University of Greenwich is part of LASE University Group, which was established on 1st August 2026.
The Board of Governors is the main decision making body of the University Group. It has the ultimate responsibility for setting and monitoring the strategy of the University Group.
The Board of Governors agrees the strategy of the University in conjunction with the executive and monitors its implementation.
See full details of the new LASE University Group governance arrangements.
Previous governance arrangements
Until 31 July 2026, the Governing Body of the University of Greenwich included between 10 and 17 members. Governors included the Vice-Chancellor, two members of staff (appointed following a competitive selection process), and the Student Governor (currently the President of Greenwich Students' Union). The remaining Governors were Independent Governors selected from outside the University for their skills and experience. Appointments to the Governing Body were overseen by the People and Governance Committee.
The Governing Body acted as the University's Board of Directors and charity trustees.
The University Secretary acted as Clerk to the Governing Body.
The Chair of the Governing Body was Craig McWilliam and the Vice-Chair was Murray Orr. The Chair and the Vice-Chair must be Independent Governors.
The Governing Body conducted its business through a number of committees which considered in depth the matters under their remit. The Governing Body had the following committees (see committee structure chart):
While it was not a committee and had no decision making powers, the Governing Body established a Major Capital Projects Group (MCPG) to enable informal liaison between the executive and the Governing Body over major capital projects (eg Devonport House). Further details are in the MCPG's terms of reference.
Committee chairs included Peter McDermott (Co-opted Member)(Audit and Risk Committee), Richard Hicks (Honorary Degrees Committee), Tricia King (People and Governance Committee), Murray Orr (Finance Committee), Elizabeth Sideris (Remuneration Committee) and the Vice-Chancellor (the Academic Council). Craig McWilliam chaired the Major Capital Projects Group. Elizabeth Sideris was the Senior Independent Governor.
The Governing Body adopted a Statement of Primary Responsibilities which defines its principal responsibilities and functions.
The Handbook for Governors provided Governors with information on the operations and management of the University and the Governing Body.
The Governing Body regularly reviewed its effectiveness. A review by Halpin Partnership in 2025 concluded that the University complied with the governance codes issued by the Committee of University Chairs and the governance requirements of the Office for Students, and that Greenwich's governance was "'excellent with most areas being at leading edge". Further details are provided in Halpin's summary.
Governing Body minutes