local communities, engaging them in identifying the institutions role in delivering public/community benefit and economic, civic duties, cultural and social growth. The CUC expects Governing bodies to understand institution stakeholders (especially staff and students) globally, nationally and locally, and to be assured that appropriate and meaningful engagement takes place to allow stakeholder views to be considered and reflected in relevant decision-making processes.