People, Health and Equality Committee

1. Status

1.1 In accordance with the Scottish Code of Good HE Governance and the University’s core governance framework, Court has established the People, Health and Equality Committee (the Committee). These Terms of Reference, approved by Court, define the Committee’s purpose, delegated authority, responsibilities and operating arrangements. They should be read in conjunction with other key governance documents available at Court's Key Documents.

1.2 The Committee shall only act within its approved remit, escalating matters that exceed its delegated authority as defined in the Scheme of Delegation and Decision-Making Powers or present material risk to Court in a timely and transparent manner, in accordance with the University Court Standing Orders and recognised good governance practice.

1.3 Delegation to the Committee does not transfer or diminish Court’s collective responsibility or accountability. Court retains the right to rescind or vary any decision of the Committee, without prejudice to actions already undertaken.

1.4 In the event of any question arising between different aspects of the University’s suite of governance documents, the Order prevails, followed by the University Court Statement of Primary Responsibilities, then the University Court Standing Orders and applicable Codes of Conduct, and thereafter the Scheme of Delegation and Decision‑Making Powers and other relevant policies and procedures including these Terms of Reference.

2. Purpose and Scope

2.1 The purpose of the Committee is to support Court in discharging its responsibilities for:

a) the governance of people, culture, and workforce matters;
b) oversight of health and safety and wellbeing at a strategic and assurance level;
c) equality, diversity and inclusion as employer, education provider, and charitable body; and
d) ensuring that people‑related strategies support delivery of the University’s Strategy.

2.2 Operational management of people, health, safety or equality matters remains the responsibility of the Principal and Vice-Chancellor and the Senior Leadership Team under delegated authority.

3. Responsibilities

3.1 People Strategy, Culture and Workforce

a) oversee the development of the University’s People Strategy and workforce planning, ensuring alignment with institutional sustainability and performance objectives;
b) review progress against people-related objectives and key performance indicators, assessing impact and supporting continuous improvement
c) consider strategic matters relating to staff wellbeing, leadership and learning and development;
d) provide assurance to Court on the effectiveness of staff engagement and consultation arrangements;
e) review workforce data and trends, including staffing, wellbeing, sickness absence, and turnover with due regard to legislative requirements and sector best practice.
f) consider relevant audit findings and other sources of assurance relating to people, culture and workforce matters, and monitor the implementation of agreed actions; and
g) review strategic risks within the Committee’s remit.

3.2 Health and Safety Oversight

a) provide strategic oversight and assurance to Court on health and safety arrangements, including compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements;
b) receive and scrutinise reports from the Health and Safety Committee, including significant incidents, trends, emerging issues and any matters escalated, to inform its advice and assurance to Court;
c) review (informed by the Health and Safety Committee) the Annual Health and Safety Report prior to submission to Court; and
d) consider relevant audit findings and other sources of assurance relating to health and safety.

3.3 Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

a) provide assurance that statutory duties and obligations are met, reviewing progress against equality objectives and action plans;
b) have due regard to equality, diversity and inclusion in carrying out its responsibilities including considering the implications for people with protected characteristics and other underrepresented or vulnerable groups when reviewing people-related policies and action plans; and
c) seek assurance that equality impact assessments, or equivalent consideration of equality implications, are undertaken where required, in people-related, health and safety, and other relevant policies, practices and significant changes.

3.4 Other Statutory and Employer Responsibilities

a) consider matters referred by Court requiring governance oversight within the Committee’s remit.

3.5 Review of Effectiveness

a) undertake an annual review of the Committee’s effectiveness, remit and sufficiency of delegated authority, including these Terms of Reference, and consider whether any amendments are required in light of legislative changes, governance frameworks or recognised good governance practice, with any proposed updates recommended for approval by Court.

3.6 Other Responsibilities

a) take such other actions as are required or directed by Court in relation to people, health, equality and wellbeing matters within the University.

4. Composition

4.1 The Committee shall be constituted to provide an appropriate level of expertise in people, health, equality and wellbeing.

4.2 All members of the Committee shall comply with the Code of Conduct for Members of the University Court and shall declare and manage conflicts of interest in accordance with the Standing Orders.

4.3 Membership:

Appointed:
a) Four lay members of Court (one to act as Chair and one as Vice-Chair)
b) One staff member of Court (excluding those with a clear conflict of interest)
c) One student member of Court1
External Members:
a) Court may appoint additional external lay members, who are not members of Court, with appropriate experience or expertise, provided that there is always a majority of members of Court on the Committee.
Ex-Officio:
a) Director of People and Culture
b) Director of Student and Academic Services

4.4 Non-members may be invited to attend meetings at the discretion of the Chair to contribute expertise to specific agenda items.

4.5 The Secretary to the Committee shall be the Head of Governance and Deputy Secretary or their nominee.

4.6 The Governance and Policy Officer shall act as Clerk to the Committee and shall be responsible for minute‑taking.

5. Meetings and Proceedings

5.1 The Committee shall conduct its business in accordance with the Standing Orders which apply to Committees with any necessary modifications and subject to any Committee‑specific provisions approved by Court.

5.2 Meetings shall be held at least four times per academic year or more frequently as required.

6. Quorum

6.1 Five members of the Committee (including the Chair or the Vice-Chair and the Director of People and Culture or their nominee if they are unable to attend).

7. Reporting

7.1 The Committee reports directly to through the submission of its minutes (these can include unapproved minutes agreed with the Committee Chair) to the next available meeting of Court.

7.2 The Committee will also report to Court through a paper relating to any substantive matters for consideration.

Approved by Court, 17 June 2026

Current Composition of the People, Health and Equality Committee

Appointed Members:

Colin Graham - Chair and Interim Chair of Court

Jim Macgregor - Vice-Chair

Kerith George-Briant

Maryam Deeni

Ex-Officio

Eilidh Fraser - Director of People and Culture

James Nicholson - Director of Student and Academic Services

Secretary

Dr Dianne Peden - Head of Governance and Deputy Secretary

Clerk

Vanessa Kind - Governance and Policy Officer (Minute Secretary)

If you would like a copy of the Committee Terms of Reference and Composition in another format, please email governance@abertay.ac.uk

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