UNIVERSITY OF WARWICK
Equality and Diversity Committee
There will be a meeting of the Equality and Diversity Committee on Wednesday 17
May 2006 at 2pm in Room R.113, Ramphal Building.
C E Charlton
University Secretary
Note: Questions on agenda items or apologies for this meeting should be
directed to the Secretary of the Committee, Liz Harrison, ext 75022 or
E.A.Harrison@warwick.ac.uk
AGENDA
1.
Minutes
TO CONSIDER:
The minutes of the meeting held on 30th January 2006 (copy attached).
2.
Matters arising
(a)
Race Equality Policy and Action Plan (Minute 16/05-06)
TO REPORT:
(i)
That, at its meeting held on 15 February, the Campus Life
Committee considered the existing provision of small prayer
facilities across the University and resolved that these met
the needs of staff and students.
(ii)
That the Academic Quality and Standards Committee, at its
meeting held on 22 February, considered assessment
methodology and whether it may have a differential impact on
students whose first language is not English and resolved that:
(A)
While unfair barriers to demonstration of learning
achieved should be removed, the use of criteria
establishing the student’s ability to communicate in
written English was legitimate and proper in a British
Higher Education Institution.
(B)
The University continue to ensure the availability of
excellent support facilities for students whose first
language is not English including preparation for
examinations.
(C)
The International Office be invited to reflect on the
suitability of current minimum language requirements
for admission to Warwick courses.
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(D)
(b)
The Centre for Academic Practice be consulted on the
inclusion in training courses for academic staff of
material exploring the importance of the careful
phrasing of examination questions and other
assessment tasks, and on the development of a
generic campus-wide assessment criterion on the use
of English.
Statistics (Minute 17/05-06 refers)
TO REPORT:
That discussions are ongoing regarding the Committee’s requirements
on the inclusion and presentation of data in future statistical reports.
(c)
Communication to Heads of Department (Minute 25/05-06 refers)
TO REPORT:
That the recommendations to Heads of Department from the Chair of
the Equality & Diversity Committee were communicated in writing
during April.
(d)
Harassment and Bullying Policy (Minute 16/05-06 refers)
TO RECEIVE:
An oral report from the Assistant Director of Personnel Services
on feedback following the launch of the Harassment and Bullying
Policy.
3.
Age Discrimination
TO RECEIVE:
An oral report from Leonie Aspinall (Personnel Adviser) on the impact of the
forthcoming age discrimination legislation.
4.
Disability Issues
(a)
Disability Equality Scheme
TO RECEIVE:
A paper (Paper EDC18/05-06, attached) outlining progress with the
disability equality scheme.
TO CONSIDER:
Reports on consultation with disabled staff and students (Paper
EDC19/05-06 and Paper EDC20/05-06, attached).
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(b)
Disability Interest Group
TO RECEIVE:
5.
(i)
A copy of the minutes of the meeting of the Disability Interest
Group held on 26 January 2006 (Paper EDC21/05-06,
attached).
(ii)
A copy of the Disability Services Annual Report 2004/05
(Paper EDC22/05-06, attached).
Equality & Diversity Network
TO RECEIVE:
A copy of the minutes of the meeting of the Equality & Diversity Committee held
on 2 May 2006 (copy attached).
TO CONSIDER:
The following issues raised by the Equality & Diversity Network at its meeting
held on 2 May 2006:
(a)
That information on the impact of Age Discrimination legislation and
good practice issues should be made available to all staff in advance
of the introduction of the legislation.
(b)
The introduction of a framework outlining the University’s obligations
to overseas students in the area of disability.
(c)
Suggestions for encouraging a common culture of diversity embracing
all areas of discrimination legislation. This may be achieved by
encouraging the introduction of sub-groups within departments or
across schools and forum for sharing best practice.
6.
Any Other Business
7.
Date of Next Meeting
TO REPORT:
That the date and venue of the next meeting of the Equality and Diversity
Committee will be included in the University Committee Timetable for 2006-07
and confirmed with members of the Committee during the summer vacation.
EAH/EDCagen17/05/06
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