No 6269
Thursday 7 June 2012
Vol cxlii No 34
pp. 679–697
8 June, Friday. End of the third quarter of Easter Term.
12 June, Tuesday. Discussion at 2 p.m. in the Council Room (see below).
15 June, Friday. Full Term ends.
20 June, Wednesday. Congregation of the Regent House at 2.45 p.m. (Honorary Degrees) (see p. 681). Scarlet Day.
25 June, Monday. Easter Term ends.
Discussions at 2 p.m. |
Congregations |
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12 June |
20 June, Wednesday at 2.45 p.m. (Honorary Degrees) |
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10 July |
28 June, Thursday at 9.30 a.m. (General Admission) |
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29 June, Friday at 9.30 a.m. (General Admission) |
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30 June, Saturday at 9.30 a.m. (General Admission) |
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21 July, Saturday at 10 a.m. |
The Vice-Chancellor invites those qualified under the regulations for Discussions (Statutes and Ordinances, p. 107) to attend a Discussion in the Council Room, on Tuesday, 12 June 2012, at 2 p.m., for the discussion of:
1. Report of the Council, dated 28 May 2012, on the financial position and budget of the University, recommending allocations from the Chest for 2012–13 (Reporter, 2011–12, p. 652).
2. Report of the General Board, dated 23 May 2012, on Senior Academic Promotions (Reporter, 2011–12, p. 673).
The Vice-Chancellor gives notice that he has received with gratitude the following benefactions:
(i)a benefaction of £1.5m under Gift Aid arrangements, of which the capital and the income may be used, from Mr H. W. Battcock towards the costs of the new building for Experimental Astrophysics. In recognition of this gift the Faculty Board of Physics and Chemistry have agreed to name the building as the Battcock Centre for Experimental Astrophysics;
(ii)a benefaction of £1m, payable in four instalments, from the Wolfson Foundation towards the costs of the new building for Experimental Astrophysics;
(iii)further benefactions totalling $3.4m, of which the capital and the income may be used, from the Arcadia Fund to support the Cambridge Conservation Initiative; specifically for the Student Conference in Conservation Science ($500,000), the Master’s Programme in Conservation Leadership ($1.4m), and the Cambridge Conservation Initiative Collaborative Fund ($1.5m);
(iv)a benefaction of $600,000, payable in three instalments, of which the capital and the income may be used, from the Board of Cambridge in America to provide postgraduate studentships in Conservation Leadership;
(v)a further benefaction of £250,000, payable over five years under Gift Aid arrangements, from Dr Philip Joseph Brown, to support the Chemistry Next Generation Fund;
(vi)a benefaction of £63,810, payable over three years, of which the capital and the income may be used, from the David Harding Foundation to support a postgraduate studentship in the Faculty of English;
(vii)benefactions totalling $144,000 from Google Inc. to support three postgraduate studentships in the fields of mobile computing, mobile security, and statistical machine learning.
The Vice-Chancellor gives notice that he intends to appoint the following persons to deputize for him, in accordance with Statute D, III, 7, in conferring degrees on the days of General Admission.
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Morning |
Afternoon |
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King’s |
The Provost of King’s |
Peterhouse |
The Master of Peterhouse |
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Trinity |
The Master of Trinity |
Clare |
The Master of Clare |
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St John’s |
The Master of St John’s |
Pembroke |
Professor Jan Maciejowski |
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Gonville and Caius |
The Master of Gonville and Caius |
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Trinity Hall |
The Vice-Master of Trinity Hall |
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Corpus Christi |
The Master of Corpus Christi |
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Morning |
Afternoon |
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Queens’ |
The President of Queens’ |
Christ’s |
The Master of Christ’s |
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St Catharine’s |
The Master of St Catharine’s |
Magdalene |
The Master of Magdalene |
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Jesus |
The Master of Jesus |
Emmanuel |
The Master of Emmanuel |
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Sidney Sussex |
The Master of Sidney Sussex |
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Downing |
The Master of Downing |
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Girton |
The Mistress of Girton |
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Morning |
Afternoon |
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Newnham |
The Principal of Newnham |
Murray Edwards |
Dr Robin Hiley |
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Selwyn |
The Master of Selwyn |
Darwin |
The Master of Darwin |
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Fitzwilliam |
The Master of Fitzwilliam |
Wolfson |
The President of Wolfson |
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Churchill |
The Master of Churchill |
Clare Hall |
Dr Roberta Wells |
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Robinson |
The Warden of Robinson |
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Lucy Cavendish |
The President of Lucy Cavendish |
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St Edmund’s |
The Master of St Edmund’s |
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Hughes Hall |
The President of Hughes Hall |
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Homerton |
The Principal of Homerton |
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Both the Yard and the Combination Room will be closed on 20 June 2012, on the occasion of the Honorary Degree Congregation. Access to the University Offices will be from Trinity Lane.
Only those with admission tickets for the Congregation and other authorized persons will be allowed to enter the Yard.
The following Financial Regulations have been issued by the Council on the advice of the Finance Committee following the triennial review. These replace the Regulations published on p. 970 of the Statutes and Ordinances.
The purpose of these Financial Regulations is to ensure the proper use of finances and resources in a manner which not only satisfies the requirements of internal control expected of a substantial and prominent organization, but also fulfils any legal or financial obligations as laid down by the Statutes and Ordinances of the University, HM Revenue and Customs, the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE), and other authorities.
The principal changes to the current Financial Regulations are:
1. Amendments to take account of the provisions in the Bribery Act 2010 (Regulations 2.2(b) and 20).
2. A new Regulation for overseas operations (Regulation 24).
3. Procurement thresholds have been increased and set out in a separate schedule.
4. The old schedules covering cash and banking arrangements, debt collection, and travel, subsistence, and entertainment, and stores and equipment have been summarized in the main body with the detail covered outside the Regulations.
The Council is responsible for the supervision and management of University resources and finances. The purpose of these Regulations is to provide sound arrangements for internal financial management, accounting and control, promote best value for money, and fulfil the University’s legal and financial obligations.
1.1. These Regulations apply to
• all University Income and Business;
• all Staff; and
• all Departments and University subsidiary companies but not Cambridge University Press and Cambridge Assessment.
2.1. University Business shall be conducted in accordance with the Nolan Principles: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty, and leadership.
2.2. Staff must ensure that
(a) neither their conduct of University Business; nor
(b) the conduct of any person or organization entering into any contract or arrangement with the University contravenes the Bribery Act 2010. (See Financial Regulation 20.)
There are four offences under the Bribery Act:
• Bribing another person;
• being Bribed;
• Bribing a foreign public official; and
• failure to prevent Bribery.
Staff must not use their authority or office for personal gain and must always seek to uphold and enhance the standing of the University.
2.3. Staff must declare to their Head of Department any personal interest, which may affect any University Business and act in accordance with the instructions given as to management of any conflict.
2.4. Staff must seek written permission from their Head of Department before accepting gifts or hospitality directly or indirectly from suppliers, other than low value items such as a gift worth less than £25 or hospitality worth less than £50. Receipt of gifts or hospitality must not influence or appear to influence the choice of supplier or prejudice the University’s reputation. If in doubt, gifts and hospitality must be refused. Excessive or lavish gifts or hospitality may constitute Bribery.
2.5. Where Heads of Department have a conflict of interest or wish to accept gifts or hospitality (other than low value items) they must seek the advice of the body or person to whom they are responsible, for example Head of School, management board or General Board, and act as advised.
3.1. Staff shall, irrespective of sources of funding,
• comply with these Regulations and Statutes, Ordinances, and University policies;
• take all necessary advice;
• assess and manage risks (including to health and safety) entailed in University Business they transact;
• safeguard University property and Income for which they are responsible;
• use University resources economically, efficiently, effectively, and secure value for money;
• ensure compliance with all obligations in contracts relevant to them entered into by or on behalf of the University; and
• comply with the University’s legal, financial, administrative, and other obligations including to HEFCE, HM Revenue and Customs, and other government authorities.
3.2. Non-observance of these Regulations may result in disciplinary action.
4.1. ‘Head of Department’ means any of the following: the Head of a Department or a Faculty not organized in Departments, Secretaries of Faculty Boards, Head of a Centre, Institute, or other body under the supervision of the General Board or Council, and Head of a Division within the Unified Administrative Service. ‘Department’ is interpreted accordingly.
4.2. Heads of Department shall ensure
• proper allocation of funds;
• sound financial control, authorizations, and separation of duties;
• that accounts are correctly maintained;
• that funds available for spending are not exceeded;
• that these Regulations are publicized and observed within their Department; and
• that all information and explanations required by the University’s internal or external auditors are provided promptly.
5.1. Heads of Department may designate in writing one or more people to execute specified tasks for and subject to the supervision of the Head of Department. The Head of Department remains responsible.
6.1. Subject to Regulations 6.2, 6.3, and 18.4, Heads of Departments have authority to sign contracts in the course of the ordinary business of their Department in respect only of available funds for which they are responsible.
6.2. Contracts for the purchase, lease, or licence of land or property or for the erection, demolition, substantial repair, or alteration of buildings must be referred to EM and are subject to the Sites and Buildings Regulations (see further Regulation 32 and Explanatory Note in Section M). The Director of EM or the Registrary shall approve and sign all such contracts, provided all approvals required under Statutes, Ordinances, and the Sites and Buildings Regulations have been given.
6.3. The Head of the Research Operations Office shall approve and sign all contracts relating to sponsored research activity.
6.4. Subject to Regulations 6.2 and 6.3, the following persons have authority to sign contracts affecting more than one Department:
• the Vice-Chancellor;
• a Pro-Vice-Chancellor;
• the Chair of the Faculty Board or Head of School where all the Departments affected are in that Faculty or School;
• the Registrary;
• the Director of Finance; and
• the Head of Procurement Services.
7.1. The following persons have authority to authorize affixing of the University’s seal, where any necessary approvals are in place:
• the Vice-Chancellor;
• a Pro-Vice-Chancellor;
• the Registrary;
• the Director of Finance; and
• (for assignment of University intellectual property) the Head of the Research Operations Office.
8.1. The person having authority to execute a contract is responsible for its safekeeping. If required, the Registrary will keep the documentation for contracts affecting more than one Department.
8.2. Departments are responsible for meeting obligations and for all costs or losses arising from contracts entered into by or for them.
8.3. Contract performance shall not begin before
• all necessary approvals have been obtained; and
• the contract has been executed or the person having authority to execute the contract gives prior written consent, which consent shall normally be given only if key terms have been agreed and the risks created by delay outweigh the risk of proceeding prior to full contractual agreement.
9.1. Heads of Department shall
• maintain financial records as specified in Statutes and Ordinances;
• certify whether annual statements of account (which are distributed by the Finance Division) are true and fair and that responsibilities under these Regulations have been discharged during the year; and
• properly record all transactions in CUFS and any other financial system, the use of which has been authorized by the Director of Finance.
9.2. Staff must comply with the Finance Division CUFS user policy.
9.3. Record-keeping must comply with the Data Protection Act 1998. The University is subject to the Freedom of Information Act 2000 and members of the public may request copies of University documents. Advice on these matters must be obtained from the University’s Data Protection and Freedom of Information Officer.
10.1. All University Income must be paid promptly into a bank account in the name of the University (and into no other account) and be accounted for in CUFS. All University expenditure must be paid from a University bank account and be accounted for in CUFS.
10.2. Departments and Staff have no authority to open bank accounts (whether in the UK or abroad) for any University activities without the prior written consent of the Director of Finance.
10.3. Where possible, Departments shall separate duties for receiving and recording University Income. Where this is not possible, regular independent checks shall be made.
10.4. The Financial Procedures Manual lays out further financial requirements including in respect of cash, petty cash, banking, credit card, and related matters.
11.1. Heads of Departments are authorized to incur expenditure not exceeding the limits of funds available to the Department. They are responsible for ensuring that monitoring and control arrangements are adequate to prevent over-commitment of expenditure and that all funds under their control are used only for the purposes for which they are allocated. The Head of Department (or budget holder where authorized by the Head of Department) shall approve expenditure.
11.2. The Financial Procedures Manual lays out further financial requirements including in respect of Travel, subsistence, and entertainment and related matters.
12.1. Heads of Departments must establish procedures to ensure that
• all supplies of goods and services are authorized and are supplied as agreed;
• trading accounts are managed to break even or achieve a surplus;
• all relevant risks to the University are considered and managed, there are adequate credit control procedures, and supplies are made only where the credit risks are acceptable;
• the University’s standard terms and conditions are where possible applied;
• invoices other than for sponsored research funding (see Regulation 13.3) are raised
– in the name of the University of Cambridge showing the University’s VAT number;
– through CUFS unless prior written consent is given by the Director of Finance; and
– wherever possible in sterling for settlement in sterling (any exchange risk lies with the Department for invoices in a currency other than sterling);
• the liability for all taxation is established and tax is charged and accounted for as appropriate;
• except for research contracts, which are subject to Regulation 13, the full economic cost to the University is recovered, unless the advice of the Taxation Section is sought and it is appropriate to do otherwise having regard to the particular circumstances (see further Regulation 29);
• best value is obtained for sale of any goods to external bodies or to staff (and the Taxation Section consulted about VAT and tax implications);
• sales to staff or their families below the cost incurred by the Department in providing the benefit (including where no charge is made) are recorded and reported as a taxable benefit at the end of the tax year;
• where payment for goods is received in cash, the sum does not exceed the cash equivalent of €15,000 (for any single transaction (per the Money Laundering Regulations 2007)).
12.2. With the exception of research grants claims, Departments are responsible for debt collection in respect of invoices issued to third parties. Advice must be sought from the Director of Finance where legal action to recover monies is considered.
12.3. Uncollectible debts, including in respect of sponsored research activity, will be an expense against the Department. The following authorities exist to write off bad debts or for part settlement, where all reasonable steps have been taken to recover them:
• Debtors up to £10,000 – Head of Department
• Debtors of between £10,000 and £25,000 – Director of Finance
• Debtors over £25,000 – Finance Committee
The Taxation Section must be informed of all write-offs (including partial write-offs) of VAT invoices, as the VAT may be reclaimable.
13.1. Staff shall send grant applications and proposals for research contracts to the Research Operations Office for approval before their submission in accordance with Research Office policy.
13.2. Heads of Department shall ensure there are appropriate arrangements
(a)in conjunction with the Research Office to
• cost grant applications and proposals on the basis of the full economic costs of the research; and
• recover charges for facilities and overheads in accordance with and at the rates specified in University policy or record the extent and justification for subsidizing the cost where in exceptional cases Head of Department agrees not to apply University policy for recovery rates; and
(b)ensure that research which is funded is conducted to meet the funding terms and conditions.
13.3. The Research Office shall raise all invoices for sponsored research funding.
13.4. All research grant or contract income and expenditure, from whatever source of funds, must be notified to the Research Office and no part of this income may be transferred into donation accounts or other special funds, other than funding remaining unspent at the end of the research which the funder has agreed the Department may retain.
13.5. Heads of Department shall ensure that expenditure on research activity complies with these Regulations. Financial control and record-keeping shall also comply with any additional Research Council or other funder’s requirements.
13.6. The Research Office shall ensure all grants are closed on a timely basis and without residual balances.
14.1. Donations belong to the University, not to an individual, and must be paid into a donation account in accordance with Regulation 10.1. Donations must be requested and received exclusively for charitable purposes. Receipt which improperly influences any decisions made by or on behalf of the University may constitute Bribery. Acceptance of donations must be made in accordance with the Ethical Guidelines for the Acceptance of Benefactions.
14.2. Heads of Department must ensure that
• donation accounts and trust funds are maintained in credit;
• funds are applied for the public benefit for charitable, educational, or research purposes only; and
• any Ordinances or regulations governing the receipt of donations and the conduct of individual accounts are followed.
14.3. University trust funds are governed by regulations set out in Statutes and Ordinances. Trust fund managers shall ensure that funds are used for proper purposes in accordance with the rules of the specific fund and the University’s general charitable purposes.
14.4. Transfers of donated funds to other institutions can only be to other charitable bodies and must always be approved by the Head of Department and be in accordance with the terms of the gift and the University’s general charitable purposes. Transfers shall not be made until the receiving institution has confirmed in writing that the terms of the gift will be observed. Where the transfer relates to the Head of Department’s research, the Director of Finance’s prior written consent must be obtained.
14.5. Donations cannot be transferred to individuals, except where the individual is the donor and the University is unable to meet the terms of the original gift.
15.1. The University’s Chief Investment Officer is responsible for all CUEF investment management activities. The Chief Investment Officer appoints and monitors external investment managers.
15.2. No Department or trust of the University may invest in any securities or other investments (including land and buildings) without the prior approval of the Finance Committee.
15.3. Acquisition of land is also subject to the Sites and Buildings Regulations (see para 32.1 below).
16.1. Surplus funds (only) may be invested in the CUEF and Deposit Account. The Director of Finance is responsible for approving all new and any changes in CUEF holdings. Deposit Account eligibility rules and interest rates are published by the Director of Finance from time to time.
17.1. Departments must not borrow money outside the University.
17.2. No guarantees or letters of comfort may be issued except with the prior written consent of the Director of Finance.
17.3. No Department may make a loan including to staff or (outside the normal course of business) extend credit arrangements without the Director of Finance’s prior written consent.
18.1. Expenditure of £2,000,000 or above on capital items (inclusive of VAT) requires the consent of the Planning and Resources Committee.
18.2. Value for money in purchasing is normally demonstrated through competition. The table in Schedule 1 sets out the minimum competition requirement when obtaining goods, services, or construction works for all Departments; the only flexibility for a Department being set out in Financial Regulation 18.3. These requirements apply to all expenditure irrespective of the source of funding (including spending of grant monies and Leasing). If there is any reason to believe that offers which have been received are not competitive, further offers must be obtained. A Department must not enter into separate contracts, nor apply the Total Value calculation separately to contracts, with the intention of avoiding the application of these Regulations.
18.3. Prior written consent not to follow the competition procedures may be granted
(a)for construction and Construction Related Procurement by
• the Director of EM where the Total Value is less than the EU Threshold; and
• the Registrary where it is at or exceeds the EU Threshold;
(b)for other procurement by
• the Head of Department where the Total Value is £50,000 or less and the Director of Finance where the Total Value exceeds £50,000 by recording the reasons on Procurement Services’ online dispensation form;
• for any procurement where the Director of Finance has issued a general consent (irrespective of the Total Value).
Schedule 1 sets out non-exhaustive examples of circumstances where dispensation might be appropriate. Notwithstanding the grant of a dispensation, all the other requirements of Financial Regulations must be met, including Regulations 18.5 to 18.9 inclusive.
18.4. (a) Departments must seek all necessary advice.
(b)The Head of Department’s prior written consent is needed for one or more payments in advance in relation to any contract totalling £10,000 or less.
(c)The Director of Finance’s advice and prior written consent is needed for:
• procurement (other than construction) where the Total Value exceeds £100,000 (advice only);
• procurement where the Total Value exceeds £50,000 and supplier terms are used (advice only);
• all Leasing1 irrespective of the Total Value (except where a Leasing Framework Contract is used – see the definitions in Schedule 2); a cost benefit analysis shall be submitted where consent is required;
• payments in advance exceeding £10,000; and
• payment under early settlement terms exceeding £250,000.
(d)The Director of EM’s advice is needed for procurement falling within Regulation 6.3.
18.5. All purchasing shall be based on a specification drafted after consultation with anticipated users and assessment of the risks associated with the procurement. The Procurement Procedures provide further guidance on purchasing.
18.6. Goods and services may be purchased externally only if
• they are required for the achievement of financial, academic, or organizational plans;
• they are not reasonably available elsewhere within the University; and
• the source, sufficiency, and terms of the funding have been checked and confirmed.
18.7. Heads of Department must establish levels of authorization and segregation of duties for contracts where the Total Value exceeds £500 for:
• short listing and acceptance of tenders;
• ordering and inspection of goods and services; and
• payment.
Where payment duties cannot be segregated, transactions must be independently checked on a regular basis.
18.8. Orders must state the nature, quantity, and price of goods and services to be provided and where possible apply the University’s terms and conditions. Copies of orders must be kept securely. Where an order is placed through CUFS, the electronic record suffices.
18.9. Official orders must be produced in a form approved by the Director of Finance for all purchases above £100 or any lower threshold set by the Head of Department.
18.10. Where equipment is to be loaned to the University free or at a discount, advice must be taken, the principles of Regulation 18 observed and an agreement put in place, including to regulate the University’s responsibilities and rights at the end of the loan.
19.1. All goods and services must be checked promptly on receipt to ensure that they accord with order requirements and suppliers advised promptly about any discrepancies. Copies of signed delivery notes must be retained. If deliveries have to be acknowledged prior to checking, endorse the delivery note ‘Goods received unchecked’.
19.2. Invoices must be checked and not authorized for payment until the goods or services have been checked, unless authority is in place to pay in advance (see Regulation 18.4).
19.3. Payments to individuals must comply with Regulation 31.6.
19.4. Heads of Department shall establish arrangements for monitoring and regular appraisal of purchasing activity to ensure that best value for money is secured for current and future purchases.
20.1. Heads of Department shall implement procedures as required under the University’s policy against Bribery and Corruption, including to prevent Fraud. Any member of staff shall report immediately in writing any suspicion of Bribery, Fraud or other irregularity to the Registrary and the Director of Finance. The Registrary is the lead officer under the University’s policy against Bribery and Corruption.
20.2. The Director of Finance will advise the University’s internal auditors and if necessary the University Security Adviser and police, and report to the Audit Committee and the Vice-Chancellor any Fraud or irregularity which has any of the following characteristics:
• exceeds £10,000
• is unusual or complex
• public interest is likely.
20.3. Any member of Staff who has reasonable grounds for believing there is serious malpractice within the institution (see Human Resources Division website, Policies and Procedures; Public Disclosure by University Employees: Whistleblowing Policy) should raise their concerns using the specified procedure.
21.1. Heads of Departments shall ensure that their Department accounts correctly for VAT and where appropriate corporation tax. Where there is any doubt as to the correct VAT or tax treatment of a transaction, the Taxation Section must be consulted.
21.2. Heads of Departments shall ensure that any taxable benefits paid to individuals are reported to the Finance Division for inclusion in P11D returns.
22.1. The Council’s Executive Committee and the Registrary have authority to take legal advice and to conduct legal proceedings. Departments shall not take any action to initiate or defend legal proceedings or obtain external legal advice without first involving the Legal Services Office, which will seek consent from the Registrary or Executive Committee as necessary. The Legal Services Office should be contacted immediately if legal proceedings are threatened or served on any part of the University or any University subsidiary company. See also Regulation 23.3 and 23.4.
23.1. Departments must comply with the insurance requirements set out in Financial Procedures and on the Insurance Section web pages.
23.2. Contents whether owned, borrowed, or hired must be valued, recorded, and notified to insurers. Departments should regularly review the value of contents held and notify the Insurance Section of
• departmental moves;
• the acquisition and disposal of high value items (exceeding £1,000,000); and
• temporary removal from University premises (where the single article exceeds £50,000 or the total exceeds £100,000).
23.3. Departments must take all necessary steps to prevent losses and accidents and ensure that the Insurance Officer is advised immediately of any new unusual or significant risk. Liabilities should not be accepted on behalf of the University without careful consideration. Any liabilities not covered by insurance will fall on the Department.
23.4. Third party claims must be passed immediately to the Insurance Section without comment to the third party to ensure that the University’s legal position and insurance policies are not compromised.
24.1. No Department may enter into any arrangements for activity outside the United Kingdom, unless the Director of Finance gives prior written consent, where this activity involves either or both setting up any establishment and employing individuals overseas. In giving such consent, the Director of Finance shall seek advice from the Legal Services Office and the Taxation Section. The Director may require that external advice is procured at the expense of the Department seeking to enter into such arrangements. Consent shall not be deemed to override the need to obtain any other approval from University bodies including the General Board.
25.1. Apart from core teaching, research, and the organization of conferences, when a new income-generating or trading activity is set up (whether in the UK or abroad), the Head of Department must consult the Taxation Section beforehand to consider the VAT implications and whether the activity constitutes trading which might be subject to Corporation Tax.
25.2. The Director of Finance may direct that transactions be undertaken through a University subsidiary company.
26.1. No University company may be formed or shares taken in any company (whether in the UK or abroad) for any purpose without advice from the Director of Finance and the prior approval of the Finance Committee, except when done through the Investment Office for investment purposes or by Cambridge Enterprise in relation to the exploitation of intellectual property.
26.2. University subsidiary companies shall enter into and keep under review a memorandum of understanding with the University. Each company shall operate in accordance with such memorandum and within the framework provided by these Regulations, including the provisions regarding procurement, and any additional procedural requirements imposed by their boards.
27.1. Heads of Department and EM shall maintain departmental and corporate registers of Embedded Companies.
27.2. Heads of Department shall in respect of Embedded Companies
• undertake financial and space cost benefit analysis for all new and (periodically for) existing Embedded Companies;
• comply with Regulation 29;
• take into account University policies (including the University’s Guidelines for Establishing and Working with Embedded Companies);
• ensure that Embedded Companies comply with health and safety requirements;
• put in place appropriate contractual arrangements to govern the relationship between the University and the company;
• obtain evidence of Public Liability and employer’s insurance annually; and
• identify, and deal appropriately with, conflicts of interest.
28.1. When engaging in consultancy or other commercial activity in a private capacity, Staff must not hold themselves out as acting on behalf of the University, use University headed stationery nor (except in accordance with Regulation 29) use any University premises facilities or resources.
28.2. The University accepts no responsibility for any work done, advice given, or activity undertaken by Staff in a private capacity. Staff are reminded of the need to take out professional indemnity insurance for such work, advice, and activity and that they are responsible for all liabilities arising including as to tax. Staff who conduct work through Cambridge University Technical Services Limited are insured under the University’s insurance policies.
29.1. Unless the Head of Department gives prior written consent and an appropriate contractual agreement with the University is put in place, non-University activities may not be carried out on University premises nor University facilities or resources used for such activities. Care is needed to avoid breaching any obligation of the University to a third party (for example in relation to use of computing facilities and software).
29.2. Heads of Department shall ensure that appropriate charges are made for the use of University premises, facilities, or resources for non-University purposes (see Regulation 12).
29.3. The Director of EM must be consulted before making any arrangement (including leases or licences) for the use of any University space for non-University purposes. See also Regulation 27.
30.1. Intellectual property generated through University activities is governed by the Intellectual Property Ordinance graced on 12 December 2005.
31.1. All University employees shall have a properly authorized letter of appointment in the form approved by or under the authority of the Human Resources Committee. For the avoidance of doubt the term ‘employees’ includes temporary and casual workers.
31.2. The source of available funding to support the posts or post shall be identified before a member of staff is given a contract of employment.
31.3. The only payments which may be made to University employees are those in accordance with approved University salary scales and such other payments as have been specifically approved by the Human Resources Committee. Rules on expenses reimbursement are set out in the Financial Procedures Manual.
31.4. Heads of Departments must provide the Payroll Section with and keep up to date a list (signed by the Head of Department) of persons authorized to sign salary documents for departmental staff paid through the payroll. Where the proposed signatory is not a University employee the approval of the Director of Finance is also required.
31.5. For all new employees the Head of Department or other authorized signatory shall ensure that the person is legally eligible to work in the UK. The Payroll Section will not add a non-EU citizen to the payroll unless it is clear that any necessary work permit has been obtained or that the immigration status of the person concerned does not require the University to seek permission for the specific employment proposed.
31.6. Individuals may not be paid as suppliers through CUFS unless the Taxation Section has given prior written consent.
32.1. The University’s real property is governed by Statutes and Ordinances including the Sites and Buildings Regulations.
32.2. Departments may not acquire or dispose of real property without taking the advice of the Directors of Finance and of EM. See further Regulation 6.
32.3. The University’s Taxation Section must be consulted about VAT and the tax implications of property acquisitions, disposals, and usage.
33.1. Stores and equipment shall be dealt with as set out in the Financial Procedures Manual. Assets bought with University Income irrespective of the source of funding remain the property of the University until sold or destroyed, unless contracts with external sponsors specify otherwise.
33.2. Fixed asset registers must be maintained (with a minimum requirement for all items costing more than £2,000).
33.3. Heads of Departments shall keep full, proper, and correct records of stock. A full stock take must be performed annually between 1 June and 31 July in addition to any regular interim stock takes.
34.1. The Council hereby gives all delegations and directions contemplated by these Regulations.
35.1. Every three years, or more frequently if appropriate, the Director of Finance shall arrange for these Regulations to be reviewed and for proposed changes to be submitted to the Finance Committee for onward recommendation to Council and adoption by Council Notice.
• The University endeavours to conduct University Business in accordance with the Nolan Principles:2
• The Council is the principal executive body and policy making body of the University. The Council has general responsibility for administration, planning of work, management of resources, and general supervision of finances including of all University institutions other than the University Press.3 It has the authority to take legal advice and conduct proceedings on behalf of the University.4 The Council and its Finance Committee exercise the University’s powers of investment subject to certain restrictions.5 The Council has responsibilities in relation to the care, management, and maintenance of property.6
• The Vice-Chancellor has the customary rights and duties of the office7 and is the designated officer responsible under the University Financial Memorandum with HEFCE and to the Public Accounts Committee.
• Pro-Vice-Chancellors perform duties as prescribed by Statutes and Ordinances, the Council, or the Vice-Chancellor.8
• Heads of University Departments and Secretaries of Faculty Boards have financial responsibility under Statutes and Ordinances, and are accountable for the proper application of funds.9 Heads of other institutions are similarly responsible under particular provisions of Statutes and Ordinances.
• Acting Heads of Department may be appointed during a vacancy and count as Head of Department. The General Board appoints Deputy Heads and defines their duties and powers.10
• The Registrary is the principal administrative officer of the University under the direction of the Council and is the head of the Unified Administrative Service.11
• The University Offices form the Unified Administrative Service under the supervision of the Council and are organized in Divisions.12
• Statute K, para 9(b) provides for delegation by any University body to any committee or University officer (including in relation to finance) subject to Statutes and Ordinances.
• The Audit Committee has responsibilities under Statutes and Ordinances. The University’s internal and external auditors have unrestricted access to all records, assets, personnel, and premises and the right to obtain such information and explanations as they consider necessary. HEFCE, HM Revenue and Customs, and others may also have the right to audit University Business.
• The purpose of the EU Public Procurement Directives and implementing UK Regulations is to encourage competitive tendering for public contracts throughout the European Union. The Council, on the advice of their Finance Committee, declared the University to be outside their scope in December 2003. It reviews and confirms this status annually. The Council intends that the University’s procurement procedures should continue to follow the good practice set out in the Regulations.
• In addition to compliance with Financial Regulations Staff must also comply with the requirements of Statutes and Ordinances and Sites and Building Regulations.
• Ethical guidance on acceptance of donations and the provisions for acceptance of donations by or with the authority of the Vice-Chancellor are set out in Ordinances.13
• The Council may from time to time determine procedures for the financial regulation and conduct of the West and North West Cambridge Syndicate after consultation with the Chairman of the Syndicate.14
1Leasing, as defined in Schedule 2, does not include pure finance leases, which are a form of borrowing which Departments must not do (Regulation 17.1).
2See the University’s Corporate Governance Statement, annexed to the University’s Annual Reports and Financial Statements.
3Statute A, Ch IV, paragraph 1 and Statute F, Ch I, paragraph a. See also Ordinances, Ch I, Special Regulations for Syndicates, Local Examinations Syndicate, and Press Syndicate.
5Statute F, Ch III, paragraph 6 and Ordinances, Ch XIII, Financial Matters, paragraph 6.
9Statute C, Ch V, paragraph 3(c) and Ch IV, paragraph 10.
10Ordinances, Ch IX, Departments and Heads of Department, paragraphs 4 and 5.
13Ordinances, Ch XIII, Council Notice: Ethical Guidelines on the Acceptance of Benefactions.
14Ordinances, Ch I, West and North West Cambridge Estates Syndicate, paragraph 9.
Consult Schedule 2 for the meaning of all words beginning with a capital letter.
In particular the contract value must be calculated per the definition of Total Value.
|
Total Value (before VAT) |
Procedure for inviting offers |
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|
Framework Contracts |
Marketplace |
Other purchases |
|
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< £1,000 |
follow procedures recommended by Procurement Services for the contract |
Only the price from the marketplace is required |
Written price confirmation |
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£1,000–£25,000 |
Three Written Quotes |
||
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> £25,000–£50,000 |
Three Written Quotes or three Written Proposals, depending on complexity, risk, and value of the purchase (see the guidance in Procurement Procedures) |
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> £50,000 |
Three Tender Submissions |
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> £100,000 |
Procurement services must be consulted/involved and agree the most appropriate procurement method |
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EU Thresholds (updated biennially) as at January 2012 > £173,934 (goods and services) > £4,348,350 (works) |
EU Tenders managed through Procurement Services |
||
1. Competition procedures are applicable unless a dispensation has been granted in accordance with Regulation 18.3.
Non-exhaustive examples of when a dispensation might be appropriate include:
• Sole source supply necessary in the following circumstances:
– Technical compatibility, e.g. upgrade to an existing solution or purchase of additional goods which must be compatible with existing goods
– Protection of technical rights
– Single provider (membership of a professional institute/proprietary training)
– Purchase of or repairs to goods or materials, including machinery or plant, available only as proprietary or patented articles
– The work to be executed or the goods/services to be supplied constitute an extension of an existing contract where a change of supplier would cause:
○ Disproportionate technical difficulties
○ Diseconomies, or
○ Significant disruption
• Other reasons might include:
– A one-off, unique opportunity which offers significant value
– Extreme urgency, which was unforeseeable and is not attributable to the requester and which precludes the invitation of quotations or tenders.
2. The expectation is that, where the required goods are available, purchases up to £25,000 will be made via the Marketplace or under a Framework Contract. Other offers should not be sought, unless better value can be achieved elsewhere, in which case Procurement Services must be notified so that any price discrepancies and inclusion of the supplier on the Marketplace can be explored.
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Bribery |
As defined in the University’s Policy against Bribery and Corruption |
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Certifying |
Completion of Procurement Services’ online dispensation form |
|
Construction Related Procurement |
The procurement of goods or services which could not be procured separately from the construction or alteration of a building (for example lift maintenance, the procurement and installation of equipment including air conditioning are not Construction Related Procurement) |
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CUEF |
The Cambridge University Endowment Fund in which the main University endowments are pooled |
|
CUFS |
Cambridge University Financial System |
|
Department, Head of Department |
As defined in Regulation 4.1 |
|
Deposit Account |
A University-wide facility that allows Departments to invest surpluses |
|
EM |
The University’s Estate Management Service |
|
Embedded Company |
A company occupying University premises or whose employees’ normal place of work is on University premises, other than as temporary visitors or to provide services to the University |
|
EU Threshold |
A threshold from time to time in force above which a public contract must be let in accordance with public procurement legislation |
|
Framework Contract |
Any framework contracts approved by Procurement Services |
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Fraud |
As defined in the University’s Policy against Bribery and Corruption |
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HEFCE |
The Higher Education Funding Council for England |
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Investment Board |
The board which manages for the University the investment of the CUEF |
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Leasing |
A third party (including a supplier or a finance company) makes available for the University’s use assets owned by the third party (ownership never vests in the University), for which a rental payment is made for a period of use; as distinct from an arrangement which amounts to borrowing to fund the possible acquisition of assets |
|
Marketplace |
Any supplier catalogue or process for obtaining offers which is made available electronically through CUFS |
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Nolan Principles |
The seven principles identified by the Committee on Standards in Public Life |
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PCI |
Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards |
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Planning and Resources Committee |
Planning and Resources Committee of the Council and the General Board |
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Procurement Services |
The University’s Procurement Services section of the Finance Division |
|
Procurement Procedures |
The guidance and model documents on procurement in the Financial Procedures Manual or published on the Procurement Services web pages |
|
Proposals |
Bona fide, comparable Written bids submitted by a specified date (the Procurement Procedures provide sample documentation) |
|
Quotes |
Bona fide, comparable Written quotations (the Procurement Procedures provide sample documentation) |
|
Research Office |
The University’s Research Operations Office |
|
Staff |
All employees, including temporary and casual workers, irrespective of whether their appointment specifically includes financial responsibilities and however their employment is financed together with anyone else who has any responsibility for the administration, management, or expenditure of any University Income or conducts any University Business |
|
Tender Submissions |
Formal tender documents submitted by suppliers in response to an Invitation to Tender |
|
Total Value |
The contract value or estimated value as follows: (a)fixed period contract: the total price to be paid or which might be paid during the whole of the period; (b)recurrent transactions for the same type of item: the aggregated value of those transactions in the coming 12 months; (c)uncertain duration: monthly payment x 48; (d)feasibility studies: value of the follow-on scheme. (e)the aggregated value of separate contracts meeting a single requirement |
|
University |
The Chancellor, Masters, and Scholars of the University of Cambridge |
|
University Business |
University business which has a financial impact |
|
University Income |
All monies, regardless of source or purpose, which are due or paid to the University or made available to individuals because of their association with the University, including donations |
|
Written |
In writing, including submission by fax or mail |
Terms are to be understood as used in Statutes and Ordinances, unless the context of the Regulation requires otherwise.
Words preceding ‘include’, ‘includes’, ‘including’, and ‘included’ shall be construed without limitation by the words which follow those words.
Further Guidance is contained in
• the Financial Procedures Manual
• the web pages of:
– Finance Division (including Procurement Services and Insurance)
– Registrary’s Office (Data Protection and Freedom of Information)
– MISD
– Legal Services Office and
– Cambridge Enterprise (for Cambridge University Technical Services Limited)