Governance

The College is a self-governing educational charity incorporated by Royal Charter whose core purpose is research and education.

The Governing Body of Somerville College comprises the Principal and Fellows. It is constituted and regulated in accordance with the College Statutes and By-Laws. The Governing Body has responsibility for the directions and management of the affairs of the College. Decisions are made in the context of intercollegiate policy decisions agreed amongst the Conference of Colleges, and the overall structure and governance of the University.

Our Responsibilities

The Governing Body is responsible for the ongoing strategic direction of the College, for its administration and for the management of its finances and assets. It meets regularly with the Principal in the chair and is advised by a range of Committees, which include the Education, Finance and the Standing Committees.

Our Values

The Somerville Fellowship is a liberal, progressive and inclusive Governing Body where the search for excellence, in the context of diversity and access, is at the core of all decision-making. The College remains true to its founding principles. The Fellowship governs by consensus; meetings are courteous and constructive. The values of the College resonate deeply with all members and are reflected in the engagement style of the Governing Body.

College Officers

The day to day running of the College is overseen by the College Officers, with involvement from the Principal.

The Treasurer and Domestic Bursar, Andrew Parker, has responsibility for finances, investment, HR, estates and maintenance, capital projects, health and safety, the lodge, house-keeping, bursary, the gardeners, catering and conferencing.

The Senior Tutor, Steve Rayner, coordinates the provision of tuition and the employment of tutors. He also has oversight of inter-collegiate admissions as well as welfare and discipline.

Sarah Butler manages the College’s excellent and extensive library and the College’s IT services.

The Development Director, Sara Kalim, is responsible for developing strategies for attracting donations and legacies, and for working with the Development Board and other benefactors to secure the financial stability of Somerville’s future.