Women on Boards and Committees

Guidelines

The following guidelines are provided to encourage the participation of women on committees and boards.

1. Chairs of boards and committees are responsible for action to achieve progress towards the 30% target of female representation. Changing the method of formulating membership may be required.
2. Those responsible for establishing selection committees, for both academic and general staff, should aim for a minimal 30% female membership.
3. Deans and Heads of Departments are often given the opportunity to nominate a representative; when possible this opportunity should be utilised to increase the number of women on committees. Nominees should be used as standing members of committees and not as ad hoc representatives.
4. Deans and Heads of Departments within Faculties which are predominantly staffed by males should introduce long-term strategies to increase the proportion of women on committees. These strategies can include:
   • seeking women from elsewhere in the University who have relevant expertise,
   • inviting women from relevant professional groups and organisations outside the University
   • extending the use of nominees of ex-officio members and selecting women for these positions.
5. Chairs of boards and committees are to compile lists of women eligible and willing to participate as members. The lists should be reviewed appropriately to ensure accuracy.
6. The University will provide training to new and potential committee members in chairing committees, protocol, procedural matters and other related issues. Training will also be provided in selection committee procedures.
7. The Academic Board, Senate and devolved units are to report on an annual basis to the University's Staff and Student Equal Opportunity Unit on the gender composition of committees and boards.