‘Demystifying Council’ – meet Council member James Magee

What is your role on Council?

I am the Professional Services member of the University Council. I represent and advocate for colleagues in Professional Services colleagues across the 18 Functions. I believe my role is to make Council members aware that Professional Services are an equally important and valued group within the University community. I also attend the Appointments and Governance Sub-Committee which focusses on governance processes and overseeing senior Academic, Executive and Council recruitment processes.

What is a good thing about being a member of the University Council?

Being able to put forward questions and points that I believe colleagues in Professional Services would want clarification upon or would ask themselves if they had the opportunity. Listening to the range of diverse opinions and views in Council meetings often brings me new insights into a situation that I hadn’t considered before. Being around people who give of their own time freely, who want to see the University succeed, is genuinely a wonderful experience.

What is challenging about being a member of the University Council?

Members of University Council need to make the personal commitment to get immersed in the University of Reading. Only by reading and understanding the detail of the situation can pertinent questions be posed. Through necessity, members of University Council only have a few minutes to make their points; without sufficient preparation, impact and time can be lost. Finding a good balance of investing time in preparation but not getting stuck in detail is a challenge.

What are you passionate about regarding the Council?

In a nutshell: Demystifying Council. I’m passionate about any piece of work or activity where the opportunity exists for colleagues to learn and understand what Council does and importantly how the direction and decisions taken at Council can impact the day-to-day experiences of students and staff. I believe the stronger the link between the governing body and the wider University community, the better the outcomes will be for everyone.

What has been your single biggest learning during your time as a Council member?

I have a much greater appreciation for just how vast and complex the University, as an entity, really is. On top of teaching and research, the University is tremendously outward facing and engages with a range of people and activities, both from a business and social responsibility perspective. That degree of complexity is pulled together by a committed group of talented people; the way in which all of that comes together has been my single biggest learning.

As a member of staff, why would you recommend standing for election?

There are so many reasons why I would recommend standing for election and I would be happy to share them with anyone who is even considering it. The single most powerful reason to stand is: because someone needs to do it. It is not easy to put yourself out there but if you can remember that you’re not doing it for you, you’re doing it for others, it’s much easier.

The University Council concerns itself with our most fundamental issues and problems - the existence of an enterprise that betters the lives of the students who attend it, the staff who love working here and the community around us. It is a fulfilling role where you have the genuine opportunity to make a valued contribution for others. Why wouldn’t you stand for election?

About University Council

Council is the ultimate governing body of our University and ensures that our institution is properly governed and meets all of its legal and regulatory requirements. Amongst its tasks is monitoring the University Strategy, as well as appointing the Vice-Chancellor and the University Executive Board.  

Council is made up of 27 members in total, including 15 members external to the University known as lay members.  

For more information about University Council

• Council webpage
• All-staff briefing: a conversation with Council members (Wednesday 1 December)
• Meet University Council: Dr Paul Preston