Governance Effectiveness Review – Implementation Update

The University of Buckingham announced in December 2023 that the University had completed a detailed independent governance effectiveness review with The Halpin Partnership (“Halpin”) and included a copy of Halpin’s report. Alongside its publication was a commitment to provide updates regarding implementation on the various improvements put forward by Halpin.

The implementation of governance improvements is being overseen by a Steering Group of Council members including staff and student members of Council. Earlier in 2025, Halpin conducted an ‘Impact Review’ with members of the Steering Group to revisit the report and the progress made by the University in implementing its recommendations. Halpin were ‘greatly impressed with the considerable progress that has been made’ and commended the entire process undertaken at the University around the implementation of the recommendations.

This update summarises progress as at December 2025. As a headline summary of the status of the University’s response to the Halpin review:

• Of the 53 recommendations proposed by Halpin – 73 % of these are now complete
• Of the 26 ‘suggestions’ proposed by Halpin – 69% of these are now complete.

Some of the action taken will require ongoing monitoring by committees of Council to ensure they remain in place and are operating effectively. The remaining agreed actions will be taken forward through 2026 with the aim of completion in the autumn.

Actions progressed in the latter part of 2025 include:

• Development of a Code of Conduct for Trustees
• Development of job descriptions for Council members including descriptions for those holding specific responsibilities (Chair of Council, Committee Chairs, etc)
• Established Executive Listening Sessions to enable staff to engage directly with Executive members
• Completed an externally facilitated Staff Survey, with action plans for improvement to follow in Spring 2026
• Progressed development of a University Inclusion Strategy with ongoing monitoring by the Finance and Resources Committee
• Completed an Internal Audit of the governance of fundraising with agreed action to follow
• Programmed in a regular opportunity for the Students’ Union to present to Council on progress made
• An independent review of Senate to be implemented early in 2026 with thought to be given to engagement and collaboration between Council and Senate to improve working between these important bodies.

If you have any enquiries regarding the Governance Effectiveness Review, please contact our Secretary of Council: samuel.weston@buckingham.ac.uk

Further updates will follow in 2026.