Authority to make contractual commitments
An outside organisation may be able to enforce contractual commitments against the University if the University staff member making the commitment had the apparent authority (in the view of the outside organisation) to do so.
All University staff members must take great care not to enter into contractual commitments with outside bodies unless they are fully authorised to do so. This extends beyond contracts of just a financial nature, such as nondisclosure agreements for research work.
Any University member with concerns in this area should consult one of these people:
- the relevant School or Professional Service Accountant
- Director of Research and Innovation Services
- Director of Legal Services
Research and Innovation Services must sign all confidentiality agreements.