Today (Wednesday 26 June 2002), the University of Cambridge Council publishes recommended amendments to the University's constitution.

Ideas for change were first published earlier this year. Extensive internal consultation has taken place over the last few months, leading to today's refined proposals.

In the report, there is explicit recognition for the first time that the Vice-Chancellor is the principal executive officer of the University, responsible to the Council, with overall responsibility for the executive management of the University and its finances, and for its direction within the framework of agreed and approved policies.

Significant revision is proposed to the composition of the University Council: three external members will join the Council, also for the first time. They will play a fundamentally important role in the University's future governance. One will chair the Council and another, the Audit Committee.

Changes are also outlined in respect of the Regent House, the ultimate governing body of the University, both by extending membership to a wider academic community and also by increasing the number of signatories required to call for a ballot or a 'Discussion' on a topic of concern.

Taken together, these proposals represent a significant modernisation of the governance arrangements.

Members of the University can still add their comments and will vote on the proposals later in 2002.

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