Terms of Reference

Purpose and Function 

The Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) School of Languages, Cultures and Linguistics (SLCL) Committee shall be responsible for promoting, mainstreaming and evaluating equality, diversity and inclusion related initiatives, policies and actions in the School in relation to employees and students. 

Terms of Reference

• To promote the University equality, diversity and inclusion strategy throughout the School, ensuring that equality and diversity is a key consideration in all planning and development undertaken in the School;
• To highlight and communicate developments in national and international EDI related policy as advised by the College to the School;
• To support the programme of work of the College in relation to Athena SWAN and Gender Equality Actions Plans and ensure the completion of School specific AP’s;
• To develop and drive the School programme of work relating to equality, diversity and inclusion in line with University and College EDI Strategy and, working with key stakeholders, ensure that there is effective implementation across the School;
• To make recommendations to the School Executive and the College EDI Committee on matters related to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion based on feedback received at School level;
• To monitor and ensure gender balance at academic events, on committees and in promotional materials (online and print);
• To maintain and update the EDI School webpage regularly and provide clear information and advice at all times and to both employees and students;
• To advertise EDI related training sessions and events at School level and encourage engagement on School level;
• The School EDI committee should not be seen as a body people can make complaints to about dignity and respect, however, the EDI committee will offer advice to staff and students on the official channels in place for dealing with Equality, Diversity and Inclusion issues.

Composition

The College Committee shall normally comprise of the following representatives:

• a Chair and co-chair/deputy;
• committee should ideally have at least a representative for each subject of the School (French, German, Italian, Linguistics, Spanish) and the School Office
• at least one PostDoc representative
• at least a PhD students’ representative

The Committee should aim to have gender representation of at least 40% of either gender and broad representation from all professional roles.

Term of Office

The term of office will normally be three years. 

Conduct of Business

• The Committee shall meet at least three to four times a year (1-2 times per trimester)

• The meetings shall be convened by the Chair with a minimum of seven days’ notice of a meeting

Last update January 2024