Oxford University Press is a department of the University of Oxford. It furthers the University's objective of excellence in research, scholarship, and education by publishing worldwide.

Status and structure of Oxford University Press

Oxford University Press is a department of the University of Oxford. It furthers the University's objective of excellence in research, scholarship, and education by publishing worldwide.

The University controls the policy of Oxford University Press through a group of Delegates appointed from the academic staff of the University. The Delegates meet fortnightly during term-time under the chairmanship of the Vice-Chancellor. They are actively involved in the publishing programme: all books are referred to them for approval and individual Delegates maintain a dialogue with editors in their specialist subject areas. Delegates are appointed from American universities to advise on the publishing programme for OUP USA.

The Delegates appoint a Finance Committee consisting of some of their own number, the senior executives of the Press, and outside advisers. The Finance Committee acts in much the same way as the board of directors of a company.

The Chief Executive of the Press is also known by the traditional title of Secretary to the Delegates. He chairs the Group Strategy Committee which is in charge of the day-to-day management of the business.

Financial relationship with the rest of the University

As a department of the University, and one of its major assets, the Press has an obligation beyond its scholarly and educational mission to provide the rest of the University with a financial return. The Press transfers 30 per cent of its annual post-tax surplus to the rest of the University, and makes a number of other financial transfers and contributions in kind.