Fundamentally, the Board has ultimate responsibility for the mission, vision, values, and strategy of the University which will be shaped and delivered by the Vice-Chancellor and the University Executive.
Governing bodies also hold responsibility for determining the 'educational character and mission of the University and for oversight of its activities’. This responsibility cannot be delegated. However, the Articles also clearly set out the key responsibilities of the Vice-Chancellor and Academic Board in relation to academic governance.
The Board's other key responsibilities, which cannot be delegated to another body or individual, include:
- the effective and efficient use of resources, the solvency of the University, and for the safeguarding of its assets;
- approving annual estimates of income and expenditure;
- the appointment, grading, suspension, dismissal, and determination of the pay and conditions of service of senior post holders (the Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive and University Executive).
- the appointment, grading, suspension, dismissal, and determination of the pay and conditions of service of senior post holders (the Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive and University Executive).
- setting a framework for the pay and conditions of all other staff.
- the assignment and appraisal of the Principal (the Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive).
The Board of Governors meets six times per year and also holds an annual workshop, usually in early spring, to briefly review the previous academic year and plan ahead for the medium to longer term.
Committees of the Board
In addition to the Board of Governors, the University is supported in its activities by a number of committees: Finance, Development and Resources Committee, People and Remuneration Committee, Audit and Risk Committee, and Academic Assurance Committee.
The Board's committees are remitted to consider and deal with specific business in more depth than would be practicable at full Board meetings. In some cases, the committees have delegated authority from the Board to make decisions in relation to specific areas of business. They may also provide detailed scrutiny and assurance which may lead to an endorsement or recommendation for final Board approval. The responsibilities of each Committee of the Board are outlined in their respective terms of reference.
Finance, Development and Resources Committee
Finance, Development and Resources Committee has delegated authority from the Board of Governors for general oversight of and provision of advice to the Board on the use of resources, the solvency of the University and arrangements for safeguarding its assets. Finance, Development and Resources Committee meets on a quarterly basis.
People and Remuneration Committee
People and Remuneration Committee has delegated authority to have oversight of the membership of the Board of Governors, including appointments, induction, training, and development. The Committee has specific responsibility delegated by the Board of Governors to determine the remuneration of the Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive and other senior post-holders (the University Executive). The Committee also has delegated authority for general oversight in relation to pay and conditions of service and employment policies and practices.
Academic Assurance Committee
Academic Assurance Committee has delegated authority from the Board of Governors to oversee the University’s compliance with appropriate academic quality standards and associated external academic regulations set by bodies such as the Office for Students and Ofsted. The Committee also oversees the University’s delivery of the Student Success Plan and the Research and Knowledge Exchange Plan.
Audit and Risk Committee
Audit and Risk Committee provides an independent means through which the Board of Governors receives assurance on the University's internal control environment in its widest sense. Its role is to test the adequacy and efficiency of systems of risk and internal control using a range of sources of assurance.
The specific functions of Audit and Risk Committee include the appointment of external auditors, internal audit provision and associated arrangements, and considering the major findings and management responses from audit investigations. The Committee keeps under review the effectiveness of risk management, control, and governance arrangements. Audit and Risk Committee holds five meetings per year in September, November, February, April, and June.
Board of Governors
Independent Members (current maximum is 13)
- Mark Burdon (Chair)
- Alison Thain (Deputy Chair)
- Margie Burdis
- Suzanne Duncan
- Louise Hunter
- Ian Kershaw
- David Land
- Chris Lauder
- Ian Martin
- David Murtagh
- Roisin Patton
Local Authority Representative
- Cllr Iain Scott
Education Representatives
- Prof Sara de Freitas
- Prof Liz Barnes
Staff Representatives
- Stephen Feasey, Non-academic staff member
- Sean Percival, All Staff member
- Ian Elliott, Academic staff member
Student Representatives
- Dola Dada, Student Union President
- Vishwajit Bhoir, Student Representative
Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive
- Sir David Bell KCB
Member of Senior Management
- Vacancy
Committee Membership
Academic Assurance Committee
- Prof Liz Barnes (Chair)
- Sir David Bell
- Dola Dada
- Ian Elliot
- Ian Kershaw
- Ian Martin
Audit and Risk Committee
- Chris Lauder (Chair)
- Mark Burdon
- Suzanne Duncan
- Lara Joisce (Independent Co-optee)
- David Land
- Catherine Winfield (Independent Co-optee)
Finance Development and Resources Committee
- Louise Hunter (Chair)
- Sir David Bell
- Margie Burdis
- Ian Kershaw
- David Murtagh
People and Remuneration Committee
- Alison Thain (Chair)
- Vishwajit Bhoir
- Louise Hunter
- Roisin Patton
- Stephen Feasey
Representation on other university bodies:
- Ian Kershaw – Observer on Academic Board
- Alison Thain – Honorary Awards Committee
- Stephen Feasey – Mental Health and Wellbeing Group
- Louise Hunter – Strategic Environmental Sustainability Group
- Ian Martin – London campus lead governor
- Vacancy – Hong Kong campus lead governor
- Ian Kershaw – Sunderland Culture
- Vacancy – Equality Diversity Inclusion and Social Responsibility Group
- David Murtagh – Student Union/University Joint Meeting
Published: 1 August 2025