Governance and transparency

Governance framework  

Independent Higher Education recognises that good corporate governance is critical to any organisation and our governance arrangements are fundamental to ensuring that we achieve our objectives and live up to our values. 

IHE's formal constitution is established in our Articles of Association, which set out our Objects (the purpose of the company) and the high-level rules by which we are governed, including those relating to membership, the composition and appointment of the Board, and the powers reserved to the members themselves and those which can be delegated.

IHE has a further set of regulations which support the Articles. These regulations set out the responsibilities and procedures we use for the efficient and effective running of the organisation. The Articles of Association and all regulations that support it are published on our website as part of our commitment to transparency, and will be regularly reviewed to ensure that we continue to reflect best practice.
 

The Board structure

IHE has a Board of Directors with two supporting committees and one advisory board. The Board is predominantly made up of leaders of member institutions who are elected by the membership. The Board may also co-opt non-member Directors, who may fulfil specific roles such as Honorary Treasurer, Chair of the Governance and Nominations Committee, and Independent Student Board Member.  

As a collective, IHE’s member institutions form the supreme decision-making body, which meets at least once per year to receive the statutory accounts and elect the IHE Board. 

Responsibility for most business decisions during the course of the year is delegated to the IHE Board, including the approval of the strategic plan, annual budget and internal (organisational) policy, as well as the monitoring of performance and progress.

The IHE Board has two sub-committees and a Student Advisory Board (SAB), each of which have a specific remit to guide and advise the staff team and Board. 

The implementation of the strategic plan, the financial management of the business, and administration of the policy development process are delegated to the Chief Executive and Senior Management Team.

Full details may be found in the Articles, scheme of delegation, and terms of reference of the Board and Committees.

Numbered Regulations of Independent Higher Education (IHE Rules)

Constitution and Governance Framework

CG1 - Framework Introduction
CG2 - Articles of Association 
CG3 - Scheme of Delegation 
CG4 - Terms of Reference for the Board
CG5 - Terms of Reference for the GNC
CG6 - Terms of Reference for the FRC
CG7 - Terms of Reference for the SAB
CG8 - Terms of Reference for the Remuneration Committee
 

Membership Regulations

M1 - Eligibility for Membership
M2 - Conditions of Membership
M3 - Mission and Values
M4 - Code of Conduct for Members
M5 - Regulation, accreditation and external quality assurance
M6 - Fit and proper persons test
M7 - Membership subscriptions
M8 - Annual Declarations and mid-year reporting
M9 - Applications for Membership
M10 - Probation, suspension and termination of Membership

Governance Roles

GR1 - Role profile for Chair of the Board 
GR2 - Role profile for Vice Chair of the Board
GR3 - Role profile for Chair of the GNC 
GR4 - Role profile for Chair of the FRC / Honorary Treasurer 
GR5 - Role profile for Independent Student Board Member
GR6 - Board Skills self-assessment form 
GR7 - Fit and proper persons and declarations of interest forms 
GR8 - Code of Conduct for Board and Committee Members

Governance Processes

GP1 - Board elections
GP2 - Appointment of the Chair and Vice Chair
GP3 - Board and Committee appointments 
GP4 - Member community appointments 
GP5 - Standing Orders for General Meetings
GP6 - Complaints