Governance

The University of Reading operates under the terms of the Royal Charter granted to us in 1926.

Three main bodies govern the University:

The Council is the University’s executive governing body, meeting at least four times during the academic year. It sets the University’s strategic direction, ensures compliance with our statutory requirements and approves constitutional changes. The Council is ultimately responsible for managing the University’s estate, finance and staff, with much of the detailed work falling to sub-committees. Here broad representation by lay members, drawn from commercial, community and professional organisations, provides a valuable perspective. The primary responsibilities of the Council are set out in Statute XV, Powers of the Council. Download the full Statutes

The Senate is the University’s main academic administrative body. Reporting to the Council and meeting at least four times a year, the Senate advises on areas such as student entry, assessment and awards. With around 100 members, the Senate is represented by Deans, Heads and elected representatives of Schools, as well as professional staff and students. University Boards responsible for developments in enterprise, research and teaching and learning report to the Senate.

The Senior Management Board is responsible for the day-to-day management of the University and meets fortnightly throughout most of the year. Reporting to the Senate, the Board currently consists of the Acting-Vice-Chancellor, three Pro-Vice-Chancellors, four Deans and five Heads of Directorate.

Council and Senate representatives are also members of the University’s Court. This forum brings together individuals and organisations from outside the University, whose links with us make a positive contribution to University life. The Court’s annual meeting provides an opportunity for the Vice-Chancellor to update members on new developments and plays an important role in fostering closer relationships with the wider world.