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CUC Launches New Governance Framework for Mental Health

24^th September 2026

The Committee of University Chairs (CUC) is pleased to announce the launch of the CUC Governance Framework for Mental Health, a new resource that helps governing bodies strengthen their oversight of staff and student mental health and wellbeing.  The framework helps Chairs, governors and governance professionals understand their responsibilities, ask informed questions, and embed consideration of mental health and wellbeing within institutional strategy and decision-making.

We would like to thank Professor Sir Steve West CBE DL, the Vice-Chancellor, President and Chief Executive Officer of UWE Bristol, for kindly joining us online today and sharing their insights on the importance of leadership, culture and governance in supporting positive mental health outcomes across higher education.

We were also delighted to receive this message of support from Professor Edward Peck CBE, OfS Chair:

“I welcome the launch of the CUC’s Mental Health Governance Framework.  It provides important guidance for universities as they consider how best to support the mental health of their students and staff.  I know from my visits to institutions how much effective, and crucially strategic, approaches to mental health and wellbeing support matter to students right across the sector.  The OfS looks forward to working closely with CUC as they progress this crucial work.”

Download the resources:

• Governance Framework for Mental Health
• Staff and Student Mental Health: Guidance for Governing Bodies

We encourage Chairs, governors and governance professionals to review these resources and consider how they can support discussions within your governing body about mental health and wellbeing.

We thank the members and sector partners who contributed their expertise and experience to develop this work.  If you have any questions or would like to share feedback, please get in touch.