Your questions answered: Conference of Colleges
You asked us to help you gain a better understanding of the role of the Conference of Colleges. Charlotte Smith, Director of the Conference of Colleges Secretariat, offers valuable insights into how it functions
What is the primary function of the Conference of Colleges?
The Conference of Colleges (Conference) is a forum for the 39 colleges and 4 permanent private halls of the University of Oxford. It enables the colleges, as self-governing and financially independent institutions, to act collectively on issues that matter to them.
What are the key goals and objectives?
As well as enabling colleges to act collectively on issues that matter to them, Conference acts as a voice for college interests within the University community. As part of it, colleges can debate and act upon the key issues of the day. Shared views and policies are developed and decisions are made.
How does it integrate into the overall University structure?
In Oxford’s collegiate University system, Conference provides a forum for the colleges to come together and collaborate, and its committees also form part of the collegiate University’s governance.
How is Conference structured?
- Conference operates through a series of committees, supported by a Secretariat. Details of Conference officers, chairs of the main committees and the Secretariat can be found on the Conference of Colleges website.
- Conference itself meets twice a term, attended by Heads of House or a member of the college’s Governing Body. It is supported by a Steering Committee which meets three times a term.
- There are five main committees: Admissions Committee, Senior Tutors’ Committee, Graduate Committee, Estates Bursars’ Committee and Domestic Bursars’ Committee.
- There are also several advisory panels and groups, including the Legal Panel, Development Panel, ICT Steering Committee and Information Security Advisory Group.
- The Monitoring and Moderation Board advises Conference on the operation of the Collegiate Funding Formula.
- The Welfare Forum, Equality & Diversity Forum and Sustainability Forum provide the space for good practice to be shared between colleges.
- The Steering Committee and the other Conference committees may be supported by permanent or ad hoc working groups to address particular issues as required.
How does Conference work together in major incidents, such as the COVID-19 pandemic?
During major incidents such as the pandemic collaboration is even more valuable, especially to colleges dealing not only with policy issues but also deeply practical matters affecting their operations. The Conference of Colleges facilitates that close collaboration and the sharing of good practice.
How does Conference collaborate on matters that affect students across all colleges, such as wellbeing?
Through its committees, especially academic committees, Conference is very focused on student matters and ensuring students can learn and thrive. For example, it was instrumental in the development of the Common Approach to Student Mental Health, now overseen by the Joint Student Mental Health Committee. There are many other areas where Conference is collaborating to ensure students have an excellent experience whilst at Oxford.
What can others do to help Conference work more effectively?
Communicate with the Secretariat early and often! Allow time for consultation in individual colleges and within Conference. Academic and professional staff in colleges have extensive experience and useful perspectives, so build in time to gather that input and make collaboration possible. Many of the challenges the collegiate University faces are shared problems, so they need shared solutions. You can contact us by emailing confcoll@admin.ox.ac.uk.
What upcoming initiatives or events should we look forward to in the next few months?
Conference has some very busy months coming up: there are so many topical issues, as well as regulatory and compliance developments. The timetable of Conference committee meetings can be found here.
Is there anything about Conference that might surprise people?
The vast array of expertise and skills in Conference is inspiring and broader than you might think – just take a look at the experience of the Chairs of Conference committees, panels and fora.
The other thing that many people may not know is that Conference of Colleges was established in the 1960s as part of the Franks Commission, to represent college interests. The commission, headed by Sir Oliver Franks, was established to investigate the shifts in relationship between the university and the colleges, between research and teaching, and between private and public funding.
Further information
