Governance at Lancaster University
The University is an independent corporation, whose legal status derives from Royal Charter originally granted in 1964. It is an exempt charity regulated by the Office for Students. The University’s objectives, powers and framework of governance are set out in the Charter and supporting Statutes and Ordinances.
The Charter and Statutes require the University to have a Council and a Senate.
Council
Council is the governing body of the University. It is the legal entity and ultimate authority of the University and it is unambiguously and collectively accountable for institutional activities, taking all final decisions on matters of fundamental concern within its remit.
Visit the Council webpage for more information on members, minutes, register of interest and Standing Orders.
The powers of Council are outlined in the Charter, Statutes and Ordinances (see in particular Statute 10).
Senate
The Senate is the academic authority of the University and has primary responsibility for the academic work of the University, both in teaching and in research, and for the regulation and superintendence of the education and discipline of the students of the University.
For more information on members, minutes, Scheme of Delegations and Standing Orders visit the Senate webpage
The powers of Council are outlined in the Charter, Statutes and Ordinances (see in particular Ordinance 5A).
Senior Officers and Executive Management
The Vice-Chancellor is responsible for the management of the University and acts as its Chief Executive. For more information visit the University Leadership webpages. Governance Services provide support for the University Executive Board, chaired by the Vice-Chancellor.
The Organogram of decision making sets out delegated authority visually.