Statement of Primary Responsibilities
Council Ordinance 1
Statement of Primary Responsibilities
1.1 To make a contribution to and approve the mission, vision and strategic direction of the University. Subject to consultation with Senate on matters with implications for academic policy, to approve the long term academic and business plans and key performance indicators and to ensure that these meet the interests of the stakeholders and are compliant with the charitable objectives of the University.
1.2 To delegate authority to the Vice-Chancellor, as chief executive, for the academic, corporate, financial, estate and personnel management of the institution.
1.3 To ensure the establishment and monitoring of systems of control and accountability, including financial and operational controls and risk assessment.
1.4 To ensure the establishment and monitoring of procedures for handling internal grievances and for managing conflicts of interest.
1.5 To ensure processes are in place to monitor and evaluate the performance and effectiveness of the University against the plans and approved key performance indicators, which should be appropriately benchmarked against other comparable institutions.
1.6 To establish processes to monitor and evaluate the performance and effectiveness of the Council itself.
1.7 To safeguard and promote the good name and values of Brunel University embracing the principles of corporate social responsibility.
1.8 To appoint the Vice-Chancellor as chief executive, to put in place suitable arrangements for monitoring his/her performance and, where deemed necessary, having responsibility to commence any disciplinary measures it considers appropriate including dismissal.
1.9 To appoint a secretary to the governing body and to ensure that, if the person appointed has managerial responsibilities in the institution, there is an appropriate separation in the lines of accountability.
1.10 To be the employing authority for all staff in the University, to have regard for their well-being and for establishing a human resources strategy.
1.11 To be the principal financial and business authority of the University, to ensure that proper books of account are kept, to approve the annual budget and financial statements, to have overall responsibility for the University’s assets, property and estate and to comply with the requirements of the sector regulators as defined periodically
1.12 To be the University’s legal authority and, as such, to ensure that systems are in place for meeting the University’s legal obligations, including those arising from contracts and other legal commitments made in the name of Brunel University.
1.13 To make such provision as it thinks fit for the general welfare of students, in consultation with the Senate.
1.14 To act as trustee for any property, legacy, endowment, bequest or gift in support of the work and welfare of the University.
1.15 To ensure that the University’s constitution (as laid down in the Charter and Statutes) is followed at all times and that appropriate advice is available to enable this to happen.
