Anglican Foundation

The Anglican Foundation of the University of Gloucestershire evolved from the Foundation of the former Colleges of St Mary and St Paul, two of the institutions which came together to create the University.

Until September 2011, the Foundation played a significant role in the governance of the University. Primarily, it acted in the capacity of an electoral college for Foundation Members of the University Council. The Foundation had a secondary, but no less important role, that of giving prayer and spiritual support to the staff and students and taking an active interest in the mission and life of the University.

Following a review of governance by the University in 2010/11, it was agreed that Council should be responsible for appointing all its external members. On the approval of the University's revised Articles of Association in September 2011, Council no longer comprises members from 4 different constituencies but now has 14 external and 4 internal members. Foundation Fellows are still eligible to apply to Council to become one of its external members.

The Foundation formally meets once a year for its AGM at the University. This provides an opportunity for discussion, to meet staff and to hear at first hand about developments in the University. There are other informal meetings for prayer and participation during the year.

The Foundation is served by the Fellows Standing Committee, and is led by its President and officers who are elected by the Fellows at their AGM.  The current membership of the Fellows Standing Committee is Rev Canon Malcolm Herbert, President; Canon Nigel Chetwood, Secretary; Mr Les Reilly, Treasurer; Ms Jill Farrow, Prayer Coordinator; Mr Andrew Axon, Mr Ian Davies and Ms Hannah Cooke.

During 2011/12, the Comittee is reviewing the role of the Foundation following the changes to the University's governance arrangements, to ensure that Fellows can continue to support the University as one of its most important stakeholders. It is important that the Foundation maintains a full and vibrant membership. Members, usually called ‘Fellows’, are drawn both from the clergy and the laity. There are up to 100 of each. Currently there are a number of vacancies for both clergy and lay.

Members are:

• Committed and active Christians who have some form of leadership experience in their professional life and their local or the national Church;
• Committed to the values of an Evangelical Anglican Foundation for the University;
• Committed to working out their Christian commitment in society;
• Committed to working with others, valuing the development of strong networks;
• Committed to the principle of a relevant Christian contribution to Public Higher Education;
• Concerned to see the outworking of Christian beliefs and values in Higher Education institutions;
• Concerned that the University of Gloucestershire continues to develop as an inclusive and diverse community, which values every person and seeks to help them develop their full potential.

Member of the Foundation commit to being:

• Able to attend the Annual General Meeting;
• Willing to support the University in prayer;
• Willing to use your skills and networks in the service of the Foundation and University as and when appropriate.

If you are interested in become a member of the Christian Foundation please complete an application form and return it by the date given on the form.

Informal enquiries about the Foundation should be addressed to:

Steph Wyatt
Administrator (Council Support)
University of Gloucestershire
FW206 Fullwood House
The Park
Cheltenham
Gloucestershire
GL50 2RH

or by email: swyatt2@glos.ac.uk