Council welcomed Mrs Pamela Chesters, the new Chair of Council, and Professor Ian White, Vice-Chancellor, to their first Council meeting. Each set out their vision for their roles.

The following issues were discussed at the Council meeting on 16 May 2019.

Finance

Council noted the half year accounts.

Risk

Council approved the updated risk register and risk management plan.

Buildings

Council considered updates to current building projects, including the School of Management building.

Students’ Union

The Students’ Union gave an update on progress against their Top Ten issues for the year.

Governance

Council considered and agreed further recommendations from the Council Effectiveness Steering Group, arising from the Halpin Review. The grid would be updated. Council approved the necessary changes to Statutes 16 and 28.2 arising from the decisions made by Council including its composition and reserved business. These would be submitted to the Privy Council for approval.

New members

Three new lay member appointments were approved and would be announced shortly. Mr Tim Ford and Mrs Catherine Mealing-Jones were re-appointed to Council for a second three-year term until 31 July 2022.

Senior staff

Council approved the re-appointment of Prof Peter Lambert as Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Learning and Teaching) until 31 July 2024.