News article
Independent report published into University of Sussex governance
By: James Hakner
Last updated: Tuesday, 19 October 2021
An independent report into the effectiveness of the University of Sussex’s governance has been published today.
The review has been broadly endorsed by both Council and Senate, which met on 13 October, and can now be shared with the wider campus community.
The report, by higher-education consultants Halpin, makes 36 recommendations and 17 suggestions for how governance of the University could be strengthened.
It recommends measures for enhancing the effectiveness of Council, the University’s governing body, and refocusing Senate on its core purpose as the University’s senior academic body. It also proposes ways to improve communication between the two bodies, establish more clearly define roles and responsibilities and address various ‘housekeeping’ issues, such as how information is presented, and members are supported.
In concluding its 112-page report, Halpin said that the University has the potential to lead the sector in governance. It said: “We hope this report will assist Sussex to move from a good governance position to a great one. We have no doubt that the University is on a journey that could lead to a leading-edge position in university corporate governance.”
The Chair of Council and Vice-Chancellor (as Chair of Senate) jointly commissioned the governance effectiveness review, encouraging Halpin to draw on best practice and be radical in their thinking. The process, which began in early 2021, has been reviewed throughout by a Governance Effectiveness Steering Group, which included representatives from both Council and Senate.
The Vice-Chair of Council, Adrienne Fresko CBE, who chaired the Steering Group, said: “We are grateful to everybody who has taken part in this root-and-branch review, including the independent consultants at Halpin, who have produced an excellent report.
“There are parts of the report that we will look to implement immediately and others that will take longer or deserve greater consideration.
“Great governance is in the best interests of the University and everybody associated with it. We will be able to take better decisions and everybody will be clearer about their role in the University’s success.”
As well as looking at areas where governance could be strengthened, the review also looked at ways to make governance as a whole more accessible and easier to understand for staff and students. New descriptions of the roles of the Vice-Chancellor, Council and Senate have been developed, and the website will be improved to provide a clear and simple overview of how the University is governed.
Staff who wish to find out more are invited to attend an upcoming webinar on ‘Understanding how the University is governed’, led by Sally Priddle, Head of Governance Services. We will email staff separately with dates and booking details.