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The role of the Rector is to preside at meetings of the University Court — the highest governing body of the University. The Court exists to oversee the management of the University, with special emphasis on strategic leadership and accountability.

The Principal leads the actual management of the University, but he or she is also accountable to the Court, which comprises senior staff and a majority of unpaid, external, independent 'lay' members, meeting about four times a year. Court is the place where many University issues are decided — budget allocations, financial policies, academic policies, estate development and capital projects, staff and student provisions.

Since 1858, the Rector has been elected by the students. In addition to being president of the University Court, the Rector also plays an informal, pastoral role for students. The Rector can open doors and help to release log-jams where the formal mechanisms for resolving issues appear to fail. A Rector with the time, sincerity and commitment to get to know the student body and engage with their issues, and the skills to influence effectively, can make a valuable contribution to the student experience, as well as to the life and reputation of the whole University.