Board of Trustees

The Board of Trustees is the governing body of St Augustine’s College of Theology. The board is ultimately responsible for everything that happens at the college and for meeting its statutory purpose.

The board does not manage the day-to-day running of the college; rather, its job is to ensure the college is managed in the way it wishes it to be. They are responsible for agreeing policies, procedures and the overall strategy and then holding the principal and staff to account for their delivery.

Key facts about our Board of Trustees:

  • There is a minimum of six trustees on the board and they come from a variety of backgrounds, from education to ministry.

  • Trustees (except for the principal who is a trustee ex-officio) are appointed by the members of the charitable company.

  • The members are appointed by the core dioceses and the General Synod.

  • Trustees are appointed for a term of three years but are eligible to re-stand.
  • The Board of Trustees normally meets six times a year.

Council of Reference

The Council of Reference provides strategic advice for the on-going policies of St Augustine’s College of Theology. Key responsibilities of the Council of Reference include:

  • reviewing and advising on the business plans and financial performance of the college
  • advising the members of any serious matters requiring their attention
  • acting as a clear (but not sole) link between the college and its stakeholders
  • receiving, discussing and providing recommendations on reports from the trustees.

The Council of Reference does not take on any of the powers, rights or duties of the members or trustees.

Appointment of individuals to the Council of Reference is managed in the following ways:

  • Two individuals may be appointed to the Council of Reference by each of Canterbury, Chichester, Rochester and Southwark Dioceses (appointed by the bishop).
  • General Synod will be invited to appoint one additional individual.
  • The articles provide that two other universities or colleges may each appoint one individual to the Council of Reference (only if the institutions are approved by the trustees to ensure there is strong experience of higher education on this body).
  • The staff of the college will elect one individual.
  • The student body will elect two individuals.

Any diocese or denomination that subsequently becomes entitled to appoint a member of the company will also be entitled to appoint one individual to the Council of Reference.

Useful links for the Council of Reference

Upcoming and past Meetings / AGMs for the Council of Reference

  • Tuesday 22 November 2022 (11am – 2pm), West Malling, Gundulf
  • Dates 2024 tbc