The University Registrar is responsible for coordinating the provision of legal services to the University as a Higher Education Corporation, to the Chair of the Board of Governors, to the Vice-Chancellor and Management Board, and to any wholly owned subsidiary companies.  S/he also ensures that the University as a Higher Education Corporation remains compliant with relevant legislation and the Instrument and Articles of Government of the University.

The role and responsibilities of Governors are set out in the Instrument and Articles of Government.  The GuildHE guide on 'Getting to Grips with Being a Governor' quotes the Glion Declaration (1998) in terms that:

"Governance involves the responsibility for: approving the mission and goals of the institution; the oversight of its resources; the approval of its policies and procedures; the appointment, review and support of its chief executive; and an informed understanding of its programme and activities.  Management, in contrast, involves the responsibility for the effective operation of the institution and the achievement of its goals within the policies and procedures approved by the board; the effective use of resources; the creative support and performance of teaching, research and services; and maintenance of the highest standards of scholarly integrity and professional performance.  The responsibility of the board is to govern but not to manage."

However, in undertaking the role of governance, the Board must maintain an awareness of the legal framework associated with higher education and the legal liability of the Governors.  Whilst the papers supporting the Board's decision-making will draw attention to any specific issues, governors may find the links below helpful in establishing the range of legislative issues to which to be alert.

Instrument of Government (Pdf)

Articles of Government (Pdf)

Change of Title (Pdf)