Reports

Report of the Council on the term of office of the Chancellor and the High Steward

The Council begs leave to report to the University as follows:

1. This Report proposes that the Chancellor, one of the University’s highest offices, should serve for a fixed term of ten years, replacing the existing term for life (an incumbent would still have the option to retire before the end of their term). The arrangements for the election of the Chancellor also apply to the election of the High Steward and therefore this change would also affect the term of that office. In addition, a further change is proposed to clarify how the Senate could remove a Chancellor. As these proposals would entail amendments to the University’s Statutes, the Regent House is being asked to approve this Report’s recommendation. However, members of the Senate are encouraged to give their views at the Discussion of this Report on 25 June 2024 (see p. 624).

2. In March, the Council discussed options for how to make the election of the next Chancellor a success. It agreed that revising the term of office of the Chancellor supported the aim of securing a more diverse field of high-calibre candidates. Although a Chancellor could simply resign when they no longer want to continue in office, a lifetime appointment encourages the expectation of potentially a long term of office which may put off a number of potential candidates. A ten-year term would still encourage long-term commitment to the office but is more likely to encourage a wider field of candidates to stand for election. Rotating the role more frequently would also permit more frequent introduction of different skills and experience to the office. A ten-year term thus provides a good balance of stability and vitality. Finally, those commenting on recent changes to Senate procedures noted the risk of a ‘bad actor’ being elected as Chancellor (Reporter: 6708, 2022–23, p. 838; 6725, 2023–24, p. 227). The Council also observes that, with a lifetime appointment, a Chancellor could become unable to carry out the duties of the office but be incapable of resigning (or unwilling to do so). Whilst the Senate has the power to remove a Chancellor, taking such public action could be to the detriment of the Chancellor and the University. A fixed period of appointment is therefore a prudent measure to reduce the reputational risks associated with the office.

3. The current wording in Statute states that the Chancellor shall hold office ‘until he or she voluntarily resigns or until the Senate otherwise determines’. The opportunity is being taken to clarify how the Senate would make such a determination to remove a Chancellor, by explaining that, in an individual case, it would do so by approving a Grace submitted by the Council.

4. A further proposed amendment to Statute confirms that the term of the Chancellor also applies to the High Steward.

5. The Council recommends that the Statutes of the University be amended as follows, and that these amendments be submitted to His Majesty in Council for approval.

That in Statute A I (Statutes and Ordinances, p. 3), Sections 1 and 9 be amended to read as follows:

1. The Chancellor of the University shall be elected by the members of the Senate and shall hold office, in accordance with the laws and customs of the University, for a period of ten years from the date of election unless prior to the expiry of that period the Chancellor voluntarily resigns or the Senate otherwise determines by Grace in an individual case.

9. The High Steward shall be elected by the members of the Senate. The arrangements prescribed by Statute and Ordinance for the election and term of the Chancellor shall apply also to the election and term of the High Steward.

4 June 2024