Goal 16: Policies, processes and practices
The following page outlines specific policies, processes and practices in support of Sustainable Development Goal 16 Peace, justice and strong institutions.
University governance measures
We have elected representation on the University’s highest governing body from: students (both undergraduate and graduate), faculty, and staff (non-faculty employees). Our current board of governors includes representatives from ex-officio members, lay members, members of the Senate, members of staff other than academic staff and student members. These include elected staff, students and faculty.
We also recognise a Students’ Union and have one that provides governance input to university, support for students and social activities for students. Our Students’ Union is the largest in the country and has over 400 student societies and a diverse exec team that inputs into a range of University governance meetings to ensure students are heard and supported.
University principles on corruption and bribery
We have an Anti-corruption and bribery policy.
We have introduced policies and procedures to ensure that we conduct all of our business in an honest and ethical manner. We take a zero-tolerance approach to bribery and corruption and are committed to act professionally, fairly and with integrity in all our business dealings and relationships wherever we operate and implementing and enforcing effective systems to counter bribery and corruption.
We will uphold all laws relevant to countering corruption in all the jurisdictions in which we operate. However, we remain bound by the laws of the UK, including the Bribery Act 2010, in respect of our conduct both at home and abroad.
Academic freedom
We have policies supporting academic freedom (freedom to choose areas of research and to speak and teach publicly about the area of their research) for all students and staff, both junior and senior.
We recognise the importance of freedom of speech in supporting academics in their research. Our Code of Practice on Freedom of Speech addresses this directly.
Our Charter, as granted by the Queen, states: “The work of the University shall be carried on in a spirit of tolerance and collegiality, freedom of opinion, mutual respect and concern, and openness responsibly exercised within the law.” Statutes include the following: “The preservation of the right of each member of the academic staff to have the freedom within the law to question and test received wisdom, and to put forward new ideas and controversial or unpopular opinions, without placing themselves at risk of losing their jobs or any associated privileges in jeopardy.”
Financial data
We publish our University’s financial data annually, both in a normal report and through open data.
- Our annual statements of accounts for year ended 31 July 2022 can be accessed, here.
- An archive of these statements can be accessed, here.