University of Bath Council follows recommendations in report on its senior pay

Students at the University of Bath protest at the retirement terms of vice chancellor Professor Dame Glynis Breakwell. Credit: PA

Following its meeting today, 30 November, the Council of the University of Bath has decided to take action on all the recommendations made inthe report by the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) into its senior pay and governance.

The decision follows a demonstration held by students and staff today in protest of the Vice Chancellor's pay.

The measures the council plan to take are:

  • Statement on the Remuneration of Senior Staff will be published and developed further following the Effectiveness Review.

  • The Chair of Council will no longer chair the Remuneration Committee. A new Chair of the Committee will appointed by Council on the recommendation of its Nominations Committee.

  • The Remuneration Committee will meet at least twice each year, taking independent specialist advice, and will approve objectives for the Vice-Chancellor which will be shared with Council.

  • The Remuneration Committee will make an annual report to Council which includes information to be determined by Council in the light of the Effectiveness Review.

  • A ratio of highest salary to median pay will be published using to be agreed standard definitions across the sector.

  • Decisions on any severance arrangements for staff earning over £100k p.a. will be taken by Council on the recommendation of its Remuneration Committee.

An ongoing independent 'Effectiveness Review of Council' aims to make sure the operations of the Remuneration Committee reflects "best practice", with a report of its recommendations being shared to the Council in May 2018.