Independent Higher Education (IHE) has published a refreshed Code of Governance for Independent Providers of Higher Education.
Developed following consultation with IHE Members and in collaboration with the wider higher education community and law firm Shakespeare Martineau, the updated Code responds to significant developments across UK higher education, ensuring it remains effective in a rapidly evolving regulatory and operating environment.
Designed specifically for independent providers of higher education, whose governance arrangements often differ from those of traditional universities and colleges, the Code recognises the diversity of the sector’s corporate structures, ownership models and institutional missions. It provides a foundation upon which providers can develop governance arrangements that reflect their objectives, purpose and areas of specialism while remaining flexible enough to adapt to their individual circumstances.
The refreshed Code reflects the shared values and principles that underpin good governance across the higher education sector and maintains close alignment with the Committee of University Chairs' (CUC) Code of Higher Education Governance. At the same time, where the distinctive characteristics of independent providers require a different approach, the IHE Code is tailored to ensure it remains relevant, proportionate and practical for the institutions it serves.
While the Code's Ten Principles remain unchanged from its original publication in 2021, updates have been made to reflect developments across the sector. These include strengthened provisions relating to board effectiveness, boardroom culture and behaviours, governance exercised in the interests of students, and the embedding of risk management across board processes.
In setting out recognised standards of good governance appropriate to different contexts, the Code supports institutions in strengthening accountability, promoting effective academic oversight, ensuring robust risk management, and meeting relevant regulatory requirements.
To support implementation, IHE has collaborated with partner organisations to develop supplementary guidance to accompany the Code. The guidance offers practical advice on strengthening board capability, supporting governor development, and ensuring effective oversight of institutional mental health strategies.
Commenting on the release of the Code, Phil Deans, Vice-Chair of the IHE Board, said:
“Independent providers operate in a wide range of contexts and vary significantly in their mission, structure and areas of specialism. Effective governance must be flexible enough to reflect that diversity while robust enough to ensure clear standards of accountability and oversight. This refreshed Code provides a framework that independent providers can apply to their unique circumstances to deliver strong governance that is appropriate to their size, shape and purpose.
"We are confident the IHE Code will support the continued development of good governance practice across the sector, strengthen confidence among students, partners and the wider public, and contribute to the ongoing enhancement of quality and institutional effectiveness.”
James Dunphy FRSA PFHEA, Chief Executive of the Committee of University Chairs (CUC), said:
"We were delighted IHE chose to review its Code alongside the CUC's own review and have greatly valued the collaboration this has enabled. Together, the Codes reflect shared values and a common commitment to effective governance across our world-leading higher education sector. The Codes provide renewed, complementary frameworks that will help institutions remain well led, resilient and responsive in a challenging and changing environment."
Dr Paul Greatrix, Director of Higher Education Consultancy at Shakespeare Martineau, said:
"Ensuring effective governance is fundamental for every higher education institution. The higher education landscape has been subject to continuous change since the first edition of the Code was published in 2021 making this update extremely timely. This strengthened Code will help institutions of all kinds navigate the risk, accountability and effectiveness challenges of the contemporary higher education environment and serves to reinforce the importance of getting governance right."