Charitable status

The University of Hull (as it is formally and legally known) is an independent corporation established by Royal Charter and an exempt charity within the meaning of the Charities Act 2011. The Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) acts on behalf of the Charity Commission as the principal regulator for English higher education institutions.

The overall aim of the University, as set out in its Charter, is to “advance education, scholarship, knowledge and understanding by teaching and research, for the benefit of individuals and society at large”. The Charter gives the University power to achieve that aim by providing, amongst other things:

• “instruction in such branches of learning as the University may think fit and to make provision for research and for the advancement and dissemination of knowledge”
• “research and advisory services and with such provision to enter into arrangements with other institutions or with public bodies as may be thought desirable”
• “for the printing and publication of research and other works which may be issued by the University”

The University’s objects, powers and framework of governance are set out in the Charter and Statutes, which can only be amended with Privy Council approval.

Council is the University's executive governing body and most of its members are lay members (neither employees nor students of the University), although it also includes members of staff and student representatives.

Council members are the charitable trustees and as such are responsible for upholding the highest standards of corporate governance, as well as meeting the obligations placed on the University as an exempt charity and body in receipt of public funds. You can find out more about Council members and any other charities of which they are trustees here.

Other bodies involved in the governance of the University are Senate and Court – view their responsibilities.

The University’s formal address for correspondence is:

The University Registrar and Secretary,
The University of Hull
Cottingham Road
Hull HU6 7RX

Read our recent Annual Reports, Financial Statements and other key documents