Governance Structure and Committees

The University of Buckingham is an established provider of over 40 years’ standing. Founded in 1976, the University was incorporated by Royal Charter (RC000730) on 11 February 1983 and is authorised to award taught and research degrees in perpetuity. The University is a Recognised Body under Statutory Instrument No. 573 (The Education (Recognised Bodies) (England) Order 2020).

The University is listed on the UK Register of Learning Providers (UKPRN 10007787) and is registered with both the Office for Students as an Approved Provider and the Charity Commission for England and Wales as a not-for profit Charity (Charity Number 1141691).

The University’s Governance and Management Arrangements

As articulated in its Charter and Statutes, the University has a bicameral constitution comprising the Council and the Senate. Whereas the Council is the governing body, and its members are Trustees of the University, the Senate is the governing academic authority, responsible for the setting and maintaining of threshold academic standards and for assuring and enhancing the quality of students’ learning opportunities.

Section 1 – Governing Instruments

• 1.1 Charter and Statutes 2021
• 1.2 Ordinances August 2024
• 1.3 Scheme of Delegation August 2024
• 1.4 Committee Structure 2024

Section 2 – Council

The Council of the University is its governing body. It has responsibility for the stewardship of the University’s assets; its members focus on strategic decision making and ensuring adherence to its charitable objectives whilst delegating day-to-day operational responsibilities to the Vice-Chancellor. It receives assurances that the University meets all legal and regulatory requirements imposed on it as a corporate body.

• 2.1 Council Membership
• 2.2 Joining the University’s governing Council
• 2.3 Minutes of Council Meetings
• 2.4 Halpin Governance Effectiveness Review 2023
• 2.5 Council Member Annual Review Process
• 2.6 Independent Higher Education Code of Governance Compliance Assessment
• 2.7 Council Register of Interests

Section 3 – Council Sub-committees

The work of the Council is supported by several sub-committees, each of which operates in accordance with approved Terms of Reference.

• 3.1 Audit and Risk Committee – Terms of Reference
• 3.2 Finance and Resources Committee – Terms of Reference
• 3.3 Nominations and Governance Committee – Terms of Reference
• 3.4 Remuneration Committee – Terms of Reference
  • • 3.4a Senior Staff Remuneration Framework 2024/25
• 3.5 Donations Advisory Panel – Terms of Reference
• 3.6 Council Strategy and Transformation Sub-Group – Terms of Reference
• 3.7 Council Sub-Committee membership

Section 4 – Senate

The Senate of the University is its governing academic authority. The powers of the Senate are also stipulated in the Statutes and include: the regulation and control of all academic awards as well as the programming and teaching that facilitates students’ admission to said academic awards, the management of the formalities associated with making academic awards and the regulation of University discipline. The Senate is responsible for overseeing the development of the University’s academic portfolio (including all associated research, learning and teaching and assessment activities), for the admission of students and for all areas pertaining to academic delivery and support.

• 4.1 Senate Membership

Section 5 – Senate Sub-committees

The work of the Senate is supported by several sub-committees, each of which operates in accordance with approved Terms of Reference.

• 5.1 Faculty Boards of Study – Terms of Reference
• 5.2 School Assessment, Learning and Teaching Committees – Terms of Reference
• 5.3 Faculty Research Committees – Terms of Reference
• 5.4 University Assessment, Learning and Teaching Committee – Terms of Reference
• 5.5 University Research Committee – Terms of Reference
• 5.6 Scholarships and Bursaries Committee – Terms of Reference

Section 6 – Joint Council and Senate Committees

The work of the Council and Senate are also supported by two joint committees, each of which operates in accordance with approved Terms of Reference.

• 6.1 Inclusion Committee – Terms of Reference
• 6.2 Honorary Awards and Appointments Committee – Terms of Reference

Section 7 – Vice-Chancellor and the Executive Group

The principal academic and administrative officer of The University is the Vice-Chancellor, who has a general responsibility to the Council for maintaining and promoting the efficiency and good order of the University and who is the Chair of the Senate. The Vice-Chancellor also chairs the Executive Group, comprising members of the University’s senior management.

The Executive Group supports the Vice-Chancellor with the day-to-day management of the University’s financial, academic, administrative, estates and personnel functions as well as with risk management. The Executive Group ensures that an appropriate level of consideration is given to strategic decisions, that there is accountability for said decisions and that there is effective leadership of, and communication with, University stakeholders.

• 7.1 Executive Group Membership
• 7.2 Executive Group – Terms of Reference
• 7.3 Executive Register of Interests

Section 8 – Executive Group Sub-committees

• 8.1 Academic Promotions Committee – Terms of Reference
• 8.2 Compliance and Risk Steering Group – Terms of Reference
• 8.3 Health and Safety Committee – Terms of Reference
• 8.4 University Collaborations Committee – Terms of Reference
• 8.5 Transformation Steering Group – Terms of Reference

Section 9 – Governance calendars

• 9.1 University Calendar 2025 (PDF)
• 9.2 University Calendar 2026 – Draft (PDF)

Please view the Compliance Handbook for information regarding regulations and policies relating to statutory compliance.