New guide for governors

Recent rows over university management have informed a new guide for governors published this week.

The guide, produced by the Committee of University Chairmen, makes key changes to the last guide, published three years ago. It takes account of the Nolan committee's report on standards in public life, the Dearing report and subsequent government response, and several reports by the National Audit Office into individual institutions.

The main points include: * universities should have clear procedures for dealing with whistleblowers and student complaints * governing bodies should observe the Nolan committee's seven principles of public life * decisions should be delegated only with a clear remit * governing bodies should regularly report on their own effectiveness and on their institutions' performance in an annual report.