As part of its public information policy, Solent is committed to providing easily accessible information. As part of this, the University meets its legal requirements in regard to the Freedom of Information Act (2000) by publishing the following information.
1. What we are and what we do
1.1 Legal framework
The statutes and legislation conferring corporate status of some HE ‘corporations’ is also publicly available: see the Education Reform Act 1988, the Further and Higher Education Act 1992, the Teaching and Higher Education Act 1998, and the Higher Education and Research Act 2017, available at legislation.gov.uk.
The statutes and legislation conferring corporate status of some HE ‘corporations’ is also publicly available: see the Education Reform Act 1988, the Further and Higher Education Act 1992 and the Teaching and Higher Education Act 1998, available at the Office of Public Sector Information.
Legal framework information relates to how Solent University was established and its standing from the point of view of the law. Details of our framework of governance can be found in the Governors’ handbook
The University’s principal officers consist of the Chancellor, the Chairman of the Board of Governors, the Vice-Chancellor, and the Chief Financial and Operating Officer.
1.2 How Solent University is organised
Solent University is organised into schools and services – view our university structure page for more detail.
1.3 Location and contact details
This information can be found on our find us and contact us pages.
1.4 Related organisations
The University's financial statement identifies organisations that the University has responsibility for and/or works in partnership with, and companies which are wholly owned by the University. Please contact us for a list of organisations sponsored in recent years.
1.5 Student activities
The University provides student activities through its sports clubs, Students' Union and library.
1.6 Student Protection Plan
Solent University and Solent Students’ Union have worked together on the Student Protect Plan, approved by the Office for Students (OfS). The plan outlines how our students are protected should there be any risks to the continuation of study or any changes made to our courses and how students will be informed.
2. What we spend and how we spend it
2.1 Budgetary and account information
The University’s financial statements provide budgetary and account information.
2.2 Financial audit reports
The University’s financial audit reports are also included in the annual financial statements.
2.3 Capital programme
To support ongoing development of its core business, the University actively invests in its estate and digital infrastructure. Capital investment is planned through a rolling five‑year forecast to support effective financial planning, ensure affordability and confirm alignment with the University’s strategic objectives.
All capital investment proposals are developed through a detailed business case process. Each proposal is assessed for strategic alignment, affordability, value for money and deliverability, ensuring that investment decisions support the University’s long‑term priorities and academic mission.
Decision‑making for capital investment is overseen by the Capital Investment Development Committee, which brings together representatives from across the institution, including the Vice‑Chancellor’s Group, finance, academic departments and the strategic change and projects team. Proposals involving larger levels of expenditure are additionally reviewed by the University’s Finance and Resources Committee and Board, which also provides oversight of delivery against approved capital investment plans.
Capital investment is funded from a combination of sources, including University resources and external capital grants secured through competitive bid processes. During the 2024/2025 financial year, total capital investment amounted to £13.1m, of which £6.2m was funded through capital grants.
Investment during 2024/2025 focused predominantly on improving the student experience, with £9.9m directed toward student‑centred projects. The majority of this expenditure was linked directly to learning and teaching.
Major capital projects delivered during this period have included the start of the implementation of a new finance and resources system and the development of the Smart Centre for Maritime, Engineering and Technology Skills, now home to the South Coast Institute of Technology, and partially funded through a capital grant from the Department for Education.
2.4 Financial regulations and procedures
The University’s financial regulations and procedures provide information on financial framework, principles, procedures, regulations and instructions. They are available on request from information.rights@solent.ac.uk
2.5 Staff pay and grading structures
The University’s staff expenditure for each year is displayed within the annual financial statement. The University’s grading structure consists of 10 grades, with 51 spinal points.
2.6 Register of suppliers
Solent University’s register of suppliers provides a list of suppliers who currently hold contracts with the University.
2.7 Procurement and tender procedures and reports
Solent University’s procurement and tender procedures provide pricing guidelines for the University.
Procurement, tender procedures and reports for Solent University
Goods, works, or services should be purchased ensuring value for money, at the right price, right specification and right time, whilst complying with European Union procurement guidelines.
Pricing guidelines are as follows:
- Purchase of works, goods or services up to £5,000 (including VAT) [£20,000 for contracted building work] should be made from approved Solent University suppliers. No formal documentation is required.
- Purchases of works, goods or services of between £5,000 [£20,000 for contracted building work] and £20,000 [£50,000 for contracted building work] (including VAT) and evidenced by at least three written quotations.
- Purchases of works, goods or services over £20,000 [£50,000 for building work] (including VAT) will be subject to a formal tender exercise.
- Purchase of works, goods or services over £156,000 [£3.8m for building work] will be subject to an OJEU procurement exercise.
2.8 Contracts
Solent University’s contract list contains all contracts which have gone through a formal tendering process.
3. What our priorities are and how we are doing
3.1 Annual report
The University’s annual report is made available within the annual financial statement.
3.2 Corporate business plan
The University’s mission and strategy page outlines the University's vision, plans and objectives.
3.3 Learning Design Framework
The University’s Learning Design Framework sets out our approach to practice-led learning, ensuring that students gain real-world understanding and practical skills that are directly applicable to their future careers.
3.4 Academic quality and standards
The Academic Services department is the custodian of the University’s academic standards and regulatory framework, and produces its quality assurance policies and processes.
3.5 External review information
Information on Solent University’s external review process is laid out in our academic handbook.
3.6 Corporate relations
The University’s corporate relations are set out in services to business and employers.
3.7 Government and regulatory reports
The University’s pages on governance identify which professional, statutory and regulatory bodies accredit our courses.
4. How we make decisions
Individual copies of minutes and papers of all boards and committees may be made available on request. However, in some instances information from committee minutes will be exempt from disclosure where it contains personal data, information that may damage the commercial interests of the University, or that may threaten the health and safety of specific individuals.
4.1 Minutes from Governing Body Council/Senate Academic Boards and Steering Groups
Minutes of the Board of Governors’ meetings are publicly available. Minutes from the academic boards are currently only available in hard copy on application. Applications for hard copy documentation should be made to the Information Management & Compliance Officer at information.rights@solent.ac.uk
4.2 Appointment committees and procedures
Appointment committees and procedures can be found within Solent University’s Governors’ Handbook.
5. Our policies and procedures
5.1 Policies and procedures for conducting university business
Policies and procedures on conducting university business can be located within the Governors’ handbook.
5.2 Procedures and policies relating to academic services
University procedures and policies relating to academic services can be found within the academic handbook.
5.3 Procedures and policies relating to student services
The student handbook outlines the University's student policy and procedures, covering matters such as assessments, queries and appeals as well as academic misconduct.
5.4 Procedures and policies relating to human resources
Human resources procedures and policies cover information on the University’s strategy and management, rather than information relating to individual members of staff, which is exempt from disclosure as personal information.
5.5 Procedures and policies relating to recruitment
Human Resources provide a comprehensive recruitment, selection, and appointments service. The purpose of Solent University's recruitment process is to appoint employees who have the relevant skills, qualifications and experience to make a positive contribution to the University. All appointments are made in accordance with relevant employment law and professional practice.
5.6 Code of conduct for members of governing bodies
The code of conduct for members of governing bodies can be found in the University’s Governors’ handbook.
5.7 Equality and diversity
Solent University has an active equality scheme and ethics policy.
5.8 Health and safety
The board of Governors and directorate consider the health and safety of the employees and students of Solent University to be of paramount importance and are committed to continuing improvements in standards of health and safety. This commitment is outlined in the University’s health and safety policy.
5.9 Estate management
The executive summary of the University’s estates strategy outlines the key objectives for East Park Terrace, Warsash, sports, estate investment, sustainability and the environment.
5.10 Complaints policy
For complaints relating to this publication scheme please see our complaints procedure.
Solent University also holds a student complaints policy.
5.11 Records management and personal data policies
The University’s records management and personal data policies include data protection procedures, data protection policy, email usage policy, internet usage policy, IT security policy and maintenance of records.
5.12 Research policy and strategy
Solent University’s Research and Enterprise strategy can be found within the University’s academic handbook.
The research policy and strategy does not include the actual results of data from research undertaken. It should also be noted that in some cases information that reveals identity of those involved in the research process may be exempt from publication for health and safety reasons.
5.13 Charging regimes and policies
The University holds charging regimes and policies on:
- Accommodation
- Graduation – outstanding fees.
- Overseas fees guidance
- Fees guidance home and EU students
- Penalties, fines and congestion charges.
6. Lists and registers
6.1 Any information we are currently legally required to hold in publicly available registers
Information which needs to be displayed in publicly available registers, under current legal requirements, is provided within the annual auditor's report. The auditor's report is currently displayed within the University's financial statement.
6.2 Asset registers
The University operates out of two campuses, in Southampton city centre and Warsash; it also has halls of residence in both locations. The net book value of freehold and long leasehold land and building can be found in the University's financial statement.
6.3 Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FOIA 2000) statistics
In line with best practice recommendations set out in the Freedom of Information Code of Practice, we publish quarterly statistics showing our performance on handling requests for information made under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FOIA) and Environmental Information Regulations 2004 (EIR).
View Solent University's most recent FOIA statistics
6.4 Register of gifts and hospitality provided to senior personnel
The University's policy on the receipt of gifts is set out in its financial regulations, point 3.5.2 Orders for work, goods and services.
Solent University's policy on accepting gifts and hospitality for governors is set out in the code of corporate governance and the Governors’ handbook.
6.5 Any register of interests kept in the University
The Governors’ register of interests is available online.
The register of interest for the Vice-Chancellor’s Group is available here.
7. Services we offer
7.1 Courses
Courses available at Solent University are displayed and detailed in the courses section of this website, and in our undergraduate and postgraduate prospectuses.
7.2 Services for outside bodies
Services for outside bodies are outlined in items such as our Mission statement, student experience satisfaction survey and our teaching and learning strategy.
7.3 Course content
The Solent University Solent Online Learning site provides course and module documents, which include module descriptors and programmes specifications.
Module descriptors
Each degree programme is split into years and then units. Each year of a course will consist of a number of modules which are either core or optional. A description of all modules taught on each course, organised by academic year, is available on Solent Online Learning.
Programme specifications
The programme specification provides the aim of the programme/course and sets out its intended learning outcomes. These documents are also organised by academic year for the Schools.
7.4 Welfare and counselling
The University's student hub offers welfare and support services, and the hub’s pages on the University portal contains links to all other aspects of student welfare such as where to obtain funding advice and study assistance.
7.5 Health including medical services
The University’s student hub also holds a list of doctor and dental surgeries providing medical services in the area.
7.6 Careers
The careers and employability team provide advice and information for students and graduates looking for work. They also provide a section for employers where they can advertise vacancies to students.
7.7 Spirituality and reflection services
The spirituality and reflection service page gives details and information about the spirituality and reflection facilities at the University and provides contact information for places of worship throughout the city. There is also an extensive list of useful websites, as well as the Spirituality and Reflection statement of service.
7.8 Services for which the University is entitled to recover a fee
Guidance and information regarding the University’s fees and costs can be found on the fees and finance page.
7.9 Sports and recreational facilities
Solent Sport provides sports facilities and courses at the East Park Terrace campus. Solent Sport also offers a wide range of activities for both staff and students.
7.10 Museums, libraries, special collections and archives
Solent University is home to the Solent Library.
7.11 Conference facilities
The University’s conference facilities are located within the Spark building on the main campus in the centre of Southampton. The facilities on offer include reception, meeting rooms, audio visual facilities and hospitality.
7.12 Advice and guidance
The University has a dedicated area for the support of students, the Student Hub. The Hub provides support in both practical and personal issues including student affairs, mental health and funding.
7.13 Local campaigns
All the University’s local campaigns can be found by using the search box on the Solent University homepage.
7.14 Media releases
The University’s news archive provides details of any media releases.
Further information
If you have any questions regarding our publication scheme please contact the Information Rights on:
Tel: 023 8201 3229
Email:Â information.rights@solent.ac.uk
Complaints concerning requests for information
It is important that this publication scheme meets your needs. If you find the scheme difficult to understand, please let us know. We also welcome suggestions as to how our scheme might be improved. Any questions, comments or complaints about this scheme should, in the first instance, be directed to the publication scheme co-ordinator below:
Information Rights
Corporate Services
Southampton Solent University
East Park terrace
Southampton
SO14 0YN
Tel: 023 8201 3085229
Email:Â information.rights@solent.ac.uk
Complaints concerning the operation of the publication scheme
If you are in any way dissatisfied with the handling of your complaint, please contact:
The Vice Chancellor
Southampton Solent University
East Park Terrace
Southampton
SO14 0YN
If we are unable to resolve any complaint, you are entitled to contact the Information Commissioner's Office, the independent body who oversees the Freedom of Information Act:
Information Commissioner's Office
Wycliffe House
Water Lane
Wilmslow
Cheshire
SK9 5AF
More information about the Freedom of Information Act is available on the Information Commissioner's website at www.ico.org.uk
Disclaimer
The information herein was correct at the date of publication. Solent University cannot guarantee that this information will not be changed after the date of publication. Solent University is not responsible for the information contained in any external links used throughout the publication scheme.
