Council
Council is the governing body of the University. It is the legal entity and ultimate authority of the University and it is unambiguously and collectively accountable for institutional activities, taking all final decisions on matters of fundamental concern within its remit.
Council members fulfil their roles in accordance with the Charter, Statutes and Ordinances. Sector expectations and requirements for Council are set out in the CUC-HE Code of Governance and the OfS Regulatory Framework.
The Deputy Chief Executive (Operations) is the formal Secretary of the University. Any enquiries about the constitution and governance of the University should be addressed to her via the Director of Strategic Planning and Governance, Simon Jennings, on s.jennings2@lancaster.ac.uk or 01524 592021.
Accordion
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Council Members
Council are collectively responsible for the University. Members need to be satisfied that processes and procedures are in place which are sufficient and effective in running the business of the University. As the University is an exempt charity, all Council members are Trustees of the University.
Learn more about our governing body including the role of Council members, biographies on members by visiting our Council members page.
Council members also complete a form for inclusion in the Declaration of Interests 2021-22.
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Charter and Statutes
The constitutional framework within which we operate is based upon our Charter, Statutes and Ordinances.
The Charter, first granted in 1964, sets out the purpose and powers of the University. The Statutes underpin the Charter and both the Charter and the Statutes are approved by the Privy Council.
Ordinances support the Charter and Statutes and are created and approved by the Council. Other regulations may be created and approved by Council or by other committees on delegated authority from the Council.
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Minutes of Council
Please note that the minutes are usually published following formal approval at the next meeting.
2021/2022
Minutes from meeting on 28 January 2022
2020/2021
Meeting of 8 September 2020 (extraordinary meeting)
2019/2020
Meeting of 24 July 2020 (extraordinary meeting)
Meeting of 17 April 2020 (extraordinary meeting)
Meeting of 1 April 2020 (extraordinary meeting)
Meeting of 27 March 2020 (extraordinary meeting)
2018/2019
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Delegation of Authorities
The powers of Council are outlined in the Charter, Statutes and Ordinances (see in particular Statute 10). Council has also approved a Statement of Primary Responsibilities of Council. The Council has reserved certain types of decision to itself and these are defined in Ordinance No. 4 (Matters reserved to Council for decision).
The Council has delegated other decisions as defined in the Scheme of Delegation and Decision-Making Powers Appendix 1 of the Financial Regulations, in the Schedule of Financial Delegations in Appendix 2 of the Financial Regulations and in the terms of reference of Council Sub-Committees.
The organogram of decision making sets out delegated authority visually.
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Council Standing Orders
The Council Standing Orders are the written rules which regulate the proceedings of Council.
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Council Sub-Committees
Council Sub-Committees terms of reference and membership lists are available here.