Voluntary Codes for Australian Universities
One of the ways we support our member universities in the delivery of best practice governance, is through the framework provided within the UCC voluntary codes.
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Voluntary Codes
The UCC’s voluntary codes have been developed and refined by the University Chancellors Council, in collaborative efforts between the UCC and the broader sector community. The UCC Convenor and UCC Executive Committee are at the centre of this work, alongside experts in law and higher education, university teams, and public sector officials. The UCC voluntary codes are a means to support universities to improve and standardise their governance practices.
UCC Codes
Code of Governance Principles and Practice for Australia’s Public Universities
The Code of Governance Principles and Practice is provided for university governing bodies to utilise in the discharge of their function and responsibility. This code was amended in December 2024 to align with best practice for governance in Australia and the Australian Universities Accord. This is the primary code recommended by the UCC for adoption in university reporting.
The Code must be read in conjunction with the laws and legislation enacted by the State, Territory, and Commonwealth jurisdictions which effect the governance of Australian Universities.
Code of Executive Remuneration Principles and Practice for Australia’s Public Universities
The Code of Executive Remuneration Principles and Practice is provided for university governing bodies to utilise in the discharge of their function and responsibility in setting Vice-Chancellor and Senior Executive Salaries.
The Code of Executive Remuneration is designed to support the Code of Governance Principles and Practice (December 2024). The Code must be read in conjunction with the laws and legislation enacted by the State, Territory, and Commonwealth jurisdictions which effect the governance of Australian Universities.
The Code of Executive Remuneration seeks to ensure that the sector is able to attract high caliber leadership and maintain community expectations and public trust.
Additional Codes
Additional voluntary codes for Australian universities. Additional codes are scheduled for review in 2025.
Model Code for Protection of Freedom of Speech and Academic Freedom (2019)
The Model Code for Protection of Freedom of Speech (July 2019) and it’s accompanied Recommended Draft Statement for Annual Reports on Freedom of Speech and Academic Freedom.
