The institutes are all registered charities and companies limited by guarantee. Collectively, the land, buildings and equipment which comprise the institute estate are valued at some 350 million. Governing Bodies provide guidance on scientific, commercial, financial and personnel matters, and have the usual responsibilities of company directors for the financial and commercial probity of the institute's business. The membership of each Governing Body is broadly regulated by a template setting out the desirable skills and backgrounds of members, reflecting the mission, scientific programmes and commercial activities of the individual institutes.
Members receive expenses and in one case an honourarium is paid.
A typical time commitment would be between 5 and 10 days per annum. The Council is seeking to establish a register of potential candidates for these appointments for the period up to the end of 2002.