Governance
On this page
Structure and processes for decision making and accountability at the College.
Charter, Statutes and Ordinances
The main constitutional documents of the RCA are the
Download the previous RCA Charter, Statutes and Ordinances (2017) and RCA Charter, Statues and Ordinances (2007).
Regulations
The Royal College of Art Regulations contain useful information about many aspects of College life.
Download the Regulations in PDF format: RCA Regulations 2022/23
If you have any queries about the Regulations, please contact [email protected]
The Council
The Council is the governing body of the College responsible for all matters concerning property and finance, administrative policy, overall strategy and any issues affecting the general welfare of the College.
All the most senior appointments within the College are ultimately made by the Council; Chancellor, Chair of Council, the Vice-Chancellor and Deputy-Vice-Chancellor and Provost.
The Senate
The Senate exercises full responsibility over the academic work of the College and, subject to the powers reserved to the Council by the Statutes, takes measures and acts to promote the academic work of the College both in teaching and research, and for the regulation and superintendence of the education, welfare and discipline of the students.
The Senate agrees the appointment of external examiners, new academic developments, syllabi and student numbers and revisions to the Regulations. It approves the final examination results and awards the degrees. The membership includes Deans of School and representatives of the staff and students. The Senate normally meets three times a year.
The Vice-Chancellor's Office
The Vice-Chancellor is, as stated in the College's Charter, the principal academic and administrative officer of the College – in other words, its Chief Executive Officer.
Vice-Chancellor: Dr Paul Thompson
Interim EA to the Vice-Chancellor: Eve Matthews
The Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Provost directs the academic side of the College, particularly quality and standards in teaching and learning.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Provost: Professor Naren Barfield
EA to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Kerry Stahly
Chief Operating Officer: Heather Akif
Directors and Deans
Chief Financial Officer: Amanda White
Director of Human Resources: Karen Ingram
Interim Director of Estates & Campus Operations: Paul Draper
Director of Research & Innovation: Dr Emma Wakelin
CIO and Director of Digital and Technical Services: Jacqui Lipinski
Director of Development & Alumni Relations: Helen Protheroe
Director of Communication & Marketing: Lorna Gozzard
Director of Academic Development: Corinne Smith
Dean, School of Architecture: Dr Adrian Lahoud
Dean, School of Communication: Kerry Curtis
Dean, School of Design: Professor Paul Anderson
Dean, School of Arts & Humanities: Professor Ken Neil
Staff
Committees
Academic Standards Committee
This Committee develops and oversees quality assurance policies and procedures, reviews the quality of academic programmes and ensures that academic standards are managed and maintained.
Academic Board for Concessions and Discipline (ABCD)
This committee gives reassurance to the Senate that all students admitted to the College are admitted in accordance with the Admissions Policy, and that all students who are awarded an RCA degree have met the required standards for such an award.
Audit & Risk Committee
This Committee ensures Council gains the assurance they need on governance, risk management and the integrity of the financial statements, as well as other elements of the Annual Report and Accounts.
Honours Committee
The Honours Committee is a joint committee of Council and Senate and makes recommendations to Senate and Council for the conferral of Honorary Degrees
Investment Committee
Investment Committee is a sub-Committee of Planning & Resources Committee
Nominations Committee
The nomination committee examines the skills and characteristics needed on Council and makes recommendations for its membership.
Planning & Resources Committee
The Committee’s remit encompasses oversight of the planning, funding and financial performance of all the College’s resources, including its funds and investments, staffing, estate and intellectual property.
Remuneration Committee
This committee determines fair and appropriate pay for Senior officers of College staff in accordance with the Higher Education Senior Staff Remuneration Code, the requirements of charity law, and the principles of fairness, independence and transparency.
