NOCS Governance
The formal basis for the existence and operation of NOCS is laid out in a formal 'Agreement' between the Natural Environment Research Council and the University of Southampton. The current Agreement sets out the Governance arrangements for the Centre, the respective ownership of various aspects of the mission and facilities and the policies and procedures under which NOCS operates.
The Agreement and its implementation are overseen by joint 'meetings of the Parties'. These meetings, held biannually between the Chief Executive NERC, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Southampton, and the Centre Director (link to Director's page), provide the top level decision making Committee in respect of the Centre's governance. Their collective decisions are binding on the Centre.
The Executive Board
The NOCS Executive Board is the key decision making body within the Centre, responsible for its day to day operation. It supports the Director in all aspects of his responsibilities in respect of the Centre within the limits set by his delegation from the Parties and any constraints placed upon the Centre by the Agreement.
Specifically the business of the Executive Board includes
- Monitoring the overall financial picture of the Centre as a whole
- Monitoring and managing the overall risk exposure of the Centre
- Receiving reports at appropriate intervals from the Board's three standing committees (ICT, H&S, )
- Receiving proposals for, initiating and sponsoring significant Centre-wide development projects
The Advisory Council
The Advisory Council is NOCS' top level external body with a remit to:
- Contribute to the development of the overall joint strategy for the Centre, including advising on the development of published strategy documents;
- Provide a voice for stakeholders on the strategic direction of the Centre;
- Provide advice and strategic guidance to the Director;
- Provide particular focus on areas where the Centre's "added value" potential may be realised or enhanced;
- Monitor and advise on the national leadership, coordination and facilitation remit of the Centre;
- Support, receive reports from, and advise on the response to, the Marine Facilities Review Group, comprising key users and experts on the national services and facilities delivered through the Centre and ensure that the National Marine Facilities are delivered in an impartial way.
