SCHOOL OF ORIENTAL AND AFRICAN STUDIES EQUALITY AND DIVERSITY COMMITTEE. Tuesday 15th May 2012 at hours Room 116, Russell Square AGENDA

Transcription

1 SCHOOL OF ORIENTAL AND AFRICAN STUDIES EQUALITY AND DIVERSITY COMMITTEE Tuesday 15th May 2012 at hours Room 116, Russell Square AGENDA *Items are formal business; if members wish to discuss any issues arising from these reports they must inform the Chair by noon on Monday 14 th May. I II Welcome and introductions Minutes To approve: the minutes of the meeting held on 21 st February 2012 [attached] III Matters arising The actions from last meeting are summarised in Appendix A with a comment on progress for each. [Appendix A] 19.5 Promotions Sub-panel Prof. Al Ali to provide update following her attendance at the panel in January Academic Promotions post-maternity leave schemes Director of HR to report back on any developments re whether SOAS will develop such a scheme. Oral report Oral report 20.3 Policy on training Director of ADD to look at policy regarding training in the Institutional Action Plan and report back to EDC. Oral report 22.2 To consider: Annual Student Diversity report [Parts 1-2] Revised recommendations within the Executive Summary. [Appendix B] IV To consider: Report to Executive Board and Governing Body on Equality Analyses and paying due regard to the Equality Act (2010) [Appendix C]

2 V To consider: SU discussion paper: Faith facilities provision for students at SOAS [Appendix D] VI To consider: Paper from the Staff Development Manager on attendance of new staff at equality briefing and other induction events [Appendix E] VII To consider: National Student Survey six year trend report Breakdown by age [Appendix F] VIII Student Diversity Report : Parts 3 & 4 To note: The Planning section have not yet been able to supply the data for the year for either progression or drop-outs and therefore the annual report cannot be prepared at this time. It is hoped this will be possible during the summer vacation. IX To consider: EDC s Summer term report to Academic Board and Resources and Planning Committee [Appendix G] X To consider: A report on four year trends in student attainment, Breakdowns by age, disability, domicile, ethnicity & gender [Appendix H] XI To note: Report on progress on the Equality & Diversity Sub-strategy [Appendix J] XII Human Resources Report To receive: an oral report from the HR Director [Oral report] XIII Diversity Report To receive: an oral report from the Diversity Advisor [Oral report] XIV Date of next meeting: The PROVISIONAL date for the next meeting of the Equality & Diversity Committee is Tuesday 23 rd October 2012 at hours in room 116. The provisional dates for the other meetings in are: Tuesday 19 th February 2013 at hours Tuesday 14 th May 2013 at hours EDC Agenda 15 May

3 SCHOOL OF ORIENTAL & AFRICAN STUDIES EQUALITY and DIVERSITY COMMITTEE (EDC) Tuesday 15 th May 2012 Room 116, College Buildings MINUTES Members: Professor Anne Pauwels (Chair) Professor Nadje Al-Ali (UCU representative) Mr. Avanle Ali* (SU Black Students Officer) Mr. Donald Beaton Dr. Mandy Bentham Dr. Hong Bo Ms. Stefania Bartholomew (Unison representative) Professor Stephen Chan (Dean, Faculty of Law & Social Sciences) Ms. Patricia Crampton (Birkbeck, External member) Ms. Zoë Davis Dr. Kai Easton* Ms. Sian McGee *(SU Women s Officer) Mr. Peter Mitchell Dr. Antonello Palumbo* Ms. Deb Viney (Executive Secretary) In attendance: Observers Miss Suzanne Green (Minute Secretary) Ms. Stephanie Chan (SU LGBTQ representative) Dr Chris Ince (Deputy Secretary) Ms. Seema Sanyal (Human Resources Manager) Ms. Serena Yeo (Staff Development Manager) Joanne Anthony (Unison Representative) Arianna Tassinari (SU Co-President Welfare & Education) * Those people whose names are marked with an asterisk were unable to be present and their apologies were noted. Item Number Note Action Owner/ deadline 28. Welcome & Introductions The Chair opened the meeting and thanked the members for attending. The chair welcomed Stefania Bartholomew, the new Unison representative. 29. Minutes The minutes of the meeting held on 21 st February 2012 were amended to read: Page 1

4 Minute 19.4 The Report on the first 5 years of the National Student Survey [Appendix D] The Director of Academic Development advised that EU / International Students were also dissatisfied with the two key areas that the School was currently working to improve, namely Assessment and Feedback and Academic Support, although both EU/international were slightly more satisfied than UK students with assessment and slightly less satisfied with Academic Support. In relation to satisfaction with teaching, the School had dropped out of the 1st quartile for the first time in 2011 (down from 89 to 86%) and a significant drop in satisfaction in this area by EU students was worth noting (at 78% satisfaction). Overall both EU and International Student response rates were lower than for UK students in 2011 which was of concern with the international student response rate in particular only reaching 51% compared to the School s overall response rate of 65% The minutes were then accepted as a true record of the meeting. Approved EDC Minutes to be placed on the School Website Secretariat Officer 30. Matters arising from the minutes of Feb 2012: 30.1 Minute 19.1: Analysis of Staff Applicant Ethnicity & Qualifications The Diversity Advisor and Director HR will arrange a discussion outside the meeting on how/when to take this action forward. Arrange to discuss the Analysis of Ethnicity & Qualifications / PM [30 June 2012] 30.2 Minute 19.3 Maternity Leave for International Students The International Student Advisor and Diversity Advisor are continuing to explore this issue and will be meeting with UKISA. Diversity Advisor to report back to EDC in October Minute 19.5: Promotions Sub-panel [Oral Update] Professor Al Ali gave an oral update the Committee. She confirmed that it had been agreed that Referees would be requested to comment on inter-disciplinary expertise. She also reported on discussions and proposals to look at different easy to assess quality of teaching. Professor Al Ali made a request to be included in the agenda setting process for the promotions sub-panel meetings. PM Page 2

5 30.4 Minute 19.6 Academic Promotions - post-maternity leave schemes The point was made that any such scheme should cover all forms of leave and not just maternity leave. It was pointed out that maternity leave is already taken into account in the research leave entitlements, and that research entitlement continues to accrue during maternity leave. Is SOAS at the point whereby we need to consider developing a scheme for those returning to work from any kind of leave? The Diversity Advisor will convene a discussion group to make a recommendation to the Director HR. If appropriate, the Director of Human Resources will produce a paper to EB proposing a post-leave scheme. Further discussion of whether this is appropriate PM may produce a paper for Executive Board / SS/ N Al Ali [by 30 June 2012] PM 30 Sep 2012] 30.5 Minute 20.3 Policy on Training [Oral Update] The Director of Academic Development advised that the Pro- Director (L&T) had agreed to her name being used on an outbound about attendance at training in general, which may help to encourage attendance at training events, particularly in view of the forthcoming institutional audit. It was agreed that it is the line manager s responsibility to ensure the staff they manage are attending appropriate courses, including those which are deemed mandatory. 31. Annual Student Diversity Report Executive Summary [Appendix B] The Diversity Advisor advised that, as requested by EDC, the recommendations at page 5 had been reworked. The paper and revised recommendations were approved. It was noted that some of the recommendations have been included in the new OFFA agreement. Update the edition of the report on the website By 31 May Report to Executive Board and Governing Body on Equality Analyses and paying due regard to the Equality Act (2010) [Appendix C] The Committee considered the Report. The Diversity Advisor explained that it would involve trying to predict impacts, both positive and negative, on various groups of people with different protected characteristics and would apply to all decisions across the School. Ensure paper goes on to GB as planned / SG Page 3

6 It was noted that the Equality & Human Rights Commission has been subjected to significant budgetary cuts and as a result they are not intending to publish the expected statutory guidance on the Act for FE & HE institutions. The non-statutory Codes of Practice will be their only official statements. The Deputy Secretary confirmed that Executive Board recently approved a process where (as suggested in the paper) a cover sheet has been introduced for all papers to Executive Board & Governing Body with an equality analysis, and that the Directorate will check every form. 33. Faith facilities provision for Students at SOAS (SU discussion paper) [Appendix D] The SU Co-President Welfare & Education attended the committee in order to introduce this paper, which had already been to the Student Experience Committee. Students wish SOAS to create a non-denominational faith room located at Russell Square, in addition to the existing denominational facilities, which is currently logistically problematic. The paper suggested that a space be found within the North Block development. The Director of Estates has already agreed to add this suggestion to the list of possibilities for North Block. For the interim: it was suggested that one possible approach would be to discuss the issue with other Bloomsbury Colleges to see if a space could be shared between institutions. The Registrar & Secretary explained that there was immense pressure on rooms at RS and he agreed to discuss the issue of shared multi-faith room with the Director of Estates and Facilities. DB to discuss with RP the possibility of a multi-faith room shared between Bloomsbury Colleges DB/RP [By end of June 2012] 34. Orientation Training for SOAS staff [Appendix E] The Staff Development Manager presented the paper; she explained that although feedback from those who attended training was good, there is high non-attendance at the Equality & Diversity and Data Protection sessions for new staff completing their Orientation Programme, over 50% of new staff had not attended the sessions. It was agreed that line managers should encourage the staff they manage to attend courses, and that there was also a role for Trade Union representatives to work together with the School to promote attendance. It was suggested that a section could be added to the Probation form to check that the new staff member had completed the Equality and Data Protection Training. It was also agreed that the data for showing non- Page 4 Staff Development Manager to produce data SY [For EDC meeting, 23/10/12]

7 compliance and whether this has got better or worse should be supplied for the next EDC meeting in October. analysis for last 2 years 35. NSS SOAS Results, breakdown by age [Appendix F] The Diversity Advisor explained that this was the second in a series of reports providing diversity analyses and the first time it had been possible to provide the breakdowns comparing the satisfaction rates for the Young and Mature Students, for the 5 year period The Director of Academic Development agreed that her Directorate would do some further analysis of NSS results for the October meeting ADD to produce further analysis for EDC October meeting MB [For EDC meeting 23/10/12] 36. EDC s Summer Term report to Academic Board and to Resources & Planning Committee [Appendix G] The Committee approved the content of the report and agreed it should be sent to AB & RPC. to send report to AB & RPC In time for AB & RPC Summer term meetings 37. Four Year Trends in attainment [Appendix H] The Diversity Advisor explained that the data for this report had been provided by Planning each year (it was originally produced as the Annual Diversity reports for each of the years concerned). The Diversity Advisor noted some attainment gaps which justify obtaining further analysis. For example a lower proportion of disabled compared to non-disabled students appear to be getting a First t. It was noted the particular impairment groups had not been analysed and there are many factors that could be affecting the data. It was agreed that the Widening Participation Manager and the Diversity Advisor should meet up to discuss further analyses of the data, and to produce some joint reports on variables which are of interest. Diversity Advisor and Widening Participation Officer to arrange analysis of the data / M de La C [by October 2012 EDC Meeting] 38. Report on progress on the Equality & Diversity Sub-strategy [Appendix J] The Committee approved the report and agreed it may be passed to AB & RPC with the termly report. Page 5 to send report to AB & RPC In time for AB & RPC Summer term meetings

8 39. Human Resources Report [Oral Report] The Committee received an oral report from the Director of Human Resources. It was noted that the results of the Pulse Survey were due out next month (June) & a paper would be going to EB on this. Once the internal analysis of the survey had been completed, HR would consider the issues raised and any hot spots to create an Action plan across the School. 40. Diversity Report [Oral Report] The Diversity Advisor updated the committee on Diversity issues, one such issue was the Dignity at SOAS publicity campaign which had been launched, and flyers and posters were being put up around campus. She noted that so far it has been a quiet term for harassment cases but that this may change with the implementation of the campaign. 41. Close of meeting. The Chair thanked the members for their attendance at the EDC meetings this session, and confirmed that she would be returning as Chair for the next academic session. The provisional dates for the next meetings are: 23 October February May 2013 (all in Room 116 at hours) Note: no restricted business was discussed at the meeting. Page 6

9 SCHOOL OF ORIENTAL & AFRICAN STUDIES EQUALITY and DIVERSITY COMMITTEE (EDC) Tuesday 15 th May 2012 Room 116, College Buildings MINUTES Members: Professor Anne Pauwels (Chair) Professor Nadje Al-Ali (UCU representative) Mr. Avanle Ali* (SU Black Students Officer) Mr. Donald Beaton Dr. Mandy Bentham Dr. Hong Bo Ms. Stefania Bartholomew (Unison representative) Professor Stephen Chan (Dean, Faculty of Law & Social Sciences) Ms. Patricia Crampton (Birkbeck, External member) Ms. Zoë Davis Dr. Kai Easton* Ms. Sian McGee *(SU Women s Officer) Mr. Peter Mitchell Dr. Antonello Palumbo* Ms. Deb Viney (Executive Secretary) In attendance: Observers Miss Suzanne Green (Minute Secretary) Ms. Stephanie Chan (SU LGBTQ representative) Dr Chris Ince (Deputy Secretary) Ms. Seema Sanyal (Human Resources Manager) Ms. Serena Yeo (Staff Development Manager) Joanne Anthony (Unison Representative) Arianna Tassinari (SU Co-President Welfare & Education) * Those people whose names are marked with an asterisk were unable to be present and their apologies were noted. Item Number Note Action Owner/ deadline 28. Welcome & Introductions The Chair opened the meeting and thanked the members for attending. The chair welcomed Stefania Bartholomew, the new Unison representative. 29. Minutes The minutes of the meeting held on 21 st February 2012 were amended to read: Page 1

10 Minute 19.4 The Report on the first 5 years of the National Student Survey [Appendix D] The Director of Academic Development advised that EU / International Students were also dissatisfied with the two key areas that the School was currently working to improve, namely Assessment and Feedback and Academic Support, although both EU/international were slightly more satisfied than UK students with assessment and slightly less satisfied with Academic Support. In relation to satisfaction with teaching, the School had dropped out of the 1st quartile for the first time in 2011 (down from 89 to 86%) and a significant drop in satisfaction in this area by EU students was worth noting (at 78% satisfaction). Overall both EU and International Student response rates were lower than for UK students in 2011 which was of concern with the international student response rate in particular only reaching 51% compared to the School s overall response rate of 65% The minutes were then accepted as a true record of the meeting. Approved EDC Minutes to be placed on the School Website Secretariat Officer 30. Matters arising from the minutes of Feb 2012: 30.1 Minute 19.1: Analysis of Staff Applicant Ethnicity & Qualifications The Diversity Advisor and Director HR will arrange a discussion outside the meeting on how/when to take this action forward. Arrange to discuss the Analysis of Ethnicity & Qualifications / PM [30 June 2012] 30.2 Minute 19.3 Maternity Leave for International Students The International Student Advisor and Diversity Advisor are continuing to explore this issue and will be meeting with UKISA. Diversity Advisor to report back to EDC in October Minute 19.5: Promotions Sub-panel [Oral Update] Professor Al Ali gave an oral update the Committee. She confirmed that it had been agreed that Referees would be requested to comment on inter-disciplinary expertise. She also reported on discussions and proposals to look at different easy to assess quality of teaching. Professor Al Ali made a request to be included in the agenda setting process for the promotions sub-panel meetings. PM Page 2

11 30.4 Minute 19.6 Academic Promotions - post-maternity leave schemes The point was made that any such scheme should cover all forms of leave and not just maternity leave. It was pointed out that maternity leave is already taken into account in the research leave entitlements, and that research entitlement continues to accrue during maternity leave. Is SOAS at the point whereby we need to consider developing a scheme for those returning to work from any kind of leave? The Diversity Advisor will convene a discussion group to make a recommendation to the Director HR. If appropriate, the Director of Human Resources will produce a paper to EB proposing a post-leave scheme. Further discussion of whether this is appropriate PM may produce a paper for Executive Board / SS/ N Al Ali [by 30 June 2012] PM 30 Sep 2012] 30.5 Minute 20.3 Policy on Training [Oral Update] The Director of Academic Development advised that the Pro- Director (L&T) had agreed to her name being used on an outbound about attendance at training in general, which may help to encourage attendance at training events, particularly in view of the forthcoming institutional audit. It was agreed that it is the line manager s responsibility to ensure the staff they manage are attending appropriate courses, including those which are deemed mandatory. 31. Annual Student Diversity Report Executive Summary [Appendix B] The Diversity Advisor advised that, as requested by EDC, the recommendations at page 5 had been reworked. The paper and revised recommendations were approved. It was noted that some of the recommendations have been included in the new OFFA agreement. Update the edition of the report on the website By 31 May Report to Executive Board and Governing Body on Equality Analyses and paying due regard to the Equality Act (2010) [Appendix C] The Committee considered the Report. The Diversity Advisor explained that it would involve trying to predict impacts, both positive and negative, on various groups of people with different protected characteristics and would apply to all decisions across the School. Ensure paper goes on to GB as planned / SG Page 3

12 It was noted that the Equality & Human Rights Commission has been subjected to significant budgetary cuts and as a result they are not intending to publish the expected statutory guidance on the Act for FE & HE institutions. The non-statutory Codes of Practice will be their only official statements. The Deputy Secretary confirmed that Executive Board recently approved a process where (as suggested in the paper) a cover sheet has been introduced for all papers to Executive Board & Governing Body with an equality analysis, and that the Directorate will check every form. 33. Faith facilities provision for Students at SOAS (SU discussion paper) [Appendix D] The SU Co-President Welfare & Education attended the committee in order to introduce this paper, which had already been to the Student Experience Committee. Students wish SOAS to create a non-denominational faith room located at Russell Square, in addition to the existing denominational facilities, which is currently logistically problematic. The paper suggested that a space be found within the North Block development. The Director of Estates has already agreed to add this suggestion to the list of possibilities for North Block. For the interim: it was suggested that one possible approach would be to discuss the issue with other Bloomsbury Colleges to see if a space could be shared between institutions. The Registrar & Secretary explained that there was immense pressure on rooms at RS and he agreed to discuss the issue of shared multi-faith room with the Director of Estates and Facilities. DB to discuss with RP the possibility of a multi-faith room shared between Bloomsbury Colleges DB/RP [By end of June 2012] 34. Orientation Training for SOAS staff [Appendix E] The Staff Development Manager presented the paper; she explained that although feedback from those who attended training was good, there is high non-attendance at the Equality & Diversity and Data Protection sessions for new staff completing their Orientation Programme, over 50% of new staff had not attended the sessions. It was agreed that line managers should encourage the staff they manage to attend courses, and that there was also a role for Trade Union representatives to work together with the School to promote attendance. It was suggested that a section could be added to the Probation form to check that the new staff member had completed the Equality and Data Protection Training. It was also agreed that the data for showing non- Page 4 Staff Development Manager to produce data SY [For EDC meeting, 23/10/12]

13 compliance and whether this has got better or worse should be supplied for the next EDC meeting in October. analysis for last 2 years 35. NSS SOAS Results, breakdown by age [Appendix F] The Diversity Advisor explained that this was the second in a series of reports providing diversity analyses and the first time it had been possible to provide the breakdowns comparing the satisfaction rates for the Young and Mature Students, for the 5 year period The Director of Academic Development agreed that her Directorate would do some further analysis of NSS results for the October meeting ADD to produce further analysis for EDC October meeting MB [For EDC meeting 23/10/12] 36. EDC s Summer Term report to Academic Board and to Resources & Planning Committee [Appendix G] The Committee approved the content of the report and agreed it should be sent to AB & RPC. to send report to AB & RPC In time for AB & RPC Summer term meetings 37. Four Year Trends in attainment [Appendix H] The Diversity Advisor explained that the data for this report had been provided by Planning each year (it was originally produced as the Annual Diversity reports for each of the years concerned). The Diversity Advisor noted some attainment gaps which justify obtaining further analysis. For example a lower proportion of disabled compared to non-disabled students appear to be getting a First t. It was noted the particular impairment groups had not been analysed and there are many factors that could be affecting the data. It was agreed that the Widening Participation Manager and the Diversity Advisor should meet up to discuss further analyses of the data, and to produce some joint reports on variables which are of interest. Diversity Advisor and Widening Participation Officer to arrange analysis of the data / M de La C [by October 2012 EDC Meeting] 38. Report on progress on the Equality & Diversity Sub-strategy [Appendix J] The Committee approved the report and agreed it may be passed to AB & RPC with the termly report. Page 5 to send report to AB & RPC In time for AB & RPC Summer term meetings

14 39. Human Resources Report [Oral Report] The Committee received an oral report from the Director of Human Resources. It was noted that the results of the Pulse Survey were due out next month (June) & a paper would be going to EB on this. Once the internal analysis of the survey had been completed, HR would consider the issues raised and any hot spots to create an Action plan across the School. 40. Diversity Report [Oral Report] The Diversity Advisor updated the committee on Diversity issues, one such issue was the Dignity at SOAS publicity campaign which had been launched, and flyers and posters were being put up around campus. She noted that so far it has been a quiet term for harassment cases but that this may change with the implementation of the campaign. 41. Close of meeting. The Chair thanked the members for their attendance at the EDC meetings this session, and confirmed that she would be returning as Chair for the next academic session. The provisional dates for the next meetings are: 23 October February May 2013 (all in Room 116 at hours) Note: no restricted business was discussed at the meeting. Page 6

15 Action points from EDC May 2012 Minute Item Action Deadline / update at By EDC minutes from Feb and May 2012 meetings Placed on appropriate section of website /33.i Actions to improve Diversity Statistics for students & staff The Diversity Advisor proposes an annual follow up report after the Diversity Report for the year which (a) identifies a smaller number of performance indicators for the School and (b) makes some effort to review the data over the preceding 5 years to check for any trends. (a) Done in Summer term 2012 (b) First report giving the 4 year trends in the attainment data was on EDC s agenda in May Report on progression will follow at a subsequent meeting. 2012/ 5 Five year trends data: drop outs The Diversity Advisor agreed to provide the five year trends data on drop out rates, which would be of interest to EDC, for the February 2012 meeting. 29. EDC Minutes Approved EDC Minutes to be placed on the School Website SG 30.1 [Prev. Minute 19.1] Analysis of the ethnicity & qualifications etc. of applicants to a small selection of posts Diversity Advisor & Director HR to discuss the next step for this activity by 30 th June SS 30.2 [Prev. Minute 19.3] Maternity Leave for International Students Diversity Advisor to report back to EDC in October [Prev. Minute 19.6] Academic Promotions post-maternity leave schemes [Appendix E] Diversity Advisor, HR Manager and UCU representative to meet and discuss whether a post-leave scheme is needed and to make a recommendation to Dir HR. If appropriate the Dir HR will write a report for EB. PM Page 7

16 31.1 Annual Student Diversity report Revised Executive Summary [Appendix B] The Diversity Advisor revised the recommendations within the Executive Summary for the May 2012 committee meeting Annual Student Diversity report EDC requested that once the Executive Summary had been revised the report go to Academic Development Committee, drawing their attention to the ethnicity gap in attainment and requesting that they recommend to the School whatever actions are appropriate. 32 Report to Executive Board and Governing Body on Equality Analyses and paying due regard to the Equality Act (2010) [Appendix C] Ensure paper goes on to GB as planned (deadline 9 th June). 33 Faith facilities provision for Students at SOAS (SU discussion paper) [Appendix D] DB to discuss with RP the possibility of a multi-faith room shared between Bloomsbury Colleges (by 30 June 2012) 34 Orientation Training for SOAS staff [Appendix E] Staff Development Manager to produce data analysis for last 2 years for Oct 2012 EDC meeting 35. [Prev. Minute 19.4] A report on the first 5 years of the National Student Survey 36. EDC s termly report to AB & RPC A post-graduate student has been recruited to undertake some further work on the NSS diversity data. The first of these diversity analyses (by domicile) was on the EDC Feb 2012 agenda at Appendix D and others will follow in the Summer Term and each will have an Exec Summary. The Diversity Advisor passed the Summer Term report to AB & RPC. MB Page 8

17 37. Four Year Trends in attainment [Appendix H] Diversity Advisor and Widening Participation Officer to arrange analysis of the data for October EDC meeting. 38. Report on progress on the Equality & Diversity Substrategy [Appendix J] Diversity Advisor to pass report to AB & RPC with termly report. Page 9