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Council

Brunel University London exists by virtue of a Royal Charter first granted in 1966.  Its governing body is called the Council and comprises a mix of independent members, staff and students of our University.  The University is an exempt Charity as defined by the Charities Act 2011. 

The Council appoints the Vice-Chancellor and other senior officers.  Its powers, duties and functions are set out in full in the Charter.  Council has established a range of committees to carry out its work. 

The academic governing body of the University is the Senate, which is chaired by the Vice-Chancellor.  Senate's powers, duties and functions are set out in the Ordinances, and it has established a number of Committees to assist it in its work. 

Information about our Council members

Council

Council is the governing body of the University.  It is ultimately responsible for the employment of all staff, for all legal contracts, the University's assets and finances, for all statutory compliance and for the University's strategic direction.

It delegates the execution of its responsibilities to our Vice-Chancellor and President as Chief Executive, and it monitors the implementation of policies through Council committees [which also proposes policies and strategies to the Council].

The membership of Council is determined by the Charter.  Council must consist of a majority of independent [external] members.  These are selected by the Nominations Committee which maintains a 'skills matrix' , mapping members skills, knowledge and expertise to the needs of our University.

Members serve up to four years [renewable once].  Potential members of Council are sought from all sectors - names and brief CVs should be sent in confidence to the Secretary of Council.

Council issues Ordinances which includes the Financial Procedures of the University.

The Chair of Council is Prof Stuart Palmer who may be contacted via the Office of the Secretary of Council.