UCU: Governance, democracy and business influence

Motion

Motion text: Conference notes:
increasing business influence/decreasing staff and student involvement in governing bodies
the role of such bodies in disseminating ideas about education as a commodity and universities as corporate entities under managerial control
government's wish to reduce the size of governing bodies and further limit involvement of employee and student representatives.
Conference asserts:
the intrinsic value of education and of independent, critical thought
the importance of good governance based upon adequate representation of internal and external constituencies
the key role of transparent procedures in relation to governing bodies.
Conference resolves to:
introduce issues of governance into UCU's Alternative Vision for Higher Education
prepare a statement of principles for good practice in establishing and running governing bodies consistent with UNESCO guidelines on Self Governance and Principles of Collegiality
make the union's views known to DIUS, HEFCE and other relevant bodies.