The Division's mission Statement
The Division of the University Secretary (DUS) is responsible for advising the University on Legal, Regulatory & Institutional Compliance, Governance, Internal Audit, Risk & Resilience, and Research Integrity matters. We use our expertise to find risk-based solutions that are pragmatic and effective in supporting the University to achieve its strategic and operational objectives. We work with colleagues across the University to provide assurance to the Executive (UMB) and Council that the University is complying with its legal, regulatory and compliance obligations.
The DUS comprises the following teams and functions:
The Higher Education sector is highly regulated, not only in terms of focused sector regulation by the Office for Students, but also in terms of the many laws and regulations that apply to our day-to-day charitable, business and academic functions. The Legal & Regulatory Affairs team in DUS works with colleagues across Faculties and Professional Services to advise and support the University on compliance with all legal obligations and to identify the best ways of implementing strategic objectives, ensuring proportionate and cost-effective solutions that are legally robust.
As a charity and regulated institution the University must adhere to high standards of governance and decision-making. The University Governance team supports Council and UMB, together with their various committees, to ensure the highest standards of oversight, leadership and management of the University can be maintained. This includes maintaining a programme of work that supports scrutiny of our processes and activities to ensure transparency, integrity and accountability across the University’s areas of operations, maintaining the University’s reputation and building trust with staff, students, stakeholders and regulators.
As a complex organisation with a highly valuable global brand, the University is supported in the identification and mitigation of its principal risks by DUS. The Risk & Resilience team works with colleagues to identify, assess, and mitigate these key institutional risks. In turn, the University’s risk profile is used to direct internal audit investigations; the Institutional Compliance team works with our auditors to ensure key areas receive constructive analysis and support. This proactive approach to risk management and internal audit helps to protect the University from potential legal disputes, financial losses and reputational damage. It also helps the University to focus resources and oversight on the principal risks, supporting the good governance of the University.
Imperial is one of the most highly regarded academic institutions in the world, so it is very important that our research output meets the highest standards of quality and integrity in order to maintain our reputation, attract the very best academics and students, and provide research funders, partners, donors and the public with confidence in our research. To support these goals DUS ensures that any allegations of research misconduct are appropriately investigated and reported upon, that legal and professional requirements are met, and that any areas for improvement that are identified are addressed.