Governing bodies and equality
This project was developed to enable governing bodies to engage more effectively in promoting equality and diversity within their institutions and also to support more diverse governing bodies
For: Governing bodies; registrars; Vice-Chancellors; equality and diversity practitioners
When: December 2008 – July 2009
This was a joint project between ECU and The Leadership Foundation for Higher Education . It was developed in close liaison with the Committee of University Chairs, the Association of Heads of University Administration, Universities UK, GuildHE, and Equality Forward. The steering group was chaired by Russell Seal, Chair of Council at the University of Bristol.
Research was commissioned from Cranfield University. This involved a national survey of all registrars, and focus groups, to investigate the varying roles played by governors in relation to equality and diversity. It also considered the constitution of existing governing bodies, focusing in particular on what steps can be taken to ensure that future generations of governing bodies reflect both the communities they serve and their institutions' missions.
The research led to the production of a handbook which describes the responsibilities of governing bodies, and provides guidance, case studies and resources to assist them.