The University is a common law corporation, known formally as The Chancellor, Masters, and Scholars of the University of Cambridge.

At the head of the University’s governance structure are the Regent House, the Council and the General Board.

The concept of self-governance is important to understanding the culture and values of the University.

The University is regulated by the Office for Students.

The Regent House

The Regent House is the primary legislative and electoral body of the University. It is made up of over 7,200 academics, senior researchers, and senior administrative staff from the University and Colleges.

The Regent House is responsible for making changes to the University’s Statutes and Ordinances. It also receives and debates reports from various University bodies, and submissions from its members.

Access the Regent House SharePoint (University members)

The Council

The Council is the principal executive and policy-making body of the University.

Its members include:

  • the Vice-Chancellor (as chair) 
  • four Head of Colleges 
  • twelve other members of Regent House   
  • three students members 
  • four external members  

The members of the Council are the University’s charity trustees.  They are responsible for the general control and management of the administration of the University.

Find out more about the Council

The General Board of the Faculties

The General Board is responsible for the academic and educational policy of the University. It is accountable to the Council.

The General Board has fifteen members:

  • the Vice-Chancellor (as chair)
  • eight appointed by the Schools
  • four appointed by the Council
  • two student members

Find out more about the General Board

The Senate

The Senate was the governing body of the University until 1926. It consists of all holders of the Cambridge MA or other higher degree and all current members of the Regent House. The Senate now elects the Chancellor and the High Steward, the high officers of the University.

The Board of Scrutiny

The Board of Scrutiny acts on behalf of the Regent House. It scrutinises the Annual Report of the Council and the accounts of the University. The Board’s members are the  Proctors, Pro-Proctors and eight elected members of the Regent House.

University committees

The Council and General Board are supported by a number of committees and joint committees.

Find out more about committees of the Council and General Board

In addition, there are many other committees supporting the operations, functions and activities of various other entities of the University.

View a full list of committees in the Cambridge University Reporter