First set up in 1995 as a result of the Wass
Report (1989) and now enshrined in Statute (A VII), the Board of Scrutiny is an important internal mechanism for ensuring transparency and
accountability in all aspects of University policy. The primary role of the
Board is to examine the way in which the University is run and to comment on
this to the University's governing body, the Regent House.
Each year the Board is required to
scrutinize the following on behalf of the Regent House:
- the accounts of the University;
- the Annual Report of the Council (including the Annual Report of the
General Board to the Council); and
- any Report of the Council proposing allocations from the Chest.
The Board may investigate any
matters that arise from these documents and in so doing is empowered to consult
any relevant official document, to make enquiries of any officer, to examine the
policies of the University, and the arrangements made for the implementation of
those policies, and to report thereon to the Regent House.
The Board reports its findings in
the form of an Annual Report, which is usually published to the Regent House in
July each year. The Report is subject to Discussion by the Regent House and the
Council then replies to both the Report and the Discussion remarks by Notice
published in the Reporter.
Membership
Membership of the Board of Scrutiny comprises
eight elected members of the Regent House (of which two have been members for
ten years or less) together with the two Proctors and the two Pro-Proctors.
Elected members serve for four years, with four being elected every two years
(in Easter Term of odd years). Holders of certain University officers and/or
committee memberships are expressly barred in Statute or in Ordinance from
membership of the Board, including members of the Council and the General Board
and holders of the offices of Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Registrary, Assistant
Registrary, or Assistant Treasurer.
Links to relevant legislation: