Independent Member of the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Committee

Welcome to the University of Roehampton

At Roehampton we change lives by helping our students to develop the confidence, knowledge and adaptability they need for a successful graduate career and fulfilling life.

We are a supportive, diverse and inclusive community, where anyone can fit in and feel inspired to do their best. We have a proud history in higher education stretching back more than 175 years. Through the oldest of our four Colleges, Whitelands, we have been providing higher education to women for longer than any other university in the country. Our values come from this rich history, built on community, engagement and partnership, with a belief that no matter their background, we can help our students realise their ambitions. Our graduates today have excellent employment prospects and are part of a thriving global community of Roehampton alumni.

With around 8,000 students on campus as well as a further 9,000 studying with partners and online, we provide an engaging portfolio of courses across the creative arts, social sciences, law, humanities, literature, education, business, and human and life sciences. We also have an excellent research profile. With international reach, our research informs policy, enriches culture and improves peoples’ lives. We have world-class research across all of our academic departments, and in the last Research Excellence Framework we were ranked as the most research-intensive modern university in the country.

This is an exciting time for our University. We have recently agreed our Strategic Plan for 2019-2022, which is underpinned by a renewed purpose and commitment to our diverse community of students, staff and the wider world, and informed by the principles and ethos of our founding colleges. Our strategy will allow us to continue delivering the best possible educational experience while building on our international reputation for outstanding research. Leading the University in pursuit of these goals is our newly appointed Vice-Chancellor, Professor Jean-Noël Ezingeard.

In 2017-18 we officially opened our stunning RIBA award-winning Library, which provides an inspirational learning environment for our students. The Library represents the culmination of a major programme of investment that has transformed our campus, alongside Elm Grove and Chadwick Hall which provide conferencing facilities and accommodation. The next phase of the programme has already begun with the development of a new Media Centre and home for our Department of Media, Culture and Language. We will shortly be launching programmes in new subject areas including nursing and computing, and moving into new marketplaces.

To help further these aims, we are looking for up to two independent members to join our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Committee. This exciting opportunity would allow you to extend your professional experience and network, and make a vital contribution to the delivery of the University’s long-term ambitions.

Sir David Bell Chair of Council

The Role We are searching for up to two independent members of the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Committee with relevant experience. The Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Committee is a committee of the University Council, which is the organisation’s governing body. This committee oversees the University’s management of equality, diversity and inclusion matters. It is responsible for ensuring that equality, diversity and inclusion is embedded throughout the University and all its activities, including those that relate to staff and students. It is also responsible for monitoring compliance with all of the University’s legal responsibilities under the Equality Act 2010 and other legislation, and for giving assurance to the University Council. The Committee is chaired by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Jean-Noël Ezingeard, who is also a member of the University Council. The remaining are either independent, non-executive members of the University Council, University staff or students. More information about the Committee and the University, including a copy of our most recent annual report and financial statements, can be found at roehampton.ac.uk/corporate-information

Commitment The role would involve attending four two-hour meetings per year and a one day strategic planning session in May, usually with a dinner the evening before. Dates of meetings are provided up to a year in advance. The meetings all take place at the University’s main campus in Roehampton, London.

The posts are non-remunerated, but all reasonable expenses will be paid. The length of appointment would be for an initial term of three years, renewable for one further term of three years.

The University is committed to providing opportunities for training and development to all of its committee members. There will also be numerous opportunities to meet and engage with staff and students across the University.

Person Specification Interest in higher education and the University of Roehampton - Passionate about the purpose and commitment of the University - Enthusiastic and excited by higher education - Understands and relates to the needs of staff, students and other stakeholders - Familiar with current issues and challenges within the sector

Knowledge and skills - Can demonstrate strong leadership skills - Can demonstrate an ongoing commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion - Expertise in equality, diversity and inclusion as a researcher or in another professional

capacity - Understands the role of non-executive committee members - Understands and is committed to the accepted standards of public life

Communication - Can manage and develop relationships with a range of stakeholders - Can work with others to build consensus - Can work effectively with and constructively challenge executive management - Able to act as an ambassador for the University

Experience - May have experience of leading or advising on equality, diversity and inclusion

initiatives at a strategic level within a large organisation - May have experience working within higher education or a related sector

All committee members are required to confirm before appointment that they are ‘fit and proper’ persons as defined by the Office for Students. They will also be required to work in accordance with the University’s Council Members’ Code of Conduct and Statement of Responsibilities.

How to Apply To apply, please send your CV and a short covering letter setting out why you are interested in the position to governance@roehampton.ac.uk. The selection process will involve a telephone conversation to discuss your application followed by an interview at the University. The appointment would be subject to confirmation by the University’s Nominations and Governance Committee.

For more information or to have an informal discussion about the role, or to discuss receiving this pack in an alternative format, please contact Dr George Turner, Clerk to Council at george.turner@roehampton.ac.uk .