All government ministers are appointed members of the Privy Council, an office they retain even after the end of their ministership. The Privy Council exercises executive authority through the means of Orders in Council, a type of statutory instrument. In theory, these are made by the Queen after consulting the Council; in practice, however, they originate with government ministers, the Queen and the Privy Council being a mere rubberstamp.
The President of the Privy Council functions as Visitor? for several English universities, and as such can hear appeals from students against the university authorities.
The Privy Council is also responsible for issuing and ammending [Royal charters]?.
See its website: http://www.privy-council.org.uk