Governance documents
The Charter is the legal document that created the University of Sussex in August 1961 and was amended with effect from 1 March 2012.
The University's fundamental governance structures and constitutional procedures, along with the powers of its statutory bodies (Council and Senate) are described in the Statutes. They are approved by the Privy Council, which authorised the most recent set of amendments with effect from 19 September 2018.
The Regulations contain detailed rules about staffing procedures, student disciplinary and appeals procedures, the Students' Union, the composition of Council and Senate, titles of degrees and Schools, roles of Heads of Schools, lists of collaborative institutions, academic titles and dress, the various degree courses awarded by the University, and general University regulations (library, ICT, administrative). The Regulations are updated annually and approved by Council and/or Senate.
The Scheme of Delegation clarifies where roles and responsibilities start and stop between Council and its Committees, between Comittees, and between Council and Senate. The Executive and University Executive Group are also included for transparency and completeness. The general principles upon which the Scheme is based are also provided for information. Council approved the Scheme of Delegation in March 2018.
Council approves an institutional statement of risk tolerance and appetite, on recommendation from the Audit and Risk Committee. This is reviewed annually and the current version is published above.
As a registered Higher Education provider, the University of Sussex is required to reflect and uphold the public interest governance principles. The University is committed to actively upholding the public interest principles.
Find out about our commitment to academic freedom and freedom of speech.
Term dates
See academic year dates and minimum service days.