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New research suggests there is strong backing for a
university governance Code that addresses power
imbalances and over-financialisation
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This is the first of two reports that HEPI is
publishing on university governance in the run-up to
Christmas.
A new HEPI Policy Note summarises responses to the draft Code
of Ethical University Governance from the Council for the
Defence of British Universities (CDBU) and finds a striking
consensus. Of the 129 submissions received, 81% endorse the
principle of an ethical code.
Respondents strongly welcome the focus in the draft Code
on tackling power imbalances and
over-familiarity between senior managers and governors. ‘Current
governance structures are too vulnerable to autocratic management
styles', noted one submission.
A revised CDBU Code – which will be launched at an event in Westminster on
Thursday, 4 December 2025 – suggests ways in which cliques
and in-groups can be avoided, and calls for clearer mechanisms to
protect some governors being excluded from key discussions.
Several respondents emphasised that more transparent
governor recruitment processes would strengthen trust
and help governors ‘command the confidence of staff and
students.' The amended Code responds by requiring
nominations committees to be independent from the main board and
recommending that all lay governor vacancies are advertised
publicly.
Many submissions raise concerns about the
over-financialisation of governance, with
educational, research and community considerations reportedly
taking second place to cost savings. As one respondent put it,
'the governing body must always govern the university in light of
it being a university and not some other kind of organisation.'
The revised Code expects governing bodies to balance
budgetary issues against institutional mission, educational
purpose and public responsibility, remaining cognisant of their
institution's charitable status where relevant.
Professor Steven Jones of the University of Manchester is
the main author of the Code as well as the author of the
new HEPI Policy Note. He said:
‘No one doubts the commitment of time and energy that being a
university governor involves. It is a demanding and thankless
job. But my research over the last few years suggests many find
the hierarchies and structures of governance to be a hindrance,
and leave their role frustrated at not having made a positive
impact. Too often, they are busy navigating complex processes and
power dynamics when they want to be engaging with campus
communities and understanding what makes universities tick.
‘This Code tackles these structural problems. It calls
for a clearer separation between governance and management, and
greater transparency in decision-making. Crucially, because it is
built on academic research involving interviews with governors
themselves – not drafted by board Chairs – it offers a genuinely
different perspective on how university governance could work.'
The final version of the Code of Ethical University
Governance, revised in light of consultation feedback, will
be made available on the CDBU website. A tracked-changes version
showing key modifications is also available.
OBE, the Director of HEPI and
a former / current governor of two universities, said:
‘Good governance serves as a rock that secure the foundations of
our higher education institutions. Conversely, when governance
goes bad, it can infect a whole institution.
‘So it is brilliant to see such a vibrant, consultative and
important debate taking place on how to ensure governance is
inclusive, representative and, above all, effective.
‘I hope governors and managers will engage with this important
new work from the CDBU and Professor Jones as well as with some
other impending HEPI research on the role of student governors.'
