Council
Governing Body - Council
Council is our governing body and is responsible for the educational character and mission of our University. It also oversees financial probity, the employment policy for staff, and the corporate policies, rules and procedures that underpin how we are governed. Council is set up in accordance with our Instrument and Articles of Government approved by the Privy Council and its membership consists of a majority of lay members whose interests and experience align to the business of the University.
Recruitment of New Independent Council Members
We are actively seeking enthusiastic and energetic individuals who have a keen interest in higher education and bring key skills of collaboration, communication and commercial acumen to join the University’s Council. We are particularly interested to hear from individuals with skills and expertise related to:
- Accounting; Finance, including banking and investment;
- Commercial, including mergers and acquisitions;
- Legal, including compliance and regulation
- Higher education sector, including government policy
Additionally, we would particularly welcome individuals with regional connections to Buckinghamshire.
Further details relating to the role of Independent members together with information on the University’s strategic vision and achievements can be found in our Independent Council Members Recruitment Pack
If being part of the University’s mission to transform lives through inspiring, employment- and profession-focused education, and enabling our students positively to impact society we would be pleased to receive expressions of interest or an application (CV and covering letter) by 30 April 2025. We are also happy to arrange informal discussions regarding the role should this be helpful.
Please direct any queries or correspondence in relation to joining our University’s Council to Emma.Tomsett@bnu.ac.uk.
- Pro-Chancellor and Chair of Council
- Deputy Chair of Council
- Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive Officer
- Independent Council Member
- Independent Council Member
- Independent Council Member
- Lecturer
- Academic Employee Representative
- Independent Council Member
- Independent Council Member
- Independent Council Member
- Independent Council Member
- Independent Council Member
- Independent Council Member
- Independent Council Member
- Head of School (Creative and Digital Industries)
- Associate Professor
- Senate Representative
- Head of Brand and Creative
- Professional Services Employee Representative
- Bucks Students’ Union President
- Associate Professor
- Senate Representative
- Student Co-opted Member
Council meetings and sub-committees
Council is supported by the University Secretary’s Office. For queries please contact Dr Emma Tomsett, University Secretariat Manager (Extension 3186).
Meeting dates for 2024-25 are 8 October 2024, 26 November 2024, 4-5 February 2025, 31 March 2025, 20 May 2025 and 8 July 2025.
The work of Council is delegated to several sub-committees which are chaired by Council members. Please see the Council Committees document for full details of constitutions and terms of reference
The main duty of the Audit Committee is to advise Council on how to establish and review the procedures for auditing the University’s activities.
Meeting dates for 2024-25 are 17 September 2024, 12 November 2024, 25 February 2025 and 17 June 2025.
Governance Committee is responsible for looking after issues relating to the governance of the University. These include the appointment of Council members and the scheduling of Council committee meetings.
Meeting dates for 2024-25 are 15 October 2024, 11 March 2025 and 10 June 2025.
The Honorary Awards Committee reports to both Council and Senate. The main purpose of this Committee is to consider nominations for honorary awards of the University (both degrees and fellowships) on a confidential basis.
See the list of our past Honorary Awards.
Meeting dates for 2024-25 are 24 September 2024 and 24 February 2025.
The Staff Reward and Vice-Chancellor’s Remuneration Committees act under delegated authority to consider the performance and remuneration of senior employees of the University including the Vice-Chancellor and other members of the University Executive Team. The Staff Reward Committee also considers policies and procedures in relation to the remuneration of these employees and provides assurance that the University is adhering to guidance on senior pay.
The University Annual Remuneration Statements as approved by the Staff Reward Committee can be found on our Reports and Public Information page.
Meeting dates for 2024-25 are as follows:
- Staff Reward Committee: 18 November 2024 and 2 June 2025
- Vice-Chancellor’s Remuneration Committee: 18 November 2024 and 2 June 2025.
The Resources Committee is responsible for recommending to Council the annual operating and capital budget. It also considers financial performance, estates and physical resources, and people matters and strategies in relation to these areas.
The University’s Annual Report and Financial Statements can be found on our Reports and Public Information page.
Meeting dates for 2024-25 are 5 November 2024, 21 January 2025, 18 March 2025 and 24 June 2025.
The Student Experience Committee meets three times a year. The main duty of the committee is to monitor key performance measures in relation to the student experience. The Committee also maintains oversight of the relationship between the University and Bucks Students’ Union.
Meeting dates for 2024-25 are 22 October 2024, 4 March 2025 and 3 June 2025.
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If you require minutes prior to this date please contact the University Secretary’s Office.