Council
As the University's governing body, the Council has a collective responsibility to ensure that the University's overall mission and strategy are delivered through an effective framework of governance and management. The majority of Council members are independent and external from the University. This includes the Chair of the Committee. University staff and students are also members of the Council.
Powers of the council
The Council powers and functions are defined in Article 17 of the University Charter and statutes.
The University’s Statement of Primary Responsibilities of the Council aligns the CUC Higher Education Code of Governance and demonstrates the University’s compliance with the Code. It also aligns with the registration conditions specified by the Office for Students. A copy of the statement of primary responsibilities are available in the Statement of Primary Responsibilities (PDF 119KB).
Authority delegated from the parent committee
Council derives its authority from the University charter, there is no parent committee. Article 11 of the University charter states 'There shall be a Council of the University (hereinafter called the 'Council') which, subject to the provisions of this our Charter and of the Statutes, shall be the executive governing body of the University.'
Standing orders
The Standing orders for University Committees are a key tool for ensuring good governance. They provide a formal framework for the conduct and administration of meetings of Council, Senate, Executive Board and their Committees. They align with good governance practice and will assist committee members in the discharge of their duties and will help to ensure transparent and effective decision making.
Access the Standing Orders for University committees.
Committees that report to Council
The following Committees report directly to the Council.
- Audit and Risk committee
- Finance committee
- Governance Nominations and Ethics committee
- People committee
- Remuneration committee
Committees that report to Senate and Council
- Honorary awards committee
The Senate and the Council jointly consider and grant nominations for Honorary Awards.
Register of Interests
In accordance with good governance practice, the University maintains a register of interests for members of its governing body, Council and co-opted member of the Audit Committee (this includes permanent and interim posts). New declarations are made annually, and are updated if there are any changes in the information during the year.
Members are requested to provide details of paid employment, self-employment, directorships, memberships and public appointments - paid or unpaid, memberships of professional bodies and significant shareholdings.
Register of Interests 2025/26 (PDF, 178.2 KB).
Register of Interests Policy (PDF, 266.2 KB)
Terms of reference and membership
Below are the Membership and Terms of Reference for Council Committee:
Council Terms of reference and membership (PDF,121 KB)
Meeting Dates 2025-2026
- Wednesday 1 October 2025 (deadline for receipt of papers 12 noon, 17 September 2025),
- Thursday 27 November 2025 (deadline for receipt of papers 12 noon, 13 November 2025),
- Wednesday 25 February 2026 (deadline for receipt of papers 12 noon, 11 February 2026),
- Wednesday 20 May 2026 (deadline for receipt of papers 12 noon, 6 May 2026),
- Wednesday 22 July 2026 (deadline for receipt of papers 12 noon, 8 July 2026).
Summary reports and minutes from Council are available by following this link to Council Summaries and Minutes.
Council memberships
Ex-officio members
Rod Bristow
Chair of Council
Dame Sally Dicketts
Pro-Chancellor and Senior Independant Governor - end of office 2028
Ash Mehta
Pro-Chancellor and Treasurer - end of office 2028
Members
Kate Ireland
Lay Member - end of office 31 July 2026
Jo Quinton-Tulloch
Lay Member - end of office 2028
Simon Lewis
Lay Member - end of office July 2026
Ibrahim Mahmood
Lay member - end of office 2027
Richard Burton
Lay Member - end of office 31 July 2028
Euan Connor
lay member - end of office 31 July 2028
Dr Stewart Davis
Lay member - end of office July 2026
Vishanth Weerakkody
Senate Representative - end of office 2026
Sarah George
Non Academic Staff member - end of office July 2027
Rob James
Senate Representative - end of office 2027
Faiz Ilyas
Senate member - end of office 2026
Information for members of Council
Privacy Notice for Lay Members of Council and its Committees
As a member of Council/co-opted member of the Audit Committee, your data is used for activities relating to the governance of the University; this Privacy Notice explains how the University processes and uses your personal data.
Access the Privacy Notice for Council and its Committees (PDF, 202KB)
Council Code of Conduct
The Council Code of Conduct has been adopted by the University Council (approved by Governance and Nominations Committee, February 2019). It provides Council members with an understanding of what is required of their role, enabling them to be transparent, open and accountable in what they do and how they do it. It also promotes effective, well-informed and accountable governance. It should be read in conjunction with the CUC Higher Education Code of Governance. The Code applies to all members of the Council (lay members and staff and student representatives) including the external co-opted member of the Audit Committee. All Council members are required to sign this document to confirm their commitment to it.
Access the Council Code of Conduct (PDF 170KB)
Handbook for Council Members: A Guide to Being a Member of University Council
The purpose of this Handbook is to provide members of Council with key information and guidance in support of their specific and collective duties and responsibilities as a member of University of Bradford Council. it also forms part of the Council Induction Programme, which is provided for all new members. Other development activities will be offered, both in-house at the University, and through special events organised externally by Advance HE. Additionally, the Handbook provides wider contextual information on the legal, governance and executive framework of the University. It will also contain summary information on key legislative and policy landmarks in the HE sector in the last two decades.
Access the Handbook for Council Members (PDF, 524KB)
CUC Higher Education Code of Governance
The CUC published its latest version of the Higher Education Code of Governance in September 2020. The purpose of the Code of Governance is to identify the key values and elements that form an effective governance framework.