Academic governance is at the heart of how an institution operates. It provides oversight of the quality, effectiveness and outcomes from higher education and research activities.
The Office for Students expects that the governing bodies of English institutions will receive and test assurance that academic governance is adequate and effective and that there are appropriate controls in place around academic risks. The HE Freedom of Speech Act will also require governing bodies to do more to demonstrate how academic freedom is protected.
Our staff and subject matter experts bring a deep understanding of academic governance having held senior executive and non-executive positions in higher education institutions. We offer specialist reviews for Audit Committees and Boards about how assurance over academic governance can be provided, and also offer independent assurance of the effectiveness of individual aspects through audit. We have extensive experience in auditing compliance with academic regulations, for example in respect of curriculum development and review, assessment, academic partnerships, and research ethics.
Our briefing note on Governance and OfS compliance explores current topics and approaches to providing assurance on academic governance.
