Equal Opportunities Committee

Queen Margaret University Equal Opportunities Committee - Purpose, Aims and Terms of Reference

Purpose:
To set the strategic framework for equality of opportunity in service provision and in employment.

Functions:
To advise the Principal and Governing Body on the implementation of all aspects of the University's equal opportunities policy and to monitor progress of that policy;

To consider and report on all matters relating to the formulation, implementation, evaluation and review of equal opportunities policies across the University and on the fulfilment of the University's statutory obligations.

Terms of Reference:

1. To consider the implications of changes in legislation for the implementation of equal opportunities in the University; and generally to advise on any related issues, alerting the Planning & Resources Committee and other committees of the implications of current practices for equal opportunities;
2. To prepare or instigate appropriate policies, advice and guidance in relation to equal opportunities;
3. To monitor implementation of equal opportunities policies in the institution and to receive reports as requested from relevant areas within the University;
4. To instigate as appropriate independent audit of the implementation of the institution's equality of opportunity policy;
5. To establish working groups to investigate and report on the equal opportunities dimension of any aspect of the University's policies and procedures and to receive feedback from staff and students on relevant issues;
6. To prepare and maintain an institutional action plan, including performance targets, to ensure that the equal opportunities policies are translated into programmes of action;
7. To define and request resources required to deliver this implementation plan;
8. To assist academic and support areas in the implementation of University equal opportunities policies;
9. To maintain sector links with professional bodies e.g. Equality Challenge Unit
10. To report regularly to the Planning & Resources Committee and to Governing Body through the Principal.

N.B. equal opportunities relates to gender, race, ethnic origin, disability, religion, age, sexual orientation, harassment & bullying.

Committee Members:

Appointed members

Ex-officio members

Elected members

Secretary: Shauna Thompson

Administrator : Linda McAllister