Governance

Falmouth University is a Higher Education corporation created by statute and an exempt charity, regulated by the Office for Students.

University governance is the constitutional forms and processes through which we govern our affairs and oversee the delivery and development of our Mission, Vision & Values.

The Board of Governors is the most senior decision-making body in the University's governance structure. This page sets out key information about the governing body and its responsibilities.

About us 

Established in accordance with the University's Articles and Instrument of Government, the University's Board of Governors meets six times a year. Its responsibilities are outlined in The Statement of Primary Responsibilities.   

The Board of Governors is accountable to the Office for Students for its adherence to the Conditions of Registration and Public Interest Governance Principles set out in the Regulatory Framework for Higher Education.  

The Board has adopted and operates in accordance with the latest Committee of University Chairs' Higher Education: Code of Governance, Senior Staff Remuneration Code, and Audit Committees Code of Practice; and operates with due regard to both the UK Corporate Governance Code and for the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit, as applicable.  

The above Team Charter encapsulates the core objectives and ethos of the Board, as well as providing clarity about expected behaviours and standards of conduct. This includes acting in accordance with the seven principles identified by the Committee on Standards in Public Life (selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership). 

the work of the Board of Governors is supported by four sub-committees:

The Board of Governors is advised by and oversees the work of Academic Board, the University’s senior academic authority, which has a range of responsibilities related to the determination of the approach to, and assuring the quality of, learning & teaching, assessment, research, and knowledge exchange. 

The composition of the Board of Governors is determined by the Instrument of Government.   

The majority of members are drawn from outside of the University and are referred to as independent members. The Board has a total of 15 members as follows: 

• Ten independent members
• One academic staff member 
• One student member – the serving President of the Students’ Union (Increasing to two serving Presidents as of 2025/26)
• One co-opted professional services staff member 
• One co-opted technical staff member
• The Vice-Chancellor & Chief Executive

The profile of membership reflects the experience and expertise required for the University to meet its statutory obligations and to achieve its strategic aims and objectives. The membership is subject to regular review against a matrix of expertise and experience. From time-to-time the Board approves temporary increases to membership numbers for succession planning purposes.

• Helen Owers, Chair of the Board of Governors
• Julie Fielding, Deputy Chair of the Board of Governors, and Senior Independent Member
• Cathrine Armour, Independent Member of the Board of Governors 
• Iain Ellwood, Independent Member of the Board of Governors
• Bob Fahy, Independent Member of the Board of Governors
• Diane Grannell, Independent Member of the Board of Governors
• David Harland, Independent Member of the Board of Governors
• Professor Ruth Heholt, Academic Staff Member
• Professor Emma Hunt, Vice Chancellor & Chief Executive
• Dr Tadhg Leane, Independent Member of the Board of Governors
• Jadelle Luckman, Student Member
• Mark Ricketts, Co-opted Professional Services Staff Member
• David Smithers, Co-opted Professional Services Staff Member
• Evelyn Timson, Independent Member of the Board of Governors
• Fran Woodward, Independent Member of the Board of Governors

We are currently recruiting for an Independent Co-opted Member of Audit & Risk Committee.

• Please find the information pack below
• Closing date 9 March 2025

Please contact any of the team if you require further information about governance at Falmouth University: