Governance and Compliance

The University is an independent corporation, whose legal status derives from a Royal Charter originally granted in 1964. Its objectives, powers and framework of governance are set out in the Charter, and its supporting Statutes and Ordinances.

The Council is the governing body of the University and has overall responsibility for its operational and strategic management.  Council members fulfil their roles in accordance with:

  • the Charter, Statutes and Ordinances
  • the regulations for the operation of a Higher Education Institution (HEI) as determined by Government and other external agencies.

The Senate is the academic authority of the University and has primary responsibility for the academic work of the University, both in teaching and in research, and for the regulation and superintendence of the education and discipline of the students of the University.

Learn more about the terms of reference, membership and minutes of Council and Senate and their sub-committees.

Exempt Charity Status

The University is an exempt charity under the terms of Schedule 3 of the Charities Act 2011 and, as such, is subject to regulation by the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE).

HEFCE requires exempt charities to provide the following information:

  • Legal name and correspondence address:

    The University of Lancaster
    University House
    Bailrigg
    Lancaster
    LA1 4YW

  • The main constitutional document of the University
  • A version of the Charter showing the changes that have been made since 2009/10
  • The names of the trustees on 31 January each year, together with a list of all other charities (if any) of which each trustee is also a trustee
  • The full audited consolidated financial statements

Modern Slavery Act Statement

In accordance with the Modern Slavery Act 2015, the University is also required to publish a slavery and human trafficking statement.

Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF)

Lancaster University was awarded gold in the UK Government's 2017 Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF). You can download a summary of Lancaster's metrics, as well as our TEF submission.