Principal and Vice-Chancellor roles

The University Court recognises the Principal as the Accountable Officer (Chief Executive) of the University. The Principal is nominated by the Curators of Patronage and appointed by the University Court.

The Principal is directly accountable for leading a top-30 globally ranked institution of nearly 50,000 students and over 17,000 staff, with an annual turnover of £1.4 billion.  The University also plays a significant role in generating economic impact for the country: £7.5 billion per annum for the UK economy, with research and knowledge exchange accounting for £3.2 billion annually (source: London Economics report for the 2021-22 academic year). 

The Chancellor, Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal, normally appoints the Principal as Vice-Chancellor. The role of Vice-Chancellor is primarily related to the conferment of degrees in the absence of the Chancellor at our summer and winter graduation ceremonies.

For governance, management and academic leadership purposes it is the role of Principal that carries authority and responsibility. The remit combines the academic credibility to inspire, lead and recruit world-class staff and students of the University, a belief in public service, and the business acumen of a chief executive in what is an increasingly demanding financial environment for universities.

The Principal is President of the Senatus Academicus, the University's supreme academic body which regulates and oversees the teaching and discipline of the University, and promotes research. The Principal chairs the meeting and has a deliberative and casting vote.

The Principal, ex-officio, is a member of the University Court, the governing body of the University.

The Principal also convenes the University Executive, which develops the University’s strategic objectives and oversees their implementation and delivery, and is a forum for decision-making and discussion of management and operational matters.

The Principal meets regularly with their Senior Leadership Team to discuss University Strategy, consider topics where there may be reputational and risk impacts for the University, or Higher Education policy changes which could influence the University’s policies or procedures.

The Principal’s key responsibilities in running such a large and complex institution, are summarised on the Key responsibilities page: