Every governing body must have:
In addition, the sub-committee structure of many governing bodies will include: a finance committee (or something similar); some form of planning or strategy committee (which may be combined with a finance and general purposes function); a staffing or HR committee; an estates or physical facilities committee; and perhaps a committee concerned with third stream income. However, there are widespread differences in arrangements, for example in many pre-1992 universities there is no finance committee but rather a governing body position of ‘treasurer’ who takes a special interest in financial matters and advises the governing body. In some institutions staffing or estates matters may be dealt with by a more general finance (and general purposes) committee.
Some institutions are considering alternative types of structures.
The Council of the University of Exeter used to have a 'traditional' committee structure, but it was felt that this did not enable governors to challenge or to make full use of their skills and experience. The University has introduced the dual assurance system, which has some similarities with governance arrangements in the NHS. The dual assurance system provides for council members to be assigned to business areas based on their expertise, where, as lead members, they 'sit alongside' the management leads. This gives a better assessment of performance, whilst retaining the principle of collective decision-making by the council. The University of Salford has developed a similar arrangement, with fewer committees and a system of lead members.
A detailed review of the dual assurance system at Exeter can be found in Perspectives vol.14, no.2 2010, the quarterly journal of the Association of University Administrators (AUA)
The Court of the University of Aberdeen concluded after an effectiveness review that it should focus more on strategic and high level business, and in 2008 it established an operating board to support it in the monitoring the implementation of the strategy. The operating board's remit includes planning, finance and estates matters. It comprises lay members of Court, academic staff, the president of the Students' Association and senior members of the executive. The Chair of Court cannot also chair the operating board.
City University has received Privy Council approval to a 'slimmed-down' Charter and Statutes, which allows its Council more freedom in its governance. This has led to major revision of its ordinances. The University has significantly reduced its Council committee structure. Other than the Senate, the Council has only 3 standing committees - audit & risk, remuneration, and corporate governance and nominations. The Council has a membership of 21, all of whom are appointed. There is a 2:1 ratio between independent members and staff/students. The internal membership includes 2 deputy vice-chancellors, 2 deans, the Chief Financial Officer and the President of the Student Union; these appointments are made by the Council, which meets 6 times a year.
Other universities, for example the University of Lincoln, have significantly 'slimmed down' their committees, reduced the size of their Boards and adopted a pattern of more frequent Board meetings, as many as 8-10 per year.