University Secretary's Office

The core responsibilities of the USO are associated with the governance of the institution, the legal and regulatory framework within which the University operates. Its main areas of work comprise:

University Governance
As Secretary to the Board of Governors, the University Secretary is responsible for the provision of professional and legal support services to the Board in its oversight of the University; this includes advice, secretarial services the Board, its Employment and Finance, Audit, Nominations, Remuneration, Senior Appointments, Staff and Student Appeals, and other committees and sub-committees.

University Management
As Secretary to the University Executive, the University Secretary is responsible for the provision of professional and legal support services to the Vice-Chancellor, the University Executive and other management groupings and committees within the University.

Public Interest Disclosures and Fraud Prevention
The University Secretary's Office is responsible for the oversight and conduct of the University's Public Interest Disclosure ("Whistleblower") policies and procedures, and its Fraud Prevention policy and procedure.

Company Secretarial Support
The USO provides company secretarial support and advice (including professional and legal advice) for the University's subsidiary companies.

University Records
The USO is responsible for the maintenance of the formal records of the University and its subsidiary bodies, including the University Mission, Coat of Arms, and key policies.

University Compliance and Regulations
The USO is responsible for ensuring the compliance of the University with relevant legislation and regulations, as well as the Instrument and Articles of Government of the institution.

Risk Management
The USO is responsible for the development, leadership and support of the University's Risk Management Policy, and its coordination.

Legal Services
The provision of all internal and external legal advice, legal and related services, for the University and its subsidiaries in areas including: student matters; property; company and commercial; litigation; employment; and charity law.

Student Affairs
The oversight, management and operation of a range of student-related procedures, including: student discipline (including appeals); student complaints; academic appeals; advice services to students and the Students' Union on discipline, appeals and complaints; and liaison with University Schools and Services on these matters.

The USO works closely with all University Schools and Services, and directly with students, sponsors, as well as external bodies, in direct support of the University Mission commitment to meeting diverse needs of an international learning community and to contribute to society and its economic development through research, excellent teaching and high quality student support.

Data Assurance

The Data Assurance Unit was formed in Dec 2010. The role of the Unit is to implement, monitor and develop the University’ Data Assurance Policy.　The broad purpose of the Policy is to ensure that all data reported by the University is subject to independent review prior to submission to any third party.　These reviews are designed to identify issues of non-compliance and/or data quality.　This review provides Executive Management and the Board of Governors with assurance over the accuracy and compliance of data released.　The policy also seeks to ensure that Data Quality is a fundamental aspect of the University’s management ethos and culture and the DAU also has responsibility for providing and monitoring the effectiveness of appropriate data integrity checks, primarily centred on student data.