UWE's legal status

The University of the West of England (UWE) Bristol is a higher education corporation, like many other Universities, by virtue of the Education Reform Act 1998 which enabled the Privy Council to create an Instrument of Government establishing the University in February 1993.

The Governance of UWE is determined by the Articles of Governance, which sets out the respective roles of the Board of Governors, the Principal (Vice-Chancellor) and Academic Board.

UWE’s formal name is University of the West of England Higher Education Corporation.

Charitable Status:

As a Higher Education Corporation, the University is classed as an exempt charity under Schedule 2 to the Charities Act 1993. This means that for its charitable activities the University benefits from the status of a charity but it is not registered with the Charity Commission. The Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE ) is responsible for ensuring that those English universities that are exempt charities fulfil their obligations under charity law.

Trustees:

The University’s Board of Governors are the Trustees of the University. Members of the Board and their other charitable interests can be found in the Governor profiles.

Financial Statements:

The University’s Financial Statements include further information on the activities of the University, the Board of Governors and a statement on the public benefit of the University.