The Council approves the University’s overall mission and strategic direction. It is responsible for appointing the Vice-Chancellor & President, establishing policy and procedural principles that are consistent with legal requirements and community expectations, approving and monitoring systems of control and accountability and approving and monitoring the assessment and management of risk across the University including commercial undertakings. The Council has 21 members, is chaired by the Chancellor and advised by its standing committees - the Convenors' Committee, Academic Board, Audit, Compliance and Risk Committee, Finance Committee, People and Culture Committee, Senior Executive Review Committee and the Special Degrees Committee.