Governance

'Governance' is a general and wide-ranging term which refers to the systems, structures, procedures and rules by which the University takes key decisions on its affairs.

It also covers the formal ways in which it records those decisions, tells other people that the decisions have been taken, and is held accountable for them.

The ultimate goal is that good governance doesn't become involved with the decision-making and the day-to-day running of the University.

Council

Council is the University's supreme governing body, responsible for taking all final decisions on matters of fundamental concern to the University, including our academic mission and strategic direction. It ensures that our various systems, structures, procedures and rules are fit for purpose, that the University is being managed effectively, and that we meet all our legal obligations. A permanent majority of Council places are filled by 'lay' members, who are neither staff nor students. A Council meeting is only quorate if the majority of those present are lay members.

Senate

Senate is responsible for directing and regulating the academic life of the University including teaching, research, exams and the way that our Colleges, Schools and Departments are organised. Its membership includes Heads of Department, Heads of College, Pro-Vice-Chancellors and other senior academic staff.

Court

At its Annual Meeting, Court receives a report from the President and Vice-Chancellor on the University’s activities over the year. It also receives (and can query) the University's audited financial statements, as approved by Council. Court has nearly 100 Full Members, including all members of Council plus individuals and organisational representatives who have a close interest in the workings of the University. There are also about 75 Associate Members, most of whom are retired academic staff.

About the Governance Office

The Governance Office is located within the Division of Student and Academic Services. It provides a direct secretariat function to Council, Senate and a number of Council's key committees including Audit and Finance. It maintains oversight of the procedures for ensuring openness and transparency in the conduct of the University's business, and provides general advice and guidance on the institution's decision making processes. It is also closely involved in the appointment, induction and on-going support of lay members of Council.

The Governance Office issues guidance notes and templates to assist committee chairs and secretaries, and report authors, on the presentation of agendas, minutes and reports in the University's standard format. Individual committee secretaries can obtain personal advice and support from the Governance Office on such matters at any time, and committee servicing support sessions for individuals or groups can be provided on request.

Contact

Governance Office
governance@leicester.ac.uk

Rebecca Lord
Head of Strategic Planning (Governance, Planning and Assurance)
rl284@leicester.ac.uk

Alison Benson
Strategic Planning Manager (Governance)
Assistant Secretary to Council and Court (main committees: Council, Court, Nominations, Senate)
akb43@leicester.ac.uk
+44 (0)116 229 7465
Normal working days Monday – Thursday

Vicky Harrison
Governance Office Manager (also first point of contact for Council; Court; Register of Interests and Almanac)
vjh10@leicester.ac.uk
+44 (0)116 223 1458
Normal working days: Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday (mornings only)

Joe Suffield
Governance Officer (point of contact for the following committees/boards: Finance and Infrastructure; Investments; People, EDI and Wellbeing; Honorary Degrees; van Geest Trustees Board)
js1178@leicester.ac.uk

Kevin Joyce
Governance Officer (point of contact for the following committees: Audit and Assurance; College Court; Health and Safety; LSP and for OfS queries)
kj164@leicester.ac.uk

Alex Scown
Governance Administrator (general enquiries)
agps1@leicester.ac.uk