The size of a governing body is a matter of much debate, and the CUC Guide suggests that 25 members is a "benchmark of good practice", although increasingly boards are now smaller than this, and the trend is towards smaller boards.. A small survey of contributions to the Clerks and Secretaries e mail list in March 2011 shows a range in size from 14 members (Lincoln) to 25 (Manchester and Portsmouth), with a cluster around 21/22 and a mean size of 20.6.
The more important issue which underpins the discussion about size is one of purpose and effectiveness, for example a governing body which has a strong representational membership and a substantial sub-committee structure may need more members than one which has a minimal sub-structure. The debate about size is likely to continue, and even in the new smaller boards many independent members still comment that governing bodies are too big to be truly effective. Hence the current trend in board size is likely to continue downwards, although this has implications for the time and workload of members - and perhaps the continuation of the principle of voluntary membership.
As boards become smaller the membership of staff and students is likely to be squeezed, raising a number of practical questions, for example communication within the institution between the governing body and the academic community. There may also be restrictions on the changes to governing body membership that can be made without Privy Council approval.
Irrespective of numbers, there should be a majority of independent, external or non-staff members, and the exact categories of membership will be defined in the institution’s governing instruments. (For more details see the CUC Guide.)