People, Culture & Sustainability Committee - Terms of Reference
The role of the People, Culture and Sustainability Committee (the “Committee”) is to ensure an appropriate governance structure that provides clear, consistent leadership and accountability for the University’s strategic approach to human capital, organisational culture, and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) sustainability initiatives.
Reporting to the Governing Authority, the Committee will support accountability for delivering on the University’s strategic objectives in valuing and developing our staff community and advancing sustainable development.
The Committee will oversee, advise, and report to the Governing Authority on the implementation of strategy in the following areas:
People & Culture
● Advise the Governing Authority on progress towards People and Culture objectives under the University’s Strategic Plan, including strategic workforce planning, organisational structure review, talent management, capability and performance.
● Provide updates on the implementation and review of relevant University policies that support this agenda.
● Monitor and review organisational culture through the results of employee engagement surveys and associated action plans. In addition, review progress on organisational culture markers such as employee voice and living the University’s values.
● Review and monitor initiatives and policies relating to staff wellbeing1 to ensure a safe and supportive working environment.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI)
● Receive regular reports from the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Steering Group on equality, diversity and inclusion matters.
● Advise the Governing Authority on progress towards the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion objectives set out in the University’s Strategic Plan and Equality Action Plans.
● Provide updates on the implementation and review of University Equality, Diversity and Inclusion policies and initiatives.
Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Sustainability
● Oversee the development and implementation of the University Sustainable Development Framework.
● Review progress against targets on the implementation of actions under the University Climate Action Plan.
● Receive updates from the Chief Operations Officer, or their nominee (twice annually) on specific aspects of the University’s sustainability strategy, covering environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors.
● Provide updates to the Governing Authority on the implementation and review of University sustainability and climate action policies and initiatives.
The members of the Committee will be appointed by the Governing Authority. The term of office of the Committee shall be co-terminous with the term of office of the Governing Authority.
The Committee shall consist of:
● At least seven members, of whom at least two shall be external members of the Governing Authority, one of whom shall act as Chair.
● An additional member, external or internal to the University, may also be appointed at the discretion of the Chair.
In Attendance (non-members):
● Members of the DCU People Department will attend to provide administrative and secretarial support.
● Representatives from the Office of the Chief Operations Officer (COO) will attend to provide information and updates as required.
A quorum shall consist of the Chair (or their nominee) and four other members of the Committee, at least two of whom shall be external to DCU (which may include the Chair).
- The Committee will report to the Governing Authority after each meeting
- The Committee will escalate matters to the Governing Authority as appropriate where significant risks or issues arise within its remit.
There will be a minimum of four meetings per year, scheduled at the beginning of the academic year. Additional or extraordinary meetings will be convened as may be deemed necessary at the discretion of the Chair.
Members are required to declare any potential or actual conflicts of interest in line with Governing Authority procedures. Where a conflict is identified, the member may be required to absent themselves from relevant discussions or decisions.
These Terms of Reference will be reviewed every two years (or sooner if required) by the Committee and submitted to the Governing Authority for approval.