UCL’s Council has approved a refreshed Scheme of Delegation, setting out the rules around how decisions are taken at UCL. This marks another step in a broader review of UCL’s governance as part of the institutional priority project Delegated Authorisations Programme.
Refreshed Scheme of Delegation
The Scheme of Delegation sets out how UCL’s decision-making power is distributed, specifying which bodies (e.g. committees) or positions are authorised to make specific decisions. It replaces three previous documents, bringing together rules in one place and providing a practical and simplified framework, setting out who has the authority to take all kinds of decisions at UCL.
The refreshed Scheme of Delegation:
- sets out how UCL’s decision-making power is distributed, specifying which bodies (e.g. committees) or positions are authorised to make specific decisions;
- now explains the "Principles Governing Delegation" for UCL - these are the basis upon which delegations are exercised in practice;
- now aids delegates by setting out that they must consider when reaching a decision under a delegation;
- has updated or removed out of date information (including structural changes) in the previous Scheme;
- now includes Council’s Statement of Primary Responsibilities and lists matters that are reserved to Council.
The revised Scheme of Delegation will be effective from 1 August 2025 and can be found on the UCL Governance and Compliance website.
David Pacey, UCL’s University Secretary, said:
" I’m delighted that we are able to introduce this refreshed Scheme and look forward to it being developed further as the Delegated Authorisations Programme progresses. This revised document is a vital reference point for all staff to understand how decisions are made at UCL. Everyone at UCL has an important part to play to ensure that UCL’s governance procedures are followed when making decisions large and small - please do take a look at the new document.
Regulations for Management
The Regulations for Management were also amended to simplify the process for use of the UCL Seal - find the updated regulations for the UCL Seal here.
Changes to Financial Regulations
A small number of changes were made to the Financial Regulations which can be found on our Financial Regulations webpage.
If you have any queries please get in touch: secretariat@ucl.ac.uk
Future work of the Delegated Authorisations Programme
The Programme’s key aim is to develop a comprehensive Scheme of Delegation that records all key delegations in one document and acts as a single reference point.
Work will continue in 2025/26 to review and revise delegations and present updates to the Scheme of Delegation and other documents such as the Financial Regulations. Having clear and comprehensive delegations is essential to ensure UCL meets its legal and regulatory obligations and to empower staff; improving efficiency and reducing decision-making bottlenecks.
More information on the Delegated Authorisations Programme, including FAQs can be found here on UCL’s Financial Regulations website.
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