Statement on Governance

Harper Adams University (the University) is committed to conducting its affairs in accordance with the principles of integrity, accountability, openness and transparency expected of publicly funded higher education institutions.

The University is a company limited by guarantee (Company No. 8049710) and a fully registered charity. Its legal framework and governance arrangements are set out in its Articles of Association. These arrangements provide for a clear separation of responsibilities between governance, academic oversight, and executive management.

The Board of Governors

The Board of Governors is the University’s governing body and has ultimate responsibility for the institution’s sustainability, educational character, and compliance with its legal and regulatory obligations. In particular, the Board is responsible for:

• Setting the University’s strategic direction and mission.
• Ensuring the effective use of public funds and the long-term financial sustainability of the University.
• Safeguarding the University’s reputation and managing institutional risk.
• Overseeing academic quality, standards and the student experience (through the delegated authority of the Academic Board),
• Ensuring compliance with the Office for Students (OfS) regulatory framework, including conditions of registration.
• Holding the Vice-Chancellor, as Accountable Officer, to account for the effective management of the University.

The Board has a majority of independent governors and is chaired by an independent member. Governors act collectively in the interests of the University and its students, and receive no remuneration for their role.

Regulatory Accountability

The University is registered with the Office for Students (OfS). The Board of Governors provides assurance that the University continues to meet the conditions of registration, including those relating governance, financial viability, academic quality, and student protection. The Board receives regular reporting to enable it to discharge its regulatory responsibilities effectively.

The Vice-Chancellor is the University’s Chief Executive and Accountable Officer, responsible to the Board for the organisation, management, and performance of the institution and for ensuring compliance with the terms of the OfS funding and accountability framework.

Academic Governance

The Academic Board is responsible for oversight of academic standards, quality, teaching, research and scholarly activity. It advises the Board of Governors on academic matters and operates within a framework approved by the governing body.

Committees and Assurance

The Board is supported by a Committee structure which enables detailed scrutiny of key areas including audit and risk, finance and people, remuneration, and nominations. These committees provide assurance to the Board and report formally on their work and recommendations.

Governance Effectiveness

The Board of Governors keeps its effectiveness under regular review and undertakes periodic independent evaluations of governance arrangements. The University maintains a register of interests for governors and senior staff, and the Clerk to the Governors provides independent advice on governance matters.

Further information on governance, charitable status and regulatory compliance is available through the University’s Annual Report and Financial Statements and Publication Scheme.