A governing body of (say) 20 to 25 members meeting, typically, four times a year cannot by itself meet its full range of responsibilities in the detail required to ensure that the institution is well governed. Therefore, governing bodies generally establish committees to focus on particular areas of business, and these are part of the overall corporate governance structure. For such a structure to operate - at a minimum - there needs to be:
So far as the number of committees is concerned, there is no single ‘correct’ approach, although there is a trend for fewer committees. Traditionally many pre-1992 universities had an extensive committee structure, although this has generally been reduced. A few institutions are currently experimenting with a minimum number of committees and a smaller and more executive style of governing body that may meet more regularly (say monthly), although this approach may place a strain on the workload of governors.
The relationship between the governing body and the academic board or senate is important. The formal status of the academic board or senate in relation to the governing body varies: in most pre-1992s the senate has a clear responsibility for regulating and directing the academic work of the institution. Constitutionally the senate reports to the council. Decisions of the senate on academic matters which have financial or resource implications are subject to approval by the council. Conversely, the council is expected to consult the senate before making decisions with academic implications. In many of the post-1992s the Academic Board has a narrower range of responsibilities. Guidance can be found in the governing instruments of each institution. Whatever the specific arrangements, the governing body is the ultimate authority in the institution. That said, there can be tension between the two bodies, and an effective governing body must find a way to ensure that it takes its senate or academic board with it on key issues, without relinquishing its responsibility.
More information about the following committees: