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Oxford dons to vote on finances Oxford dons back finance reform
(about 9 hours later)
Academics at Oxford University are poised to vote on reforms which would hand financial control to outsiders. Academics at Oxford University have backed reforms which could hand financial control to outsiders.
Vice-chancellor John Hood wants to change the 900-year-old tradition of its self-governing council and bring in external members to oversee finances.Vice-chancellor John Hood wants to change the 900-year-old tradition of its self-governing council and bring in external members to oversee finances.
Opponents say outsiders have no place in running Oxford and are pinning their hopes on an all-or-nothing vote. Academics voted 652 for and 507 against an amendment to a white paper which may lead to a proposed financial board having a majority of external members
Before that, a compromise amendment, enabling a slim majority for internal members, is due to be voted on. Opponents intend to reject wider plans at a second vote later this month.
During the two-hour debate in Sheldonian Theatre, a letter from government funding chiefs was read out calling those voting to back legislation for a "lay majority".
David Eastwood, chief executive of the Higher Education Funding Council for England, wrote: "In our view it is difficult to see how the standards for good governance can be met by any higher education institution without that body having an external majority on its executive governing body."
The university says rapid financial growth demands more control.The university says rapid financial growth demands more control.
Slim majority Fresh challenges
A university spokesman said: "The complex structure of this collegiate university has, in recent years, been matched by rapid growth. A university spokesman said: "Income and expenditure have doubled, research revenues have more than tripled, student numbers have grown by 20% and new departments and institutes have been established.
"Income and expenditure have doubled, research revenues have more than tripled, student numbers have grown by 20% and new departments and institutes have been established.
"This diversity and dynamism has brought with it fresh challenges so Oxford needs the right framework in which to prosper and to maintain its reputation for excellence in all its activities.""This diversity and dynamism has brought with it fresh challenges so Oxford needs the right framework in which to prosper and to maintain its reputation for excellence in all its activities."
There are currently 25 members of the university council - including four lay members - responsible for both academic and financial matters.There are currently 25 members of the university council - including four lay members - responsible for both academic and financial matters.
Dr Hood proposes to replace this with separate academic and financial boards. The financial board would have a slim majority from outside the university.Dr Hood proposes to replace this with separate academic and financial boards. The financial board would have a slim majority from outside the university.
It will do nothing, absolutely nothing to solve Oxford's main current problem which is that it needs more money Nicholas BamforthIt will do nothing, absolutely nothing to solve Oxford's main current problem which is that it needs more money Nicholas Bamforth
His proposal is for the council to be composed of seven external and seven internal members plus a chair - who would be the Chancellor, Lord Patten, for the first five years. His proposal is for the council to be composed of seven external and seven internal members plus a chairman - who would be the Chancellor, Lord Patten, for the first five years.
After that, an existing external member of council becomes chair - their vacancy being filled by another external member. After that, an existing external member of council becomes chairman - the vacancy being filled by another external member.
The amendment would make it possible that the replacement council member would be an internal candidate. The amendment would make it possible that the replacement council member could be an internal candidate.
It proposes that the dons' parliament of 3,500 academics should decide whether the seat would go to an internal or external member. It means the dons' parliament of 3,500 academics would decide whether the seat would go to an internal or external member.
Brought by supporters of Dr Hood, the amendment is not expected to be opposed. Brought by supporters of Dr Hood, the amendment was backed by a majority.
Instead, rebels plan to oppose the whole amended plans when they are brought back before the congregation once more in two weeks' time. Rebels now plan to oppose the whole amended plans when they are brought back before the congregation once more on 28 November.
Control Lack of control
The critics say that even if the extra place were granted to an internal member it would not alter the council substantially in their favour.The critics say that even if the extra place were granted to an internal member it would not alter the council substantially in their favour.
Queen's College law fellow Nicholas Bamforth opposes Dr Hood's plans.Queen's College law fellow Nicholas Bamforth opposes Dr Hood's plans.
"It will do nothing, absolutely nothing, to solve Oxford's main current problem which is that it needs more money," he said."It will do nothing, absolutely nothing, to solve Oxford's main current problem which is that it needs more money," he said.
He said the costs of the proposal outweighed any benefits and what Oxford really needed was for academics to take more control.He said the costs of the proposal outweighed any benefits and what Oxford really needed was for academics to take more control.
But Professor John Kay, who resigned as director of the university's business school six years ago said Oxford needed urgent changes to be made to the way it is run.But Professor John Kay, who resigned as director of the university's business school six years ago said Oxford needed urgent changes to be made to the way it is run.
"What it doesn't have is professional management in a number of areas in which it needs it," he said."What it doesn't have is professional management in a number of areas in which it needs it," he said.
"For example, financial control has been missing for years - the new vice-chancellor has taken quite a lot of action to rectify that and quite a lot more needs to be taken.""For example, financial control has been missing for years - the new vice-chancellor has taken quite a lot of action to rectify that and quite a lot more needs to be taken."