The EDI Committee

The EDI Committee has delegated authority from the Trustee Board.

Overall purpose

The EDI Committee provides high level strategic oversight and advice to the Trustee Board on the equality, diversity and inclusion work of the college.

The Committee has four overarching purposes:

1. To provide advice and guidance to the Trustee Board on EDI;
2. To provide recommendations to the Trustee Board on the college’s EDI priorities;
3. To monitor the progress against the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Plan and to provide assurance to the Trustee Board that EDI objectives and activities are aligned to, and embedded within the broader range of strategic objectives for the college;
4. To improve the breadth of representation across protected characteristics in the work of the college, widen participation and tackle discrimination and differential attainment through advising and guiding the Trustee Board.

Terms of Reference

1. The EDI Committee has delegated authority to advise the Trustee Board on matters that fall within its terms of reference. It is tasked with:

1. Reviewing the effectiveness of EDI related policies and action plans and making recommendations to the Trustee Board. 
2. Considering the RCR membership survey results, as well as other sources of available EDI data and information
3. Considering what other data might be collected to add value to recommendations, bearing in mind the constraints of the Data Protection Act 2018.
4. Using data to provide recommendations to the Trustee Board on RCR’s EDI priorities.
5. Provide help and guidance as to how RCR could best achieve its priorities.
6. Sharing best practice and learning in relation to EDI.
7. Provide advice to the Trustee Board on any other aspects of EDI as appropriate.
8. Contributing to RCR communications, helping to showcase a wider and more diverse voice of the College.
9. The EDI Committee will report to the Trustee Board on a regular basis to inform it of the progress, achievements and challenges in the RCR’s EDI objectives and activities.

Membership

2. The membership will consist of:

1. The President of the RCR  
2. The Medical Director, Membership and Business
3. The CEO
4. Two appointed members (one from each faculty), usually chosen from either the Specialty Training Board or a current examiner - to be selected by the Vice President of the respective faculty.
5. Six elected Fellows (three from each faculty) – to be elected following the usual RCR election process.
6. One lay member may be appointed at the agreement of the Chair and President.

3. A chair will be chosen from among the membership by the full membership of the EDI committee.
4. The Term of Office of appointed members (including the lay member, if appointed) will be three years, extendable by one year at the discretion of the Chair in consultation with RCR Officers.
5. Elected members will serve a three-year term. Election to the role of Chair will not extend the term of office beyond that which was in place at the time of election.

Operation

6. The EDI Committee will meet as often as required in order to carry out their duties, but not less than three times a year.

5. The quorum shall be six members, to include at least one Officer and one elected member.
6. Meetings may be held in person or by virtual means/remote attendance.
7. Members may be called upon to consider or determine matters electronically between meetings and are expected to contribute to such considerations or decisions as part of their duties.
8. In line with board and committee policy, members will not speak on or behalf of the College unless directly authorised to do so by the Chair of the EDI committee and the CEO.
9. Members will abide by any stated or implied confidentiality that attaches to the work of the committee during or after any period of membership.
10. Members will comply with the provisions of the Data Protection Act 2018 as regards any personal data where it is made available to them as part of their work.

Approved by Trustee Board 22 September 2023

Review date: September 2026