The Board of Governors is responsible for the overall character and mission of St Mary's University and for the effective and efficient use of its resources.
The Articles of Association require that there are between 12 and 24 Governors as follows:
- Ex-officio: the Chair (the Archbishop of Westminster or nominee), the Director of the Catholic Education Service or nominee, Vice-Chancellor
- Up to six Independent Governors nominated by the Archbishop and appointed by the Board of Governors
- Up to six Independent Governors nominated by the Catholic Education Service and appointed by the Board of Governors
- Up to six Independent Governors co-opted by the Board of Governors
- Three Governors from within the University: two Staff Governors and one Student Governor (the President of the Students' Union)
More information about the appointment of Governors and the Board's business is in the Regulations, the Scheme of Delegation and the Board's Handbook which are published below.
The Board of Governors operates under Articles approved by the Privy Council published below. The former University College was incorporated on 1st August 2007 as a company limited by guarantee. The University is a company (registration number 5977277) and a registered charity (registration number 1120192).
View our Board of Governors
Board of Governors recruitment
The majority of the University’s Board members are independent and are not employed by the University. The University looks to have a diverse Board with a wide range of skills and experience.
If you are interested in becoming an independent member of the Board of Governors at St Mary’s please contact the University Secretary, elizabeth.bell@stmarys.ac.uk, to discuss what the role entails and how to apply.
Committees
There are five committees of the Board of Governors:
The main aim of the Academic Scrutiny Committee is to provide academic oversight and to scrutinise the Academic Board and the Senior Management Team ensure the highest standards of learning, teaching and research are met in order to enhance the academic experience and student outcomes.
The aim of the Audit Committee is to advise the University on the adequacy and effectiveness of its systems of internal control and current arrangements for risk management, control and governance processes, compliance, and securing efficiency and effectiveness.
The purpose of the Finance and Resources Committee is to advise the Board of Governors on financial strategy, financial sustainability and to review staffing strategies and policies including pension arrangements. They are also expected to advise the Board on infrastructure matters including Information Technology and Estates Strategies.
The main purpose of the Nominations and Governance Committee is to make recommendations to the Board on the appointment of Governors, on the chairing and membership of committees and for the efficiency and effectiveness of governance.
The purpose of the Remuneration Committee is to determine the remuneration of the Vice-Chancellor, the University Secretary and such other senior staff as may be brought within the purview of the Committee
This diagram shows the Committee structure of the University.
Related documents
Further information
The Annual Report, Financial Statements and minutes from the meetings of the Board of Governors can be found on the Corporate Information page.
For further information on the Board, including the Governors' Register of Interests may be obtained from the Clerk to the Governors: 020 8240 4190