Legal and Governance

The Board of Governors is the University’s governing body, established in accordance with the University’s Instrument and Articles of Government and from which the Board derives its powers.

The majority of its members are drawn from outside the University and are referred to as independent members, although staff and student members are also elected to the Board as co-opted members. The Board comprises 17 members including the Principal and Vice-Chancellor.

• Board member profiles
• Register of interests
• Board member characteristics

We’re looking to recruit new members to our Board of Governors, who have significant senior-level experience within higher education, or are experts in specific aspects of higher education practice. If you're interested in joining, please refer to our Recruitment Pack below for more information.

In order to discharge its obligation to be unambiguously and collectively accountable for institutional activities and make all final decisions on matters of fundamental concern within its remit, the Board has established the following committees: Audit and Risk Committee, Finance and Resources Committee, Human Resources Committee, Remuneration Committee and Search and Governance Committee.

The Board of Governors has established a Remuneration Committee to consider the pay and total emoluments of the University’s senior postholders.

The Remuneration Committee determines the conditions of service and remuneration of the Principal and Vice Chancellor; and assures itself that the University’s employment policies in relation to other senior postholders are appropriate.

Remuneration Documents:

• Annual Remuneration Report 2022/2023
• Annual Remuneration Report 2021/2022
• Annual Remuneration Report 2020/2021
• Annual Remuneration Report 2019/2020
• Annual Remuneration Report 2018/2019

Minutes of Remuneration Committee:

• 27 June 2018
• 4 July 2018
• 19 June 2019
• 17 November 2020
• 12 August 2021
• 22 August 2022
• 16 March 2023
• 27 September 2023

The Principal and Vice-Chancellor, through the University Leadership Team, is responsible for the executive management of the University, supported by a number of executive committees.

The Academic Board is the University’s principal academic authority. Subject to the responsibilities of the Board of Governors and the Principal and Vice-Chancellor, the Academic Board has oversight of academic activities, including: assessment, learning and teaching; and research/knowledge transfer and scholarly activity. The Faculty Boards are responsible to the Academic Board for overseeing academic activities in each faculty.

The University’s governing documents – equivalent to the Memorandum and Articles of Association of a registered company or the Charter and Statutes of a chartered institution – are the Instrument and Articles of Government.

Instrument and Articles of Government

In addition, the Board of Governors of the University has adopted the following statement of its primary responsibilities:

Statement of Primary Responsibilities

Financial Information

Information about the University’s finances and its audited financial statements can be found on the Annual Report and Accounts page. The emoluments of the Vice-Chancellor are disclosed in Note 6 of the Financial Statements.

Arts University Bournemouth is a values-led organisation. We are committed to the highest ethical standards in all our activities. We endorse the Nolan Principles for conduct in public life (Selflessness, Integrity, Objectivity, Accountability, Openness, Honesty and Leadership), and expect all staff, students, Governors and external visitors to act in accordance with these principles.

Adherence to the Code of Ethics is fundamental to the reputation of the University, as well as its organisational behaviours, and its success. All staff and students are expected to abide by the Code, and its implications, at all times. This Code sets out our key ethical principles across all aspects of university life, and the policies and guidance which put these values into practice in the running of the University.

AUB is dedicated to promoting positive mental health among staff and students, aligning with our values, and enhancing the sense of belonging and connection within our creative community. This commitment, developed collaboratively by staff, students, and AUBSU, includes the perspectives of individuals with lived experience of mental health challenges. It outlines AUB’s pledge to creating a supportive and inclusive environment for all.