1Position of senior lay member
(1)The governing body of a higher education institution is to include the position of senior lay member (however the institution chooses to name the position).
(2)The senior lay member of the governing body of a higher education institution has—
(a)the duty to preside at meetings of the governing body,
(b)a deliberative and a casting vote at such meetings,
(c)responsibility for—
(i)the leadership and effectiveness of the governing body,
(ii)ensuring that there is an appropriate balance of authority between the governing body and the principal of the institution.
(3)Another member of the governing body of a higher education institution may be selected by the governing body to exercise any of the functions mentioned in subsection (2) in the absence of the senior lay member or while the position is vacant.
(4)Subsections (2) and (3) are subject to section 2.