Student Voice Committee - Terms of Reference

1. Constitution

The Student Voice Committee (“SVC” or “Committee”) is a sub-committee of the University of Derby Governing Council (“Governing Council” or “GC”) and as such, its actions are open to scrutiny and approval by Governing Council. The delegation of functions does not absolve the Governing Council from accountability for the conduct and decisions of its committees. The Governing Council remains responsible for the proper conduct of the University for undertaking its duties under the instruments and articles of government and for complying with the other legislation to which it is subject. The Terms of Reference of the Committee may be varied at any time by GC.

2. Composition

SVC will be co-chaired by a nominated Independent Governor and President of the Union of Students. Membership of SVC will be extended to the following members:

2.1. Composition:

2.2. Attendance and Clerking Arrangements

3. Quorum

A quorum shall be no fewer than one-third of members, of which at least one member shall be an Independent Governor.

4. Conduct and regularity of meetings

4.1 Meetings shall normally be held four times each financial year. Members and attendees may attend in person or by video link subject to prior approval of the Co-Chairs.

4.2 The SVC shall work with additional Governing Council Committees, particularly PPRC, to ensure that the student voice is represented and reflected.

5. Scope and Primary Objectives

5.1.   Student Voice: The SVC will enable and encourage the student voice to be heard as widely and comprehensively as possible and facilitate the exchange of feedback and responses across the University's structures and operations. The student voice informs Governing Council’s responsibilities and decision-making. Therefore, this Committee’s role is to ensure that the student voice is heard and acknowledged and ensuring that mechanisms are in place to resolve issues effectively. In addition, SVC will alert and refer issues regarding the student voice to GC and the University Executive Board (“UEB”). The dialogue and interactions will provide an opportunity for issues relevant to the student experience to be raised by SVC members for the University and the Union of Students to explore and debate, and to maintain effective reciprocal communication channels between the student community, GC and the University’s deliberative structures. SVC will also encourage a positive working relationship between the University and the Union of Students, including the civic agenda.

5.2.   Constitutional and Financial Reporting: SVC will receive and consider reports that relate to the Union of Students. It will also make recommendations and offer advice on reports that relate to the funding of the Union of Students, for example the annual block grant submission, and provide advice and updates to GC on financial and constitutional matters relating to the Union of Students.

5.3.   Statutory and other reporting obligations: SVC will advise the University’s GC on the Union of Students’ statutory obligations, specifically to ensure the Union of Students complies with the Union of Student’s Constitution and Code of Practice in accordance with provisions outlined in the Education Act 1994, provide a forum in which the Partnership Agreement is reviewed every two years and provide other formal reports as required by its constitution and articles of association.

6. Duties

Student Voice

6.1   To receive and discuss reports and issues raised by the Union of Students relating to student priorities.
6.2   To invite student representatives from a diverse range of demographics to attend and present to the Committee on their lived experiences as students at the University, or to represent their portfolio, or geographic interests.
6.3   To consider the implications for the student experience of the University’s strategies and plans. 
6.4   To consult student representatives on emerging issues and developments at the institution.

Constitutional and Financial Reporting

6.5   To receive and consider reports relating to the constitution, strategy, operations and finances of the Union of Students.
6.6   To receive the Union of Students’ annual block grant submission and make recommendations to UEB for consideration, prior to final approval by GC.
6.7   Consider and advise GC on the quinquennial review of Union of Student’s Articles of Association and on any amendments to the Union of Student’s Articles of Association.
6.8   Provide updates to GC on the Student Charter through the Committee’s annual review.

Statutory Reporting

6.9   Advise GC in order that it may hold the Union of Students to proper account for its finances in accordance with the provisions of the Education Act 1994.
6.10  Review agreements made between the University and the Union of Students including (but not limited to) the Partnership Agreement every two years, Finance Memorandums and Lease Agreements and advise GC accordingly.
6.11  Consider and advise GC on the Union of Students’ exercise of any power which may affect any grant, transfer, or other disposal of all/most of the assets of the Union of Students to any other entity/person.
6.12  To receive assurance that the Union of Students operates in a fair and democratic manner and advise GC accordingly.

7. Other Matters

The Committee shall:

7.1    have access to sufficient resources in order to carry out its duties;
7.2    ensure that a periodic evaluation of the committee’s own performance is carried out; and
7.3    at least annually, review the Committee’s terms of reference and recommend any changes to GC for approval.