The ceremonial officers of the University (the Chancellor and Pro-Chancellors) and the Treasurer are nominated by Council for approval by Court.
Council is also ultimately responsible for the legal and financial affairs of the University and is, for example, the formal employer of all staff.
It meets usually 6 times per year, and is advised by a large number of Committees, some jointly formed with Senate.
It is responsible to Council for overseeing teaching, examinations and research and no new academic award may be created without Senate's approval.
Recommendations for honorary degrees and professorships are made to Council by Senate and advice is given regarding the appointment or removal of the Vice-Chancellor, Pro-Vice-Chancellors and academic staff.
Note that Senate has no influence over the Charter or Statutes, including the academic elements of them, since that power rests solely with Council.
Being the ultimate academic authority in the University, Senate oversees the Faculties, Schools and Departments and may make recommendations to Council regarding their composition and structure.
Convocation has a large number of members: the Chancellor, Pro-Chancellors, Vice-Chancellor, Pro-Vice-Chancellors, honorary fellows, members of Senate, academic staff, University officers, graduates, honorary graduates and such other former students as Convocation determines, currently those who have received academic awards requiring at least nine months of full-time study or an equivalent period of part-time study.
Like the other bodies, it may express an opinion on any matter relating to the University and it may communicate directly with Court, Council and Senate.
Bristol is headed formally by the Chancellor and led on a day-to-day basis by the Vice-Chancellor, currently Professor Evelyn Welch.
The Chancellor may hold office for up to ten years and the Pro-Chancellors for up to three, unless the University Court determines otherwise,[3][4] but the Vice-Chancellor and Pro-Vice-Chancellors have no term limits.