The CUC Guide (paras 2.32 to 2.34) notes that "the governing body plays a key role in the strategic development of the institution. It should be involved in the development and approval of the institution's strategic plan, which influences and guides all decisions coming before the governing body. It should also approve an annual operating plan that identifies those aspects of the strategic plan being implemented in the year in question." It also notes that "strategic plans play an important role in informing the relationship between institutions and the funding councils". A full list of the provisions of the CUC Code and what it says about the strategic responsibilities of the governing body.
The importance of this responsibility has led HEFCE to produce a good practice guide for institutions (Report 00/24) on strategic planning, in which Appendix E is devoted to explaining the role of the governing body. Although produced for England, the guidance in this report is general enough to apply to all UK institutions, and identifies the following five key responsibilities of governing bodies concerning the strategic direction of institutions:
See also the role of the governing body in terms of strategic direction.