Council is the governing body of the University, responsible for the educational character, mission, financial oversight, and strategic direction of the University. It is responsible for the appointment of the Vice-Chancellor and oversight of the appointment of the University’s executive employees. It is deemed accountable by the Office for Students for the University’s compliance with the Office for Students’ Ongoing Conditions of Registration. 

Council consists of a mixture of Independent Members who are not paid employees of the University but have a range of professional expertise and experience from which they guide and advise the University Strategy Group as well as seeking assurance over the University’s operational activities and BNU staff and student members who offer a staff / student perspective to Council’s discussions.   The Council webpage contains a profile of Council’s members.  

Council members are trustees of the University with responsibilities in relation to:

• Charity law
• Health & Safety / Corporate Manslaughter
• Equality,  diversity and inclusion
• Counter Terrorism / Prevent
• General Data Protection Regulation / Freedom of Information
• Company law
• Students’ Union accountability
• Degree Awarding Powers and responsibility for Academic Standards

Council members are appointed in several ways:

• Independent Members are recruited from outside the University usually through the use of a recruitment agency and interview / appointment process.
• Staff members are elected by the staff community.
• Senate Representatives are nominated by Senate.
• The Students’ Union President is elected by the student community.
• The Student Member is appointed from the student body. 

Council is supported in delivering its responsibilities by a number of standing committees:

• Audit Committee
• Governance Committee
• Honorary Awards Committee
• Resources Committee
• Student Experience Committee
• Staff Reward Committee
• Vice-Chancellor's Remuneration Committee

You can find out more about each of these committees and their memberships on the Council page.