University of London , Vice Chancellor and Principal

The first Vice-Chancellor was Sir John William Lubbock who served between 1836 and 1842. The duties of the Vice-Chancellor have been altered by successive changes to the constitution of the University of London. According to Statutes 11 to 14 created by the University of London Act 1978 the Vice-Chancellor is chosen from among the members of the university. The Senate appoints the Vice-Chancellor after it has consulted with and obtained concurrence of the Court. The term of service is not less than two years and not more than four.

The Vice-Chancellor is the academic and administrative head of the University and is a member of the Court, Senate, and all the Standing Committees of the Senate and of Convocation. In the absence of the Chancellor the Vice-Chancellor presides at all meetings of the Senate. The Vice-Chancellor is permitted to take action on behalf of the University in any matter that he deems to be urgent or non-contentious. The Vice-Chancellor can also delegate any of his duties and powers to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, the Chairmen of Standing Committees of the Senate and to any member of the Senate. The Vice-Chancellor may also delegate any of his administrative duties and powers to the Principal.

The post of Principal was created by the Statutes of the University of London Act 1900. The first Principal of the University of London was Sir Arthur Rücker who served between 1901 and 1908.

The Principal's functions and duties have been altered by successive changes to the constitution of the University of London. Statute 19 created by the University of London Act 1978 define the Principal as the 'senior administrative officer of the University and responsible to the Vice-Chancellor for organising and conducting the financial and administrative business of the University in accordance with the decisions of the Court and the Senate.' The Principle was appointed by the Senate and is a member of the Senate and of every Standing Committee of the Senate. He also processes the right to attend and speak at meetings of the Court and its committees.