Purpose of Council

As the governing body of the University, we have general oversight over the institution and its affairs. Council comprises 18 members, with a lay majority who come from outside the University, bringing other sector skills and experience. The Vice-Chancellor is a member of Council, as are members of University staff and two elected officers from the Students' Union.

We act in the interests of the University as a whole, take collective responsibility for making decisions, and adhere to the seven Nolan Principles of public life.

We meet at least five times a year, participate in strategy sessions and sit on Council committees, including finance, remuneration, audit and risk.

Key responsibilities

Council Terms of Reference are set out in Section 17 of the University Statutes (Functions of the Council)

Procedural rules

Meeting frequency: Council meets at least five times a year.

Quorum: The quorum for meetings shall be one third of the membership.

Delegated authorities are set out in the Scheme of Delegation.

Membership

The terms of office expire on 31 July, unless otherwise stated.

Ex Officio members

• Professor Phil Taylor, Vice-Chancellor and President
• Dr Sabina Gheduzzi, Chair of Academic Assembly

Appointed members

• Sharon Flood, Chair of Council, term of office 2028
• Maria Bond, appointed by Council, term of office 2026
• Alun Griffiths, appointed by Council, term of office 2026
• Professor Dot Griffiths OBE, appointed by Council, term of office 2028
• Don McLaverty, appointed by Council, term of office 2026
• Calum Mercer, Treasurer, term of office 2028
• Jo Rhoden, appointed by Council, term of office 30 August 2027
• Professor Anthony Smith, appointed by Council, term of office 30 August 2027

Staff members

• Esther Reeves, elected by Professional Services staff, term of office 2028
• Professor Paul Shepherd, elected by the members of Senate, term of office 2028
• Professor Marcus Munafò, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, officer of the University nominated by the Vice-Chancellor, term of office 2027

Student governors

• Benjamin Orford Thompson, Students' Union President, term of office June 2026
• Helen Slater, Students' Union Education Officer, term of office June 2026

Routine attendees (in attendance)

• Dr Ghazwa Alwani-Starr, Chief Operating Officer
• Professor Manuel Barcia, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Global Engagement
• Ian Blenkharn, University Secretary & Registrar
• Professor Julian Chaudhuri, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Education and Global)
• Corinne Evans, Executive Director (External Relations)
• Professor Sarah Hainsworth, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research and Enterprise)
• Martin Williams, Director of Finance
• Professor Cassie Wilson, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Student Experience)

Observer

• Ryan Bird, Chief Executive, Students' Union

Register of members' interests

To ensure transparency and impartiality, Council maintains a register of members' interests available online.