The University of Sussex has introduced new measures to strengthen and streamline the process for approving major financial decisions during the Covid-19 pandemic period.

Under the plans approved by the University’s governing Council, any expenditure above £750,000 will require approval from Council.

Council has approved a subset of Council officers, including Chair of Council Dame Denise Holt and one committee chair, to act on their behalf during this period, ensuring that key decisions are not held up by the challenges of convening a full Council each time.

Under the University’s statutes, Council is responsible for governing the University’s finances but it delegates spending up to a certain amount to the Vice-Chancellor, Director of Finance and other principal executive officers.

A proposal to reduce executive officers’ delegated spending authority to £750,000 was made by UEG and approved by Council.

In making the changes, UEG wanted to ensure that the University could act swiftly to take necessary decisions during this fast-paced environment, while ensuring that there is agreement across the Executive and Council on spending the University’s limited resources. 

The new arrangement will be reviewed at the full meeting of Council in July.