ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on the role of the University Secretary and provides a shared language to enable the discussion of the particular role of the Secretary in context. The Chair and other members of the governing body rely on the Secretary to ensure they have the information and time needed in order to function effectively. The role of the Secretary varies significantly according to the peculiarities of each higher education institution, the national characteristics of the law and by the institutions own governing instruments. The Secretary should know or have independent access to advice on the applicable national higher education law, have a working understanding of the institutional governing instruments, procedures and protocols that apply in their sphere of operation. In the UK government, senior politicians have the title Secretary of State, and the most senior civil servants are titled Permanent Secretary or Private Secretary.
