Academic, research and professional services staff work throughout the University and Colleges. They are crucial to the University’s success and reputation.
For the day-to-day management of the University, there is a central senior administrative team.
The Chancellor
The Chancellor of the University is Lord Sainsbury of Turville.
The Chancellor is elected for life as the constitutional head of the University. In modern times, the main public role is now largely ceremonial. Yet this is only a small aspect of their continuous involvement with the University.
In the UK university system, the office of Chancellor is held by a distinguished individual, from academia or public life. They are not usually resident and do not hold any other University office. The Chancellor of the University of Cambridge is elected by the Senate.
The Chancellor has various responsibilities under the Statutes of the University. They have powers to ensure University officers 'duly perform their duties'. They are responsible for adjudicating in certain disputes. The statutes of several Cambridge Colleges make the Chancellor their Visitor, ex officio.
The Chancellor also presides at major ceremonies. The best known being the annual ceremony for the conferment of Honorary Degrees.
The Vice-Chancellor
The Vice-Chancellor is Professor Deborah Prentice.
The Vice-Chancellor is the main academic and administrative officer of the University. They are appointed for a period of up to 7 years.
They chair the Council of the University, the General Board of the Faculties and the Finance Committee of the Council. Among the main tasks of the Vice-Chancellor are to:
- provide leadership, academic and administrative to the whole University
- represent the University externally, both within the UK and overseas
- secure a financial base sufficient to allow the delivery of the University's mission, aims and objectives
- carry out certain important ceremonial and civic duties
Pro-Vice-Chancellors
Five Pro-Vice-Chancellors are appointed to support the Vice-Chancellor. The Vice-Chancellor and the University Council determine their responsibilities. These responsibilities currently include planning and resources, research and education. The office of Pro-Vice-Chancellor is limited to 6 years.
The Registrary
The Registrary is the principal administrative officer of the University. They are Head of the Unified Administrative Services and Secretary of the University Council.
The Registrary reports to the Vice-Chancellor. They are responsible for ensuring the University's business is properly conducted.
Proctors
Two Proctors are elected annually on the nomination of the Colleges. They are primarily disciplinary and ceremonial officers. They are responsible for maintaining good order in the University. Four Pro-Proctors support the Proctors.