Purpose
The Senate Business Committee has a primary purpose to set Senate agendas and to support the Senate governance structure to work effectively.
Remit
[To be reviewed annually at first meeting of committee cycle]
The primary role of the Senate Business Committee is to set Senate agendas and to advise on the programme of business across the year. In addition, the Senate Business Committee is responsible for regular review and monitoring of the effectiveness of Senate.
To engage Senate in open debate, and to inform future policy development by Senate committees for subsequent consideration by the Senate, Senate Business Committee should develop an annual schedule of business. This should enable the identification of timing imperatives across the year and may include the invitation of one external speaker during the academic year on an issue of strategic importance to the sector.
Subject to advice from the Secretary to Senate on good governance practice, Senate Business Committee should contribute to the development of:
- proposals to support the effectiveness of Senate, and
- proposals to support the relationship between Senate and its Committees, including reflection on effectiveness surveys, for onward recommendation to Senate when necessary.
- proposals to support the recruitment and induction of new members of Senate.
In exceptional circumstances, and in line with Standing Order 3, as an alternative to calling an additional meeting of Senate, Senate Business Committee may be asked to allow consideration by Senate of an item by circulation.
Senate Business Committee has delegated responsibility from the Senate to approve the appointment of Senate members or representatives to External Trusts based on recommendations from the Senior Vice-Principal and/or a call for expressions of interest. The Secretary to Senate will advise on any circumstances which would require full Senate consideration. A list of Senate appointees to external trusts will be maintained on the Senate webpages.
Reporting Line/Parent Committee and Interface with Other Committees
Formal reporting line: Senate
Other Senate committees:
- University Education Committee
- Quality Assurance Committee
- University Research Committee
- Honorary Degrees Committee
Frequency and Timing of Meetings
The Committee will meet at least five times per year (October, November, January, March and May) ahead of meetings of Senate Meetings between 10am – 4pm in accordance with University Policy.
Publication of papers
Cognisance will be taken of the University’s Publication Scheme and Agenda papers will be made available on web pages/StaffNet where possible.
