External Reporting

The annual calendar of external reporting gives a central overview and monitors the external reporting that the University is required to complete.  It is intended to help ensure that returns are completed accurately, correctly, in a timely manner, are appropriately authorised and subject to review.

Risk

Each return on the annual calendar of external reporting has been risk assessed in conjunction with the current report compiler as to how it would impact on the delivery of the University’s strategic objectives and the likelihood of this occurring.  The risk assessment takes into account financial, legal and reputational implications. 

Risk Assessment and Responsibility Guide

Key

High

Significant risk of legal, financial and/or reputational exposure facing the University should the return not be submitted accurately or timely.  The designated signatory for the return is at Vice-Chancellor, Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Provost or Secretary and Registrar level.  This may include other specified signatories also, such as Council.

Medium

Moderate risk of a mix of legal, financial, or reputational exposure facing the University should the return not be submitted accurately or timely.  The designated signatory for the return is at least at University Executive Committee level. 

Low

Some risk of either legal, or financial, or reputational exposure facing the University should the return not be submitted accurately or timely.  The designated signatory for the return is at least a Head of School, or section within a Directorate. 

Retention

All Schools / Departments should keep a copy of the return when signed and submitted and inform Planning and Academic Administration when the return was submitted and by whom, however, the following should also be followed;

  • High and Medium - Planning and Academic Administration should hold a copy of the return
  • Low - School / Research Institute / Directorate only to hold a copy of the return

The return documentation should be retained for five years unless otherwise stated in the return requirements.

Ownership

All Schools / Research Institutes / Directorates are responsible for their own returns and ensuring that Planning and Academic Administration are kept informed of when returns are completed and submitted and with regard to any changes required to the annual calendar of external reporting.  Planning and Academic Administration will make periodic checks to ensure that Schools / Research Institutes / Directorates have adhered to all return deadlines, data compliance and correct sign off. 

Review

This paper and the External Reporting Calendar will be regularly updated as and when changes arise as dictated by the relevant Schools / Research Institutes / Directorates then annually by Planning and Academic Administration to ensure the information is complete and relevant.  The University’s annual internal audit programme will include a key external data reports each year to provide further assurance to the Senior Management Team and Council.

Contact

Mrs Maria Nield, Governance and Audit Officer on 01782 734633 or email m.nield@vco.keele.ac.uk

Link

Please select the following link to download a copy of the current Annual Calendar of External Reporting;

Annual Calender of External Reporting‌ (pdf)

 

Approved by Finance & Resources Strategy Sub-Committee on 22 February 2011