34. Off-site collaborative provision

34.1. Any contract or arrangement whereby the University provides education to students away from University premises, or with the assistance of persons other than the University’s own staff or with independent contractors (partner organisations), must be subject to the following procedure:

• There shall be a contract signed by the Registrar and Deputy Chief Executive and on behalf of any partner organisation that shall comply at least with the funding body model contract (as amended from time to time) in place before any provision is made. Contracts for significant changes in franchising activity shall be approved in advance by Council.
• The form of the contract shall be scrutinised in advance of its operation by the Audit Committee and approved by Council.
• The impact of the contract(s) shall be subject to scrutiny by Council. The format for regular reports shall be as stated in funding body guidance. They shall consider the risk factors associated with the proposed partnership and agree an appropriate entry in the University’s financial forecast.

34.2. Where the partnership would represent a significant departure from the University’s strategic plan, Council shall approve the departure, and the Vice Chancellor shall seek the views of and inform the funding body.