The purpose of the Board of Governors is set out in the Articles of Government (pdf) and may be summarised in terms of responsibility for:

• determination of educational character/mission of the University;
• solvency of the University;
• annual estimates of income and expenditure;
• appointment to all posts and                       
• the framework for pay of all other staff.

The Board holds the Vice-Chancellor and Executive to account for the management of the institution but in a manner that, whilst objective and critical, ensures that the institution is able to progress positively in its extensive range of work that supports the University's mission.