Voluntary Codes for Australian Universities
Voluntary Codes
The UCC aims to support our member universities in the delivery of best practice for governance, which is why we’ve worked to develop a set of voluntary codes to support Australian Universities in their governance practices.
These codes have been developed by the University Chancellors Council, in collaborative efforts between the UCC Convenor, UCC Executive Committee, Experts in Law, University Secretaries and Governance Officers, and leaders in the areas relevant to the codes.
The UCC utilises voluntary codes as a means to support member universities in improving their practices, standardising their governance, and supporting their reporting on regulatory requirements.
UCC Codes
Code of Governance Principles and Practice for Australia’s Public Universities
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.
Code of Executive Remuneration Principles and Practice for Australia’s Public Universities
The Code of Executive Remuneration was initiated in August 2021 and amended in April 2025. This code is reflective of best practice in setting Senior Executive Remuneration and should be utilised alongside the Code of Governance Principles.
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.
