Office of the Vice-Chancellor

CLASS is a centre of excellence which enables student success by ensuring evidence-driven and innovative teaching, learning and support. It aims to develop compassionate and engaged staff and students, supporting the University’s overall commitment to transforming lives.

CLASS includes the following subteams: Herts Academic Skills, Learning and Teaching Excellence, Technology Enhanced Learning and Digital Capabilities and Widening Access and Student Success.

Governance Services manages and administers the Board of Governors, Academic Board, and other top-level committees and groups which are part of the University's formal governance structure.

Internal Audit is an in-house team providing independent and objective assurance designed to add value to the University’s operations in support of achieving its strategic objectives. Assurance is provided to senior management and the Board, via the Audit and Risk Committee, on the adequacy and effectiveness of the University’s arrangements for risk management, control, governance, value for money and data quality processes. Business Risk Management provides support and advice to senior management across the University group in the identification, recording and management of business and fraud risks.

Legal and Compliance Services is an expert in-house legal team with members drawn from a wide range of legal practice areas. It advises on all legal, regulatory, and contractual matters affecting the University and its group of subsidiary companies. It also oversees Information Compliance (data protection and freedom of information) and provides training to all staff on relevant legislation, regulatory matters, and legal developments within the higher education sector.

Lifelong and Employment (LLE) supports employers of any shape or size with their talent and workforce needs. Through LLE, employers can access apprenticeships, short courses, and CPD, as well as work with our Careers team to access our amazing student talent. The team provides information about skills, training options and careers, helping students discover their options, and consists of experts who are there to support employers and students.

Planning and Strategic Support leads the University’s planning function which includes coordination of the annual business planning and portfolio review, investment planning processes, oversees academic workload allocation and corporate project management. It works closely with the executive team in the development and monitoring of the University’s strategic plan and corporate reporting. The team provides management information and data insight and analysis to inform the University’s strategic planning, and aid senior management decision making and resource allocation at institutional level.

Research and Enterprise Services (RES) supports all areas of research and enterprise, including research grants and commercial contracts, impact and knowledge exchange, research governance, technology transfer and business support. The team supports academics in areas such as network development, enterprise skills training, connecting with business, bid writing, impact case development and due diligence and trusted research. RES delivers a unified team approach across the University’s research and enterprise portfolio to maximise research and enterprise excellence, performance and success.

The Vice-Chancellor’s Secretariat is responsible for overseeing the portfolios of the Office of the Vice-Chancellor (OVC) senior management team, providing comprehensive executive support to enable OVC senior managers to achieve their objectives in the leadership of the University. The Secretariat works closely with key stakeholders, including government agencies and sector bodies, and its responsibilities include drafting reports and briefings, organising and co-ordinating events and appointments, and acting as a point of information and advice to staff, students and external bodies.

Workplace Safety, Health and Wellbeing is an impartial advisory service providing professional support to the University, and assurance to the Vice-Chancellor and Board of Governors, on matters pertaining to health and safety, occupational health, workplace wellbeing and emergency planning