Governance and the University's Governing Body
History of the University of Bolton
The University traces its history to the Bolton Mechanics' Institute, established in 1826 alongside similar institutions formed to serve the educational needs of employers and their workers in the northern industrial towns and which formed the basis of a number of today's universities. During the 19th and 20th centuries, technical and vocational education grew in Bolton, closely aligned with the growth of the textiles and engineering industries, leading to the foundation of the Bolton Technical School in 1891, which became the Bolton Technical College in 1936. Higher level courses were transferred to the new Bolton Institute of Technology in 1966 and in 1982 the Institute merged with the Bolton College of Education (Technical), established in 1947 as one of four specialist centres for the training of teachers for the post-compulsory sector, to form the Bolton Institute of Higher Education. Taught degree awarding powers were granted to the Institute in 1992 at the same time as the former polytechnics including the Manchester Metropolitan University, the University of Central Lancashire and the Leeds Metropolitan University. Research degree awarding powers were gained in 1996 and the Institute was awarded university title in 2005, becoming the University of Bolton.
Governing Documents
The University's governing documents comprise of the:
Governing Body
The Board of Governors acting collectively as the University's effective Governing Body is responsible for overseeing the educational character and mission of the University with specific responsibilities for financial probity and the effective use of resources.
The Board comprises of both independent and staff/student governors who are also the charitable trustees of the University. The Vice Chancellor and the President of the Student Union are both ex-officio members of the Board. The Chair and Deputy Chair of the Board are elected from the independent members of the Board.
Governors are required to adhere at all times to the Code of Conduct for Governors| (which includes the Statement of Primary Responsibilities).
The Board meets at least four times a year and has established the following sub-committees to assist it carry out its responsibilities:
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Audit Committee
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Resources Committee
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Nominations Committee
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Remuneration Committee
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Ad Hoc Committee
Documents relating to the operation of the Board of Governors.| - Minutes of Meetings|.
Governors' Profiles|
The University Registrar and Secretary is Clerk to the Board of Governors and has responsibility for supporting and advising the Governing Body and its sub-committees.
The Chancellor
The Chancellor is the honorary head of the University and is appointed by the Governing Body to act as the principal figurehead and ambassador for the University. The Chancellor presides over or participates in prestigious University events such as degree congregations.
Profile of the University's current Chancellor|, The Baroness Morris of Bolton OBE DL DPhil LLD
The appointment of a Chancellor is made the Governing Body in accordance with the agreed Terms of Reference| [PDF].
The work undertaken by the Chancellor and the independent members of the Governing Body is unremunerated except in respect of incidental travelling and subsistence allowances.
Other related documents concerning governance
Corporate Status
The University's legal name is The University of Bolton higher education corporation. As a higher education corporation, the University is a statutory body established under the provisions of the Education Reform Act 1988 and enjoys charitable status as an exempt charity. The University is autonomous and responsible for the management of its own affairs.
Contacts:
Any queries concerning governance matters may be addressed to:
Mrs Sue Duncan
University Registrar and Secretary
The University of Bolton
Vice Chancellor's Office
Senate House
Deane Road
Bolton
BL3 5AB
Telephone: 01204 903058
Email: s.duncan@bolton.ac.uk|
Any general queries may be addressed to:
Mrs Pat Foster
Assistant to the University Registrar and Secretary
The University of Bolton
Vice Chancellor's Office
Senate House
Deane Road
Bolton
BL3 5AB
Telephone: 01204 903491
Email: P.A.Foster@bolton.ac.uk|