Statute 17 Replaces Statute 25 as Bath University Reforms Staff Employment Framework

University of Bath Modernises Constitutional Documents in Sector-Aligned Reform

In a move that reflects the shifting landscape of higher education governance, the University of Bath UK, has implemented a revised set of Statutes, formally approved by the Privy Council and effective from 1 September 2025. This development marks a significant milestone in the university’s broader governance framework review—an initiative aimed at modernising and simplifying its constitutional documents to ensure greater clarity, operational coherence, and alignment with contemporary sector standards.

According to the University of Bath, the revised Statutes are now shorter, more accessible, and provide a clear constitutional foundation for institutional governance. More detailed operational provisions have been relocated to Ordinances or institutional policies, allowing for greater flexibility and responsiveness to evolving academic and administrative needs. This approach reflects broader sector trends, including guidance from the Committee of University Chairs (CUC) and regulatory expectations set out by the Office for Students.

A key change within the new framework is the replacement of Statute 25—which previously governed employment provisions for academic staff—with Statute 17, which now sets out overarching principles applicable to all staff groups. Among these principles is the continued protection of academic freedom, a cornerstone of UK higher education. The university confirmed that relevant employment provisions have been transferred to updated HR policies and procedures, which now apply consistently across academic and professional services staff. These changes were developed in consultation with staff representatives and reflect best practice in employment law, equality, and institutional transparency.

Officials further indicated that several Ordinances had been revised to clarify the powers and operations of the Senate and Boards of Studies, as well as procedures for the appointment of senior staff. These updates reinforce the Senate’s strategic role in academic planning, curriculum development, and research oversight. In addition, provisions relating to intellectual property have been moved from Ordinance into policy, enabling more agile responses to innovation and external partnerships. The Ordinance now sets out guiding principles for IP governance, in line with frameworks such as the Lambert Toolkit and UKRI commercialisation guidance.

The university emphasised its commitment to transparency and public engagement, noting that the revised Statutes and Ordinances are publicly available for consultation via its governance portal. Queries regarding governance documentation may be directed to the university’s governance office, while questions relating to human resources should be addressed to Richard Brooks, Director of Human Resources. As one of the UK’s leading senior universities, the University of Bath stated that these reforms reinforce its commitment to robust governance, consistency in employment frameworks, and institutional integrity. The changes also support Bath’s strategic priorities in academic excellence, operational efficiency, and global reputation. For prospective students considering opportunities to apply now to the University of Bath, UK, the updated governance framework signals a forward-looking institution that values clarity, fairness, and excellence in all aspects of university life. The University of Bath’s governance reforms reflect a sector-wide shift towards principle-based leadership and transparent institutional practice.

Editor’s Note

The University of Bath’s revised Statutes mark more than just a procedural update; they represent a meaningful shift in how modern universities approach governance, transparency, and institutional accountability. By simplifying its constitutional documents and relocating operational details to more flexible policies, Bath is aligning itself with a growing sector-wide movement towards clarity and responsiveness in higher education leadership. One of the most notable changes is the replacement of Statute 25 with Statute 17, which now applies to all staff and reinforces the protection of academic freedom. This move not only reflects legal and ethical best practice but also signals a commitment to fairness and consistency across employment frameworks. The fact that these changes were developed in consultation with staff is encouraging, it shows that governance reform can be inclusive and collaborative. Equally important are the updates to the university’s Ordinances, which clarify the role of the Senate and Boards of Studies and reposition intellectual property governance in a more agile, policy-led format. These adjustments suggest that Bath is thinking ahead, preparing its academic structures to better support innovation, research partnerships, and strategic decision-making. For prospective students and staff, these reforms send a clear message: the University of Bath is serious about good governance. It values transparency, protects academic principles, and is building a framework that supports both excellence and equity. 

Skoobuzz views that, in an era where institutional trust is paramount, the University of Bath’s governance reforms present a model worth watching.