Terms of Reference – Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Committee (EDIC)

Context

The Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Committee (EDIC) is the Committee tasked with the management of EDI as a core part of Belonging across Northeastern University London (the University). Informed by the Equality Act (2010), it is responsible for advancing and supporting the Belonging agenda across the University, overseeing its implementation, monitoring progress on a regular basis and reporting on that to the Executive Committee (ExCo). The Committee will ensure that EDI objectives are embedded across teaching, research services and all aspects of University life, and that their delivery drives forward our innovation and performance as a truly global university. 

Terms of Reference

1. Identify key Belonging and EDI challenges faced by the University and recommend data-driven, university-wide EDI objectives to ExCo.
2. Lead the creation and monitor the implementation of the University’s Belonging Strategic Plan across teaching, research and knowledge exchange, professional departments and student life.
3. Develop and, on a regular basis, review the University’s EDI Policy and make suggestions for revisions to ExCo.
4. Ensure the provision of a high standard of advice and support across the University on Belonging and EDI matters, particularly in relation to changes in relevant legislation, operational risk and local and national initiatives and work with relevant teams on the delivery of objectives.
5. Work with relevant stakeholders across the organisation to increase the diversity of our student body and staff at all levels of the organisation.
6. Work with the Quality Team to ensure that all policies, procedures and practices are reviewed and approved as being inclusive by design.
7. Provide support and advice to the academic leadership to develop diverse and inclusive curricula, pedagogies and research.
8. Work with the Human Resources team to plan and deliver relevant EDI training for all staff and students.
9. Work with the relevant University teams and Student Union to support, plan and deliver Belonging events, working groups and networks to increase inclusivity across the University.
10. Liaise with Northeastern University in Boston to connect to resources and best practice in Belonging across the NU global network.
11. Promote the fostering of community and industry partnerships that fulfil Belonging and EDI objectives.
12. Consult with the Director of Belonging on the management of the University’s dedicated Belonging budget.

Membership

Director of Belonging (Chair)

Executive Principal and Dean of Northeastern University London

Deputy Dean and Associate Dean of Innovation & Enterprise (Deputy Chair)

Associate Dean of Faculty Affairs

Director of Research Impact and Culture

Head of Student Support

Director of Student Engagement

Director of Student Life

Human Resources Director

Head of Widening Participation

Events Manager

Student Union Campus Officer

2 x faculty representatives, selected to ensure representation across apprenticeship, mobility, and other degree programmes

1 x postgraduate student representative

Committee Secretary

Quorum

Meetings are quorate when the Chair (or Deputy Chair) and 50% of the members are present, to include a student representative during semester meetings.

Frequency of Meetings

Minimum of once per semester.

Accountability

The minutes of the EDI Committee meetings will be recorded and shared with ExCo.

Reports to

The Committee reports to ExCo.

Reports from

This Committee does not receive any direct reports from sub-committees but may request that working parties be set up to address certain issues as appropriate.

Version History