Purpose

To provide assurance to Council and Senate with regards to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) at the University, in line with both external and internal frameworks and compliance requirements.

Responsibilities

1) To provide advice on implications for EDI flowing from the University strategies, policies and practices to appropriate bodies where sought.

2) To recommend to Council for approval every four-years a set of institutional equality objectives set in accordance with the Public Sector Equality Duty.

3) To monitor and seek assurance on behalf of Council and Senate that suitable progress is being made in delivering the equality objectives.

4) To provide assurance to Council and Senate regarding the University's compliance with relevant areas of legislation and regulator compliance that relate to EDI.

5) To provide assurance to Council and Senate on the quality and standards of the University's approach to EDI based on suitable institutional data including but not limited to:

a. Staffing (recruitment, pay, promotion and retention)

b. Student recruitment, learning and academic outcomes

c. Student/Staff wellbeing and support

d. Campus infrastructure

e. Relevant charters the University have signed up to

6) To seek assurance that institutional risks associated with EDI are being identified and appropriately managers, escalating to the Audit, Risk and Assurance Committee where appropriate.

7) To submit an annual report to Council and Senate to provide appropriate assurance on the quality and standards of the University's approach on EDI matters.

Reporting Relationships

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Committee reports to Senate and Council on an annual basis and after each meeting with a written report.

Procedural Rules

Meeting Frequency

The Committee normally meets four times a year.

Quorum

One third of the Committee membership.

Alternates

Where a member is a member of the committee by virtue of their office (ex officio) then they may nominate an alternate for any meeting they are unable to attend. Other members may not nominate alternates.

Procedure

In the absence of any specific rules, the procedure is as set out in the Joint Committees of Council and Senate Standing Orders.

Minutes

Submitted to Senate and Council and published on the website.

Membership

Total Membership

A maximum of ten voting members.

Ex-Officio Roles

Don McLaverty, Lay member of Council, Chair

Benjamin Orford Thompson, SU Community Officer

Professor Jane White, Vice-President (Community & Inclusion)

Richard Brooks, Director of HR

Nic Streatfield, Director of Student Support and Safeguarding

Dr John Troyer, Equality and Diversity Network Co-Chair (Academic)

Grace Cappy, Equality and Diversity Network Co-Chair (Professional Services)

Appointments

Professor Jun Zang, Senate Member appointed by Senate (2024 - 2027)

Vacancy, Professional Services Staff Member appointed by Professional Services

Eesha Ganesh, Student Member appointed by the Students' Union (2024 - 2025)

In Attendance

Abi Phillips, HR Deputy Director (Culture & Inclusion)

Charlie Slack, A representative nominated by the Students' Union (staff or student)

Katie Anderton, Governance Partner

Other members may be co-opted or invited to attend for specific meetings at the discretion of the Committee. This includes the Head of Access and Widening Participation.

Council members are renewed annually. All other members serve terms of three years at a time. Most members can serve two consecutive terms (a total of six years) but in exceptional circumstances may serve a maximum of three consecutive terms (a total of nine years). All terms are subject to renewal.

Meeting Dates

Find out about our meeting dates.

Find our agenda deadlines for submitting papers.

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