Role description: Secretary to Council

1. Appointment and Reporting

1.1 The Secretary to Council is appointed to that post by the Council itself, and in accordance with the provisions of the University’s Articles of Association which also outline the nature and responsibility of the role.
1.2. Irrespective of any other responsibilities the appointee may hold, in relation to their responsibilities as Secretary, the Secretary to Council is responsible solely to the Council and reports directly to the Chair of Council in relation to Council business.
1.3 The Council may also appoint Assistant or Deputy Secretaries who will have such functions as may be specified by Council from time to time.

2. The Business of the Governing Body

2.1. The Secretary is responsible for providing the Council with authoritative guidance about its responsibilities under the charter, statutes, articles, ordinances and regulations to which it is subject.

2.2. The Secretary has a responsibility to alert the Council if they believe that any proposed action would exceed the Council’s powers.

2.3. The Secretary shall be responsible for the custody of the University Seal and for its proper use.

3. Working Relationships and Conflict of Interest

3.1. The Secretary to Council may combine the function of Secretary with a senior administrative or management role in the University. They must exercise care in separating these two functions.

3.2. If the Secretary perceives any conflict of interest between their separate functions, they should report it forthwith to the Council. If the Council believes it has identified a conflict of interest of this nature, the Secretary will be offered an opportunity to respond to any such question.

3.3. The Secretary will be required to form effective working relationships with the Chair of Council and the Vice Chancellor of the University. The Secretary is required to consult the Vice Chancellor and keep them fully informed on any matter relating to Council business (other than matters where the Vice Chancellor is conflicted).

3.4. The Secretary is required to advise the Chair in respect to any matters where conflict, potential or real, may occur between the Council and the Vice Chancellor.

3.5. The Secretary shall normally be a member of the University’s Executive.

3.6. The Secretary shall make a full and timely disclosure of their personal interests in the Register.

3.7. The Council will safeguard the Secretary’s ability to carry out their duties.

4. Personal

4.1. The Secretary will have a strong personal commitment to Higher Education and the values, aims and objectives of the University.

4.2. The Secretary will at all times regulate their personal conduct in relation to the Council and the University in accordance with accepted standards of behaviour in public life, embracing selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership, and maintain confidentiality as appropriate.