Revised University Statutes and Ordinances Now in Effect

Following approval by the Privy Council, the University’s revised Statutes have come into effect from today (1 September 2025).

This completes a significant stage of the governance framework review, which set out to modernise and streamline our constitutional documents for clarity and accessibility. The revised Statutes are shorter, more accessible, and provide a clear constitutional framework, with detailed operational provisions now set out in Ordinances or University policies.

Key points to note:

• Statute 25 (employment provisions for academic staff) has been replaced by Statute 17, which sets out overarching principles — including the continued protection of academic freedom — that apply to the employment of all staff.
• Relevant provisions have been moved to updated HR policies and procedures, now applying consistently across staff groups.
• Some Ordinances have been revised to cover matters such as the powers and operation of Senate and Boards of Studies, and the appointment of senior staff.
• Provisions relating to intellectual property have moved from Ordinance into policy, with the Ordinance setting out the principles that govern such policies.

The revised Statutes and Ordinances can be viewed here: Statutes of the University of Bath and University Ordinances.

For queries about the Statutes or Ordinances, please contact governance@bath.ac.uk. For questions about HR policies and procedures, please contact Richard Brooks Director of Human Resources.