Usher Institute Equity & Diversity Committee Remit

Usher Institute Equity & Diversity Committee - Terms of Reference

1. PurposeThis committee is responsible, on behalf of The Usher School of Population Health Sciences, for taught student matters, particularly strategy, planning and resource allocation concerning learning, teaching and the development of the education portfolio. The overall purpose is to ensure high quality student support and education provision, relating to undergraduate, postgraduate taught programmes, as well as a range of stand-alone credit and non-credit bearing courses, which include Postgraduate Professional Development (PPD), Continuing Professional Development (CPD), Massive Online Open Courses (MOOCs) and Executive Education.

2. RemitThe Usher Education Committee will:

• Formulate and drive forward policy and strategy relating to learning and teaching, in line with College and University strategic priorities for taught programmes.
• Promote quality enhancement in learning and teaching across the Usher Institute and, where possible and pedagogically appropriate, ensure consistency of practice.
• Promote innovations in learning, teaching and assessment, embrace new teaching methods and consider cross-cutting themes such as research-led and technology-enhanced learning, digital and information literacy, education for employability, internationalisation and lifelong learning.
• Anticipate and prepare for new opportunities and likely future developments in learning and teaching for all cohorts of students and learners.
• Develop aspects of the student experience that relate to learning, teaching and assessment.
• Review fee income and expenditure regularly, provide advice and guidance, and ensure that we meet College and University financial expectations.
• Review all new programme proposals and all new teaching collaborations in advance of Board of Studies and College approvals; ensure that programmes are viable, adequately resourced and aligned with the strategic direction for the School’s learning and teaching portfolio
• Review and monitor key performance indicators of the quality of academic standards and the student experience and determine any necessary interventions.
• Oversee recruitment and admissions strategy and initiatives for taught programmes, including the approval of final student intake targets as part of the yearly planning submission to College.
• To establish as required, sub-committees, fora and task and finish groups to conduct particular areas of business within the remit of the Committee and to receive regular reports on these activities.
• Discuss matters relating to partnerships and collaborations. Discuss matters referred to UIEC by the Usher Executive Group, and other relevant groups as appropriate.
• Liaise with the Office of the CMVM Dean of Education, ensuring alignment with the CMVM’s vision, strategies, and tactics for delivering on the College’s academic mission.

3. Chair Responsibilities

• Leadership: Provide strategic leadership and direction to the Committee, ensuring alignment with the overall goals and objectives of the Usher Institute, and the vision of the CMVM. Foster a collaborative and inclusive environment that encourages open discussion and critical thinking among Committee members.
• Governance: i) Oversee the Committee's operations, ensuring adherence to established policies, procedures, and ethical guidelines. ii) Chair Committee meetings effectively, ensuring that agendas are set, discussions are productive, and decisions are made in a timely and informed manner. iii) Facilitate consensus-building among Committee members and resolve conflicts when necessary.
• Representation: i) Represent the Committee at University-wide and external meetings and events. ii) Communicate effectively with the wider academic community, stakeholders, and funders regarding the Committee's activities and achievements.
• Education Strategy: Contribute to the development and implementation of the Usher Institute's education strategy, ensuring that it is aligned with the CMVM’s and Committee's priorities and wider sector needs.
• Ethics and Compliance: Ensure that the Committee's activities adhere to the highest ethical standards and comply with all relevant regulations and guidelines. Promote a culture of integrity, transparency, and innovation.

4. Governance and Operation

• The committee will report to the Usher Executive.
• The committee will typically meet bi-monthly (six times per year)
• A co-chair model will be used with joint Chairs, Co-Directors of Education, Usher Institute
• The committee will aim to promote transparency, inclusion and engagement in its working
• Minutes and relevant papers from meetings will be circulated to committee members and be made available upon request.
• The anticipated time commitment for each member of the committee is expected to be 4-5 hours a month.

5. MembershipThe committee will be composed of 12-15 members, including:

• Co-Directors of Education (Chairs)
• Co-Directors of Students
• Director of Quality
• Director of Postgraduate Research
• Director of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
• Director of PGT Research and Ethics
• Rotating Representative from UG and PGT programmes
• Lead for Academic GPs
• Professional Services Lead for Academic and Student Administration
• Representatives from Usher Research Centres
• Usher School Student Representative
• Additional members may be appointed by the Co-Chairs at their discretion, based on expertise or strategic needs.

The (Co-)Chairs’ and membership term of office shall be three years, renewable at the discretion of the Usher Institute’s (Interim) Director and its Chief Academic Officer.

6. Meetings

• Meetings will typically be held in person at the Usher Institute (hybrid if necessary) and will last for approximately 2 hours
• Meeting agendas and materials will be circulated to committee members in advance of meetings.

7. QuorumA quorum for a meeting shall be seven members.

8. Conflict of InterestCommittee members must declare any potential conflicts of interest before participating in discussions or decisions related to those conflicts.

9. Review and UpdateThese Terms of Reference will be reviewed and updated every three years or as needed to ensure they remain relevant and effective.

Additional Considerations

• Subcommittees: The committee may establish subcommittees to address specific areas of focus or to delegate tasks. e.g. student experience, assessment and feedback
• Communication: The committee will maintain open communication channels with the Usher Institute community.
• Evaluation: The committee's effectiveness will be evaluated through regular review of its activities and outcomes.