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Planning and Finance Committee

Terms of Reference:

The Committee is responsible for:

(a)  

Advising and, where appropriate, making recommendations to the Academic Council and the Senate, on the University's academic, financial, physical and human resource objectives and priorities.

(b)   Advising and, where appropriate, making recommendations on the strategies and policies needed to achieve the agreed academic and other objectives.
(c)   Determining plans for the implementation of agreed strategies and policies.
(d)   Supervising all accounting and control aspects of the financial management of the University.
(e)   Supervising all matters relating to the University's finances and accounts, investment of funds, the receipt of income and expenditure incurred and the management of trust funds.
(f)   Advising the Senate on the raising and guaranteeing of loans.
(g)   Undertaking such other duties as may be determined from time to time by the Senate.

The Planning and Finance Committee has delegated authority from the Senate for:

(a)  

Consideration and approval of subsidiary strategies and operational plans to support the University in the delivery of its strategic objectives.

(b)   Consideration and approval of tuition fees, and the related issues of student support, within the context of the approved strategic framework/policy.
(c)   Consideration and approval of the employment terms and conditions of staff (excluding those specifically considered by the Remuneration Committee) - this will include, inter alia, pay and grading structures and pensions provision.
(d)   Consideration and approval of residential fees for University managed student accommodation.
(e)   Consideration and approval of plans/policies in relation to the provision of student support services.
(f)   Consideration and approval of the University's insurance arrangements.
(g)   Consideration and approval of tenders for capital projects, equipment, services etc.
(h)   The approval of policy in relation to provisions and bad debts.
(i)   The approval of new courses.
(j)   Receipt and noting of the financial statements of the University's Related Companies.
(k)   Consideration and approval of the University's Procurement Policies and Regulations.
(l)   Approval of student admission targets.
(m)   Approval of the sale/purchase of land and buildings.
(n)   Oversight of the strategic management of legacies, endowment, bequests and/or gifts made to the University.
(o)   Initial consideration and approval of the University's Annual Accountability Return for submission to HEFCE/DfE, for recommendation to Senate.
(p)   Initial consideration and evaluation of the University's corporate performance and institutional effectiveness, against agreed targets and key performance indicators, for recommendation to Senate.
(q)   Approval of amendments to University trust deeds.  

For the purpose of legislation or other legal instrument, the Planning and Finance Committee is deemed to be the "Finance Committee".

Composition    
Chair:   A Pro-Chancellor
Ex Officio:  

President and Vice-Chancellor
Honorary Treasurer
President, Students' Union or nominee
Pro-Vice-Chancellors
3 members of Academic Council elected by Academic Council
5 lay members of Senate
2 co-opted members with relevant experience and expertise

In attendance:

 

Registrar and Chief Operating Officer
Director of Estates
Director of Finance
Director of People and Culture
Director of Marketing, Recruitment, Communications and Internationalisation
Director of Research and Enterprise
Director of Student Plus
Relevant University Officers as required

 
Quorum:   5 members, including a minimum of 3 lay members of Senate.
Serviced by:    Registrar's Office
Reports to:   Senate
Receives reports from:  

University Executive Board
University Operating Board
Investment Committee
Retirement Benefits Plan Trustees
Health and Safety Management Group

Meetings:   The Planning and Finance Committee normally meets four times each year, with extraordinary meetings as required.