Cambridge changing

Launching the programme, Professor Sir Alec Broers, Vice-Chancellor, said:
"The proposals we are publishing today for consultation cumulatively represent a major package of reform in our governance arrangements. Not only are they much needed, but I believe they will be welcomed by the vast majority of our staff who recognise that such change is overdue.

We are now putting the proposals to the University community for full debate and consideration. I urge everyone to think about them and to respond. We then intend to implement the final agreed changes over the next two years in accordance with the democratic procedures of the University."

The key reforms cover the roles of the Vice-Chancellor, the Pro-Vice-Chancellors and Chairs of the Councils of Schools; and the membership and functions of the University Council and the Regent House.

The proposals include:

• Reconstituting and strengthening the University Council to develop its strategic and policy-making functions, its effectiveness and its responsibility
• Opening up membership of the Council to external members, and electing one of them to chair the Council
• Making membership of the Council more representative of all members of the University
• Statutorily defining the office of the Vice-Chancellor as the principal academic and administrative officer of the University and enhancing its authority
• Providing support for the Vice-Chancellor by allowing for the appointment of up to five (presently two) Pro-Vice-Chancellors
• Developing greater inclusiveness in the University's governance by expanding membership of the University's Regent House
• Raising the threshold number of members of the Regent House needed to call a ballot on proposals brought forward by the University Council.

Because the proposed changes are of such fundamental importance, special efforts are being made to ensure that the consultation exercise is as comprehensive as possible. The consultation paper is being circulated to Faculties, Councils of Schools, Departments and other University bodies and is published in today's issue of the Reporter.

A dedicated Cambridge Changing website has been set up where University members can view the proposals and record their views. There will also be a series of seminars where the proposals will be explained and where staff can voice their opinions.

Professor Malcolm Grant, Pro-Vice-Chancellor, has been given special responsibility for overseeing the University's reforms of governance and is leading the consultation process:
"This part of the exercise is for all staff. It is deliberately designed as an informal consultation and we will listen carefully to the feedback and consider what further changes ought to be made."

"However, the University recognises that it is time for a fundamental change to its culture of decision-making. Effective academic self-governance calls for greater transparency and better internal communication and dialogue. Today's steps towards constitutional reform are a major part of this overall programme."

In addition to the consultation paper, the University is also publishing today an action plan in response to the recommendations made in the recent independent external reports on CAPSA. This includes improvements to staff recruitment and training and the creation of better defined lines of management for key projects. Specific financial recommendations call for the appointment of more in-house accountants, and improvements in tendering practice, key accounting skills, and financial control mechanisms.