Governance vs. Management

The Governing Body is the ultimate decision-making body in the University. As the Council of University Chairmen (UK) has stated: 

The Governing Authority is “unambiguously and collectively responsible for overseeing the institution’s activities, determining its future and fostering an environment in which the institution’s mission is achieved.”

The Executive is charged with the implementation of Governing Body decisions and achievement of strategic objectives on a day-to-day basis.   The Executive, as the group most in touch with daily activity in the University, must influence Governing Body’s decision-making in a pragmatic way.

However, the role of External Governor as an independent voice and that of Internal Governor, with a similar independent view informed by their constituency, must also influence the deliberations of Governing Body.

The different levels of input to the functioning of the organisation are captured by the concepts of Governance and Management which are summarised well in the Glion Declaration:

“There is a world of difference between governance and management.   Governance involves the responsibility for approving the mission and goals of the institution, the management of its resources, the approval of its policies and procedures; and an informed understanding of its programmes and activities.” 

“Management, in contrast, involves the responsibility for the effective operation of the institution and the achievement of its goals within the policies and procedures approved by the Board;  the effective use of its resources, the active support and performance of teaching, research and services;  the maintenance of the highest standards of scholarly integrity and professional performance.  

"The responsibility of the Board is to govern but not to manage”