Governance

Creative bridge front angled

Falmouth University is a Higher Education corporation created by statute and an exempt charity.

University governance is the constitutional forms and processes through which we govern our affairs and oversee the delivery and development of our Mission, Vision & Values.

The Board of Governors is the most senior decision-making body in the University's governance structure. This page sets out key information about the governing body and its responsibilities.

Board of Governors

About us 

Established in accordance with the University's Articles and Instrument of Government, the University's Board of Governers meets six times a year. Its responsibilities are outlined in The Statement of Primary Responsibilities.   

The Board operates in accordance with the Committee of University Chairs (CUC) Higher Education Code of Governance 2020 and Higher Education Senior Staff Remuneration Code, both of which have been formally adopted. The Board also operates in accordance with the seven principles identified by the Committee on Standards in Public Life (selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership), and with due regard for both the UK Corporate Governance Code 2018 insofar as it is applicable to the HE sector, and for the Charity Commission's guidance on public benefit.

Sub-committees

The work of the Board of Governors is supported by three sub-committees: 

Composition

The composition of the Board of Governors is determined by the Instrument of Government.   

The majority of members are drawn from outside of the University and are referred to as independent members. The Board has a total of 13 members as follows: 

  • Nine independent members
  • One academic staff governor 
  • One student governor – the serving President of the Students’ Union 
  • One co-opted professional services staff governor 
  • The Vice-Chancellor 

The profile of membership reflects the experience and expertise required for the University to meet its statutory obligations and to achieve its strategic aims and objectives. The membership is subject to regular review against a matrix of expertise and experience. 

Our Board Members

  • Chris Pomfret OBE, Chair of the Board of Governors
  • Julie Fielding, Deputy Chair of the Board of Governors
  • Bob Fahy, Independent Governor
  • Diane Grannell, Independent Governor
  • David Harland, Independent Governor
  • Professor Ruth Heholt, Academic Staff Governor
  • Professor Emma Hunt, Vice Chancellor & Chief Executive
  • Robert Ingram, Co-opted Professional Services Staff Governor
  • Tim Jones, Independent Governor
  • Hannah Oliveira de Whitlock, Student Governor
  • Helen Owers, Independent Governor
  • Professor Keith Straughan, Independent Governor

Chris Pomfret OBE

Chair of the Board of Governors

Chris was chair of the Cornwall & Isles of Scilly Local Enterprise Partnership since its incepti...

Chris Pomfret OBE

Julie Fielding

Deputy Chair of the Board of Governors

Julie Fielding is an Assistant Chief Constable with Devon and Cornwall Police and leads the force in...

Julie Fielding
Bob Fahy, Independent Governor

Bob Fahy

Independent Governor

Bob Fahy is a Partner at Veale Wasbrough Vizards LLP, based in its London office. After 20 years of ...

Bob Fahy

Diane Grannell

Independent Governor

Diane recently retired as Principal & Chief Executive of Bournemouth & Poole College, after ...

Diane Grannell
David Harland profile photo

David Harland

Independent Governor

David held a variety of Executive roles at the Eden Project in Cornwall, United Kingdom from 2013 to...

David Harland
Dr Ruth Heholt staff picture

Professor Ruth Heholt

Professor of Literature and Culture

Ruth Heholt is an internationally renowned scholar in the fields of Gothic, supernatural, Victorian,...

Professor Ruth Heholt

Professor Emma Hunt

Vice-Chancellor & Chief Executive

Professor Emma Hunt joined Falmouth University as Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive in January 202...

Professor Emma Hunt
Rob Ingram face photo

Rob Ingram

Co-opted Professional Services Staff Governor

Rob joined Falmouth University as Head of Employability in 2020 charged with developing a new 10-yea...

Rob Ingram

Tim Jones

Independent Governor

Tim Jones is chairman of the South West Business Council (formally the Devon & Cornwall Business...

Tim Jones
Hannah Oliveira de Whitlock

Hannah Oliveira de Whitlock

Student Governor

I love the outdoors—cliff jumping, adventuring, and camping bring me a lot of joy. Working with my...

Hannah Oliveira de Whitlock

Helen Owers

Independent Governor

Helen has extensive senior executive experience in the media and creative industries. She was Presid...

Helen Owers

Professor Keith Straughan

Independent Governor

Keith has enjoyed a long career in both academia and business.Trained first as a pure physicist, Kei...

Professor Keith Straughan

Independent Governor

Vacancy from 1 September 2023

Independent Governor

Join our Board

If you are interested in joining our Board of Governors, please lodge your interest with Secretary, Robyn Wyatt.

Contact us

Please contact the Secretary to the Board of Governors if you require further information about governance at Falmouth University:

Robyn Wyatt staff image
Robyn Wyatt Staff image

Robyn Wyatt

Head of Governance Services and Secretary to the Board of Governors

 

E: robyn.wyatt@falmouth.ac.uk

T: +44 (0)1326 259265

Robyn Wyatt