The following issues were discussed at the Council meeting.

Effectiveness Review

Council discussed a report from the Council Effectiveness Review Steering Group and agreed a set of recommendations which will be published on the Steering Group web page

It was noted that an external advisor from FIT Remuneration Consultants had been appointed to advise the Remuneration Committee.

Audit Committee

Mr Tim Ford was appointed as the Chair of Audit Committee for a year from 1 August 2018.

Court

Council noted a report from the June meeting of Court and agreed a new date for the next meeting of 22 January 2019.

Finance

Council approved the budget for 2018/19, approved the financial forecasts and commentary for submission to the Office for Students and also noted a revised forecast for 2017/18.

Risk

Council agreed an amendment to the University Risk Management Strategy and also approved a new Risk Register and Risk Management Plan for 2018/19.

Strategies

Council approved a revised Finance Strategy and Estates Strategy and also discussed the emerging campus masterplan.

Policies

Council approved a revised Public Interest Disclosure (Whistleblowing) Policy and Endowment Fund Policy

Research integrity

Council approved the annual Statement on Research Integrity.

Institute of Policy Research (IPR)

Council supported the continuation of the IPR following its Five Year Review.