Council is the governing body of the University, in accordance with our Charter and Statutes.

It has ultimate accountability for decision making, ensuring there is effective management in place and determining our future direction. 

Council stewards the University’s reputation, resources and infrastructure. 

It also ensures we remain financially sustainable and that we meet our legal obligations. 

In order to provide independent oversight, the Chair and the majority of Council members are not members of University staff.

Council meets four times each year and also holds a strategic away day at the start of each new academic session.

Terms of reference

Council's Statement of Primary Responsibilities explains what it does, how it reviews its own effectiveness and how it delegates authority.

Read the Council's Terms of reference

Contact us

Chair of Council: Alice Maynard
Pro-Chancellor

chair-of-council@york.ac.uk

For agendas and minutes: Adam Hewitt
University Secretary

adam.hewitt@york.ac.uk

Governance & Assurance Administrator

council-support@york.ac.uk

Questioning and curiosity

Chair of Council, Dr Alice Maynard, talks about the role of non-executive members in questioning and holding Council to account, and why we need different perspectives at the table. 

Alice became Chair of Council in August 2023.

Find out more about our Council members

Subcommittees

Council delegates work to subcommittees (view organogram) chaired by independent Council members. Senate and University Executive Board (UEB) also report to Council. 

Council's subcommittees are:

Find out more

Contact us

Chair of Council: Alice Maynard
Pro-Chancellor

chair-of-council@york.ac.uk

For agendas and minutes: Adam Hewitt
University Secretary

adam.hewitt@york.ac.uk

Governance & Assurance Administrator

council-support@york.ac.uk