Regulatory and charitable information
The university is a Higher Education Corporation by virtue of the Education Reform Act 1988. The university's full legal name is 51Âþ» Higher Education Corporation, but it operates under its preferred name '51Âþ»'.
The Registrar (Academic) and Secretary to the Board of Governors oversees the functioning of the Board and its sub-committees in accordance with its Instrument and the Articles of Government. The Secretary is responsible for compliance with standards of best practice in corporate governance as detailed within the Committee of University Chairs’ Higher Education Code of Governance. The board completes an which articulates its compliance with the code.
Powers of the Higher Education Corporation
Under s.124(1) of the Education Reform Act 1988, the university has the power to:
- Provide higher education
- Provide further education
- Carry out research and publish the results of such research
Section 124(2) of the Education Reform Act 1988 permits the university to do anything which appears to the trustees to be necessary or expedient for the purpose of providing higher and further education and research. In addition, there is a general power to do anything incidental to the conduct of an educational institution providing higher or further education, including the giving of prizes, grants and scholarships.
Charitable status
As a Higher Education Corporation, the university is listed as an exempt charity under Schedule 3 of the Charities Act 2011 (HMRC number XN85208). 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 Office for Students (OfS) is responsible for ensuring that those English universities that are exempt charities fulfil their obligations under charity law.
Effectiveness of the governing body
The Higher Education Code of Governance published by the Committee of University Chairs recommends that universities evaluate the effectiveness of their governing bodies not less than every three years. View the findings of 51Âþ»'s most recent review.
University Register of Interests
In accordance with good governance practice, the university maintains a Register of Interests for the Board of Governors, members of the University Leadership Board, and members of the Academic Board.
In addition to the interests declared within the register, members of the board, along with other individuals exercising control or significant influence over the affairs of 51Âþ», are expected to declare as soon as possible after the commencement of each meeting any actual or perceived interests they may have in the items of business on the agenda. An item is included in all agendas for this purpose. Where required, members will take no part in the consideration or discussion of relevant items with which they have an actual or perceived conflict, nor shall they vote on them.
Constitutional documents
The university's primary constitutional documents are its Instrument and Articles of Government. The board also operates in accordance with a Scheme of Delegation and Standing Orders which includes, at Standing Order 4, a Statement of Primary Responsibilities.
Board of Governors’ Equality, Diversity and Inclusion annual report
Each year, the university produces an annual report for the board, which provides governors with updates on key EDI-related work, developments and data. The report for 2023/24 (covering the period October 2023 to October 2024) was considered by the board at its meeting on 28 November 2024.
Board of Governors: Governor Remuneration Policy
As per the powers outlined in the Instrument and Articles of Government, the Board of Governors is authorised to remunerate governor roles. The Governor Remuneration Policy outlines details of governor remuneration as approved by the board in May 2024.
Code of Practice between 51Âþ» and De Montfort Students' Union Limited
Section 22(3) of the Education Act 1994 requires Universities to have a Code of Practice detailing how it will ensure that its Students' Union operates in a fair and democratic manner and is accountable for its finances.
Financial statements
See the university's most recently published statement of annual accounts:
University Leadership Board Members Expenses for Publication
View commentary regarding the Vice-Chancellor’s international engagement, travel, and related expenditure.
View expenses for the academic year 2017/18 for the University Leadership Team.
View expenses for the academic year 2018/19 for the University Leadership Team.
View expenses for the academic year 2019/20 for the University Leadership Team.
View expenses between 1 May and 31 July 2020 for the University Leadership Team.
View expenses between 1 August and 31 October 2020 for the University Leadership Team.
View expenses between 1 November 2020 and 31 January 2021 for the University Leadership Team.
View expenses between 1 February and 30 April 2021 for the University Leadership Team.
View expenses between 1 May and 31 July 2021 for the University Leadership Team.
View expenses between 1 August to 31 October 2021 for the University Leadership Team.
View expenses between 1 November 2021 to 31 January 2022 for the University Leadership Team.
View expenses between 1 February 2022 to 30 April 2022 for the University Leadership Team.
View expenses between 1 May 2022 to 31 July 2022 for the University Leadership Team.
View expenses between 1 August 2022 to 31 October 2022 for the University Leadership Team.
View expenses between 1 November 2022 to 31 January 2023 for the University Leadership Team.
View expenses between 1 February 2023 to 30 April 2023 for the University Leadership Team.
View expenses between 1 May 2023 to 31 July 2023 for the University Leadership Team.
View expenses between 1 August 2023 to 31 October 2023 for the University Leadership Team.
View expenses between 1 Novermber 2023 and 31 January 2024 for the University Leadership Team.
View expenses between 1 February 2024 and 30 April 2024 for the University Leadership Team.
View expenses between 1 May 2024 and 31 July 2024 for the University Leadership Team.
View expenses between 1 August 2024 and 31 October 2024 for the University Leadership Team.
Trade Union Facility Time
Under the Trade Union (Facility Time Publication Requirements) Regulations 2017 the university is required to publish certain information concerning trade union facility time. Information relating to the reporting period 1 April 2023 – 31 March 2024 can be found in this Trade Union Facility Time document.
Slavery and Human Trafficking
Read our Slavery and Human Trafficking statement.
Counter-Extremism
Read our Counter-Extremism strategy.
Whistleblowing Policy
Read our Whistleblowing Policy.
TRAC
The Transparent Approach to Costing (TRAC), formerly known as the Transparency Review is a government initiative introduced following the comprehensive spending review (CSR) in 1998.
Social Media
Read the 51Âþ» Social Media Community Guidelines.
51Âþ»: Access and Participation Plans
To be included on the Office for Students’ (OfS) register of English Higher Education Providers each provider must have an approved Access and Participation Plan. The Plan sets out the fee limits and the access and support measures provided for home/EU undergraduate full-time and part-time students studying at an intensity of at least 25 per cent of a full-time course.
See our 2020-21 to 2024-25 Access and Participation Plan Summary
See our 2020-21 to 2024-25 Access and Participation Plan, approved by the OfS
See our 2019-20 Access and Participation Plan, approved by the OfS
See our 2019-20 Access and Participation Plan Impact Report
See our 2018-19 Access Agreement, approved by the OfS
You can also find a on the archived Office for Fair Access website.
Tuition fees
Correspondence
The contact address for the university is:
51Âþ»
The Gateway
Leicester
LE1 9BH
Queries relating to the charitable status of the university should be addressed, in the first instance, to the Head of Legal Services at the above address.