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Governance

Durham University is a legally independent and autonomous institution established by Act of Parliament in 1832 and Royal Charter in 1837. It is also an educational charity.

Council is the governing body of the University and its Trustee Board. The University is led by the Vice-Chancellor and Warden, supported by a Senior Leadership Team.
Council information
The exterior of the Palatine Centre, bustling with students between lessons

 

 

Discover more

Further information concerning how the University is governed and the senior people responsible for managing the institution.

Senior Leadership Team

Learn about the people responsible for leading the University and delivering the strategy.
Photo of Vice-Chancellor Karen O'Biren

Chancellor

The Chancellor is the ceremonial head of Durham University. Find out more about our Chancellor, Dr Fiona Hill.

Governance Documentation

The Statutes and Regulations provide the core governance information of the University.
Close-up of open book

Legal and Charity Status

Durham University is established by Act of Parliament and Royal Charter and is an educational charity regulated by the Office for Students.
Law books and gavel

University Secretary's Office

Oversees the overall governance, assurance and compliance structure of the University, ensuring the integrity of the conduct of its business. (Internal only)
The Student Advisers desk in Palatine Centre, Lower Mountjoy campus

   

A quite corridor inside the Palatine Centre

Governance Committees

The University Secretary's Office SharePoint site provides further information about the University's governance framework and its committees as well as templates and guidance for preparing committee papers.

USO SharePoint site (internal only)

Get in touch

Find out more about the University governance

University Secretary's Office

Durham University

The Palatine Centre

Stockton Road

Durham

DH1 3LE