Nolan Principles
In accordance with our mission, vision and values, we strive to uphold the Seven Principles of Public Life from the Report of the Committee for Standards in Public Life (The Nolan Principles). We expect that our governance will be conducted according to those principles, whether it is being enacted through our governors, our officers, or the wider staff or student community. The principles are:
- Selflessness: Holders of public office should take decisions solely in terms of the public interest. They should not do so in order to gain financial or other material benefits for themselves, their families or their friends.
- Integrity: Holders of public office should not place themselves under any financial or other obligation to outside individuals or organisations that may influence them in the performance of their official duties.
- Objectivity: In carrying out public business, including making public appointments, awarding contracts, or recommending individuals for rewards and benefits, holders of public office should make choices on merit.
- Accountability: Holders of public office are accountable for their decisions and actions to the public and must submit themselves to whatever scrutiny is appropriate to their office.
- Openness: Holders of public office should be as open as possible about all their decisions and the actions that they take. They should give reasons for their decisions and restrict information only when the wider public interest clearly demands.
- Honesty: Holders of public office have a duty to declare any private interests relating to their public duties and to take steps to resolve any conflicts arising in a way that protects the public interest.
- Leadership: Holders of public office should promote and support these principles by leadership and example.
In addition, following the recommendations of the recent governance review, we have added the principle of Respect for Staff, with the expectation that this will be reflected both in formal governance processes and in the behaviours which are evidenced by all members of the University:
- Respect for Staff: We treat all our colleagues with dignity and respect and ensure they feel valued, empowered and supported.