Council
The Council is the University's Governing Body has a collective responsibility to ensure that the University's overall Mission and Strategy are delivered through an effective framework of both Governance and Management.
Terms of reference and membership
Please see the Council Terms of reference and membership (PDF, 192KB).
You can also see profiles of Council members.
Meeting Dates 2023-2024
- Wednesday 20 September 2023 (deadline for receipt of papers 12 noon, 6 September 2023),
- 19-20 October 2023 - Residential,
- Wednesday 29 November 2023 (deadline for receipt of papers 12 noon, 15 November 2023),
- Wednesday 21 February 2024 (deadline for receipt of papers 12 noon, 7 February 2024),
- Thursday 25 April 2024 - Strategy Day,
- Wednesday 24 July 2024 (deadline for receipt of papers 12 noon, 10 July 2024).
Summary reports and minutes from Council are available by following this link to Council Summaries and Minutes
Register of Interests
In accordance with good governance practice, the University maintains a register of interests for members of its governing body, Council and co-opted member of the Audit Committee (this includes permanent and interim posts). New declarations are made annually, and are updated if there are any changes in the information during the year.
Members are requested to provide details of paid employment, self-employment, directorships, memberships and public appointments - paid or unpaid, memberships of professional bodies and significant shareholdings.
The 2021/22 Register of Interests can be accessed here Register of Interests 2022/23 (PDF 162KB).
The Register of Interests Policy can be accessed here Register of Interests Policy (PDF 259KB).
Powers of the Council
The Council powers and functions are defined in Article 17 of the University Charter Charter and Statutes.
The University’s Statement of Primary Responsibilities of the Council aligns the CUC Higher Education Code of Governance and demonstrates the University’s compliance with the Code. It also aligns with the registration conditions specified by the Office for Students. A copy of the statement of primary responsibilities can be accessed here Statement of Primary Responsibilities (PDF 119KB).
Authority Delegated from the Parent Committee
Council derives it authority from the University Charter, there is no parent committee. Article 11 of the University Charter states There shall be a Council of the University (hereinafter called the 'Council') which, subject to the provisions of this our Charter and of the Statutes, shall be the executive governing body of the University.
Standing Orders
The Standing Orders for University Committees are a key tool for ensuring good governance. They provide a formal framework for the conduct and administration of meetings of Council, Senate, Executive Board and their committees. They align with good governance practice and will assist committee members in the discharge of their duties and will help to ensure transparent and effective decision making.
The Standing Orders for University Committees can be accessed here Standing Orders
Committees that report to Council
Below is a list of committees that report directly to Council:
- Audit Committee
- Finance Committee
- People Committee
- Governance and Nominations Committee
- Remuneration Committee
Committees that report to Senate and Council
Below is a list of committees that report to both Senate and Council:
- Honorary Awards Committee
- University Ethics Committee
For queries with regards to Council please contact Jacqui Holgate on 01274 236548 or j.holgate@bradford.ac.uk
Privacy Notice for Lay Members of Council and its Committees
As a member of Council/co-opted member of the Audit Committee, your data is used for activities relating to the governance of the University; this Privacy Notice explains how the University processes and uses your personal data.
Please see link to the Privacy Notice for Council and its Committees (PDF, 202KB)
Council Code of Conduct
The Council Code of Conduct has been adopted by the University Council (approved by Governance and Nominations Committee, February 2019). It provides Council members with an understanding of what is required of their role, enabling them to be transparent, open and accountable in what they do and how they do it. It also promotes effective, well-informed and accountable governance. It should be read in conjunction with the CUC Higher Education Code of Governance. The Code applies to all members of the Council (lay members and staff and student representatives) including the external co-opted member of the Audit Committee. All Council members are required to sign this document to confirm their commitment to it.
The Council Code of Conduct can be accessed her Code of Conduct (PDF 170KB)
Handbook for Council Members: A Guide to Being a Member of University Council
The purpose of this Handbook is to provide members of Council with key information and guidance in support of their specific and collective duties and responsibilities as a member of University of Bradford Council. it also forms part of the Council Induction Programme, which is provided for all new members. Other development activities will be offered, both in-house at the University, and through special events organised externally by Advance HE. Additionally, the Handbook provides wider contextual information on the legal, governance and executive framework of the University. It will also contain summary information on key legislative and policy landmarks in the HE sector in the last two decades.
The Handbook for Council Members can be access here : Handbook for Council Members (PDF, 524KB)
CUC Higher Education Code of Governance
The CUC published its latest version of the Higher Education Code of Governance in September 2020. The purpose of the Code of Governance is to identify the key values and elements that form an effective governance framework.