Code of Practice for Council Members

27 Code of Practice for Council Members 19  monitoring the business and overall performance of the University, particularly its senior management, without being drawn into the day-to-day executive management; and  representing the University in its connection and relationship with stakeholders and external bodies. The relationship between the Chairman and the Vice-Chancellor is mutually supportive, but must also incorporate the checks and balances imposed by the different roles each has within the University’s constitution. 4.6. Role of the Vice-Chancellor Appointed by the Council, the Vice-Chancellor is the chief academic and administrative officer of the University. S/he shall hold office for such period and on such terms as may be determined by the Council. The Vice-Chancellor is responsible for the executive management of the University and its day-to-day direction. The Vice-Chancellor should not seek to determine matters reserved for the Council. The specific responsibilities of the Vice-Chancellor in relation to the Council include:  implementing the decisions of the Council or ensuring that they are implemented through the relevant part of the University’s management structure; and  initiating discussion and consultation including, where appropriate, consultation with the staff and the Senate on proposals concerning the University’s future development, and ensuring that such proposals are presented to the Council. The Vice-Chancellor shall advise the Council on any matter affecting the policy, finance and administration of the University. S/he shall be generally responsible to the Council for the maintenance of the efficiency and good order of the University and for ensuring the proper enforcement of the Statutes, decrees and regulations. 4.7. Role of the Secretary of the Council The Secretary of the Council is appointed by the Council and has a key role to play in the operation and conduct of the Council, and in ensuring that the appropriate procedures are followed. S/he is responsible for providing legal advice to, or obtaining it for, the Council, and advising it on all matters of procedure. Although the Secretary of the Council normally combines this function with a senior administrative or managerial role within the University, the University and the Secretary of the Council shall exercise care in maintaining a separation of the two functions. When carrying out his/her role as the Secretary to the Council, s/he is solely responsible to the Council and therefore has direct reporting link to the Chairman of the Council for conduct of Council business (i.e. agendas, papers, minutes etc.).