Council Effectiveness Review 2021

Element 5 of The Committee of University Chairs (CUC) HE Code of Governance (2020) expects that institutions conduct a regular, full and robust review of governance effectiveness with some degree of independent input every three years.

In order to satisfy this requirement, and as a timely opportunity to evaluate the University's corporate governance arrangements, Council appointed the Halpin Partnership to undertake a review of the effectiveness of Council in 2021, following a competitive procurement exercise. 

Working in conjunction with the University Secretary, Halpin colleagues conducted a review of the effectiveness of the University's Council between April and July 2021, involving a comprehensive online survey, one-to-one interviews with Council members and a small stakeholder group, and extensive desk-based and benchmarking research. 

Conclusions of the review

The review gave the overarching conclusion that the University is performing well and that its governance is in good shape, and performs well in relation to Halpin’s governance maturity model in many areas.

There were positive findings in respect of understanding of the role of Council, the general governance culture (including in respect of open and collegiate relationships between our lay and non-lay members), the leadership of the Chair and constructive and open relations with the Vice-Chancellor and President and University Secretary, induction of members, and Council’s contribution to strategy and monitoring of institutional performance.

The recommendations and suggestions in the review largely reinforce internal reflections on required corporate governance improvements, and were accepted by Council when it considered the final review report at its 28 July 2021 meeting. 

Read the Executive Summary of the full report: Halpin Governance Effectiveness Report Executive Summary (PDF , 214kb)