Governance and management

Governing Council

The work of The University of Northampton is overseen by its Governing Council, a body of 25 individuals, including the Vice Chancellor, President of the Student Union and representatives of academic and support staff. The Governing Council is responsible for the following areas:

Approving the mission and strategic vision of the University
Approving the long-term business plans of the University
Monitoring achievement against strategic objectives
Appointing the University's Vice Chancellor
Establishing and monitoring systems of control and accountability

The Governing Council has created six committees which undertake more detailed review of the University's activities. These are the Audit Committee, Finance and Estates Committee, Governance, Administration and Employability Committee, Nominations Committee, Remuneration Committee, Special Committee and the Strategy Review Group.

Both the Senate and the University's Executive Groups are responsible to the Governing Council.

Senate

Senate is ultimately responsible for academic matters. Its membership includes the Vice Chancellor, the Executive Deans and key Directors of Departments. In addition, there are 12 elected representatives from Schools within the University and a representative from the Professoriate.

Senate has established a number of committees, which oversee matters under the responsibility of Senate. The current Senate Committee structure was approved in March 2010 and is currently under review.

Executive Groups

The Executive Groups of the University comprise:

Office of the Vice Chancellor
University Executive Team
School Executives and School Management

University Executive Team

The University Executive Team comprises the Vice Chancellor, Chief Operating Officer and the six Executive Deans. It is responsible for the strategic management and direction of the University and is accountable to the Governing Council for: