Governance

The constitutional framework within which Cardiff University operates is based upon its Charter, Statutes and Ordinances. The Charter defines the objects, powers and officers of the University, and embodied within it are such fundamental principles as the University's power to teach, examine, carry out research and award degrees. Details concerning the members of the University, officers, and rules concerning statutory bodies are laid down in the Statutes, while the Ordinances give practical details concerning the way in which the University is governed within the general framework of the Charter and Statutes, particularly the terms of reference of its committees.

The Council

 COUNCIL MEMBERSHIP OPPORTUNITY 2012 

The Council of the University is the executive authority of the University and is responsible for the management and administration of the finances and property of the University. The Council has the ultimate power of decision in respect of all matters affecting the University. A Handbook is issued to members setting out their duties and responsibilities as Council members. The Handbook is available as a resource on the right-hand side of this web-page. The Council is responsible for appointing Heads of Academic Schools.

Council regularly conducts a review of its effectiveness.  The current action plan arising from the latest review is available as a resource on this page.

The Chair of the Council is Mr John Jeans.

A list of current members of Council can be found by following this link:

Biographical information on Lay Members of Council can be found here 

For information on Council Lay Membership click here 

The Senate

The Senate of the University is the chief academic authority of the University and is responsible for determining the educational policy of the University.  The Vice-Chancellor is Chair of the Senate

The Court

The Court of the University receives the Annual Report and Financial Statements of the University at its meeting in February/March each year.  The Chair of Court is the President of the University, Professor Sir Martin Evans.

Audit Committee

The Audit Committee is a sub-committee of the Council.  It monitors and reviews the University's financial and other internal control systems, including the work of the internal audit unit, to ensure compliance with the mandatory requirements of the HEFCW Audit Code of Practice; advises Council on whether the University's systems and procedures promote economy, efficiency and effectiveness, and safeguard the University's assets and prevent and detect fraud or other irregularities.  It submits an Annual Report to Council on its activities, together with the Annual report of Joint Internal Audit Unit.  The current version of these documents are available as a resource on this page.

The Committee is chaired by Mr Guy Clarke.

Declaration of Interests

The University is committed to the highest standards of openness, integrity and accountability. It seeks to conduct its affairs in a responsible manner, having regard to the principles established by the Committee on Standards in Public Life (formerly known as the Nolan Committee), which members of staff at all levels are expected to observe.  The Human Resources Division, on behalf of the University, is required to collect and verify information from all members of staff.  Please see the Human Resources Division website for more information.

Additionally, members of the Council, of Strategy and Resources Committee and of Audit Committee and senior management (Heads of Schools and Administrative Directorates) are required to disclose interests in the University’s register of interests maintained by Governance and Compliance Division.  The current Registers are available as a resource on this web page.