Job description of the Chairman
The Chairman of the Governing Council is Pro Chancellor of the University and has responsibility for leadership of the governing body and ultimately to the stakeholders for its effectiveness. He or she is expected to liaise with the Vice-Chancellor of the University to bring effective co-ordination between governance and senior management. They are also expected to work closely with the Clerk to the Governing Council who has responsibility for organising the business of Council in accordance with the wishes of Council. As chair of meetings they are expected to promote efficient operation ensuring that members work together effectively and have confidence in the procedures laid down for the conduct of business
The chair should take particular care that the governing body observes the principles of public life and that committees which play a central role in the proper conduct of the governing body’s business report back appropriately.
Through leadership of the governing body the chair plays a key role in the business of the institution but should not be drawn into day-to-day executive management It is the responsibility of the chair to ensure not only that the governing body operates effectively but also that it deals with those issues which the governing body – and the governing body alone – needs to discuss. It is for the chair to ensure that lay or independent members of the governing do not become involved in the day-to-day executive management of the institution.
The chair must ensure a constructive and challenging working relationship between him/herself and the executive head of the institution. The relationship, which must be mutually supportive, must also recognise the separation and distinctiveness of each other’s role, incorporating the checks and balances imposed by the different roles each has within the institution’s constitution.
Specific tasks:
- Chair the meetings of the Governing Council.
- Chair the meetings of Nominations and Remuneration Committee
- Serve as member of the Finance, Employment and General Purposes Committee.
- Serve as member of the Further Education Governance Committee.
- Ensure that Council and its committees are fully constituted with members and that any vacancies are filled as soon as possible.
- To conduct the process for the appointment of Senior Post Holders and Chancellor as necessary.
- To conduct the process for the annual review of the remuneration of Senior Post Holders.
- To ensure that the Council fulfils its responsibilities as the Governing Body and that the Council is compliant with the CUC Code of practice for Governance (2004).
- To ensure, with the help of the Clerk that the business of the Council and its committees is properly organised: namely that there is good notice of meetings and that papers are circulated well in advance. Also, accurate and informative minutes should be circulated to members as soon as possible after the meeting of the Council/Committee.
- To conduct annual reviews of the effectiveness of the Governing Council and to ensure, with the assistance of the Clerk, that any recommendations are implemented.
- To commission a major review of the effectiveness of Governing Council at least every five years.
