Equal Opportunities Policy

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

New! Minutes of meeting held on 31st January 2005 PDF Format.

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 QM and on the fulfilment of our 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 QM;
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:

Convener: Dr Christine Bovis-Cnossen, Head of School of Social Sciences, Media and Communication
Secretary: Susan Mulhearn
Vice Principal (Learning and Teaching): Professor David Kirk
Human Resources Adviser: TBC
Development Adviser: TBC
Director of Human Resources: Dorothy Wright
Director of Registry and Secretariat: Irene Hynd
Registry Officer (Quality Enhancement): Sheila Adamson
Senior Research Officer: Kim Gilchrist
Head of Student Services: Lande Wolsey
Disability Adviser: TBC
Head of CPD School: Gloria Dunlop
Member of Governing Body: Morag Alexander
Student President: Sarah Watson

Employee and Union representatives:

AUT: Dr Douglas McBean
AMICUS: Jim Bain
UNISON: TBC

Staff representatives:

Support: Lynne Russell
Academic: Dr Alister Landrock, Oonagh O'Brien, Elaine Balantyne

Student representative: TBC

Administrator: Linda McAllister