Charter and Statutes
The University Charter incorporates the University as a legal entity, defining its core tenets, objects, constitution and powers to run itself.
Following the University Council’s approval, amendments to the Charter are subject to the approval of His Majesty’s Privy Council.
Charter & Statutes 3.1.23 (PDF 
, 477kb)
Review and revisions
In 2021-22 the Charter was comprehensively reviewed to incorporate several important clauses, integral to the University’s existence for the public good, and in relation to upholding academic freedom and free speech, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI).
In parallel, the University’s Statutes were revised. The Statutes set out further details on the prevailing powers, obligations and core constitutional arrangements for key University bodies and role-holders of the University.
The review modernised outmoded provisions and terminology to reflect contemporary governance practice within and beyond the University.
University Council gave final approval of the revisions to the Charter and Statutes on 27 July 2022.
The University of York’s amended Charter is in force as of 3 January 2023, following approval of the Order setting out amendments to the Charter by His Majesty the King at a Privy Council meeting on 12 October 2022.
The revised Statutes of the University were approved on the same date by the Privy Council, and come into force also with effect from 3 January 2023.
Earlier versions are listed below for information: