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Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Committee In 2019 the Governing Body of IT Sligo established an Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Committee to assist the Institute in it’s duties of promoting equality. It’s terms of reference and functions are set out below. Terms of Reference These terms of reference will be revised annually by the Governing Body and updated as appropriate with a view to ensuring that its responsibilities in regard to the matters set out below continue to be discharged effectively through the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Committee. 1. Purpose 2. Functions (i) Advise the Governing Body on its Statutory obligations and best practice in relation to equality and diversity matters. (ii) Review and advise on the Institute’s equality and diversity policies and monitor the implementation of such policies. (iii) Make recommendations on the development and implementation of an Equality, Diversity and Inclusion action plan. (iv) Request and/or receive reports relating to equality and diversity on any activities of the Institute. (v) Raise awareness on the importance of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion. (vi) To have oversight of the operation of the Athena SWAN processes within the Institute – devolving operational matters to the appropriate Athena SWAN Self Assessment Teams as appropriate. The Athena SWAN SATs will report to the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Committee. 3. Meetings (i) The Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Committee shall meet at least three times in each academic year. (ii) The Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Committee shall meet at the request of the Governing Body or of the President. (iii) The President or a delegated officer will make the necessary arrangements for the administrative requirements of the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Committee, inclusive of the preparation of meeting agendas, briefing documents and minutes to be issued in a timely manner to members. (iv) Meeting agendas will be prepared and provided one week in advance to members of the committee together with appropriate briefing materials. (v) Minutes of meetings will be prepared and issued in a timely manner to members of the committee. (vi) The minutes approved of the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Committee meetings are furnished to Governing Body members for consideration. (vii) The President or a delegated officer shall make arrangements for the convening of meetings, the recording of proceedings and the preparation of reports as required by the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Committee. If it becomes necessary for the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Committee, as a body, in the discharge of its functions to take independent professional advice, the President will make such arrangements. 4. Membership (i) The Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Committee shall be comprised of nine members. The membership shall be as follows:- • Chairperson of the Governing Body or nominee. • President or nominee. • One member of the Governing Body who shall be a nominated staff and one nominated student member of the Governing Body. • Two members of the Governing Body who are neither members of staff or student body. • Two members with appropriate expertise who are not members of the Institute. • Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Manager. (ii) In appointing members to the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Committee the Governing Body shall have regard to the requirement of gender balance. (iii) Where the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Committee members do not have sufficient knowledge or experience in a particular area, the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Committee may invite persons with relevant expertise to attend meetings. (iv) The Chairperson of the Governing Body, or nominee, shall be the Chairperson of the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Committee. In the absence of the Chairperson the meeting may appoint a chairperson for that meeting. (v) A Quorum shall be four persons. |