University Council

Introduction to the Aston University Council

As Aston University’s governing body, the University Council has a duty to oversee the University’s development and assist it in achieving its primary objectives of teaching and research. This responsibility includes approving the delivery and effectiveness of the Institution’s strategic plan, which sets the academic aims and objectives and identifies the financial, physical and staffing strategies necessary to achieve these objectives. 

Members of the Council are drawn from a wide variety of public life including industry, commerce and academia. They bring knowledge, wisdom and experience to this prestigious body. 

As Aston University’s governing body, the University Council has a duty to oversee the University’s development and assist it in achieving its primary objectives of teaching and research. This responsibility includes approving the delivery and effectiveness of the Institution’s strategic plan, which sets the academic aims and objectives. 

The University Council 

The Council is the governing body of the University. Comprising 26 members, with a majority of 14 Lay Governors (at least one of whom shall be an Aston graduate), as well as 10 staff and 2 student members, it carries ultimate responsibility for the University’s strategic direction, finances, property and human resource and employment policy. In overseeing the University’s development and assisting Aston in the achievement of its objectives, the Council has specific responsibility for approving the delivery and effectiveness of the institutional strategic plan. Over the past year the Council and University Executive Team have been developing an ambitious growth strategy to strengthen Aston’s position further, in the form of a balanced mission which is committed to the delivery of an excellent learning experience for our students, enhanced by the interaction with excellent, relevant research, and linked to innovative support for local companies and broader engagement with the community. Delivery of this challenging agenda will be a major focus for the University in the coming years.