V.O.I.C.E. Committee Terms of Reference

Responsibility

The aim of the School of Cancer Sciences’ (SCS) Visibility, Opportunity, Inclusion, Career Development and Equality (VOICE) Committee is to raise awareness about these aforementioned topics within the SCS. The committee brings together staff and students to identify, discuss and support the ICS Director and to the College Equality, Inclusion and Diversity Committee (CEIDC) on the development and implementation of best practice on equality and diversity.

Remit

  • To support the SCS in achieving the highest standards of inclusion and equality on Age, Disability, Race, Sex, Sexual Orientation. Gender Reassignment, Pregnancy and Maternity, Religion or Belief, and Marriage and Civil Partnership*.
  • To have a committee whose membership represents the diversity within the ICS community.
  • To embed equality and diversity in all School functions and activities.
  • To act as an effective channel of communication between the ICS community and the School and College management on issues related to equality and diversity.
  • To liaise with the CRUK Beatson Institute to develop and implement common equality practices, where possible.
  • To focus on our diverse workforce by comprising of sub-committees on Students, Well-being and Work-life Balance, Career Development, Management & Professional Administration, Technicians, Communications, Seminars & Events, and Neurodiversity & Disability.
  • To prepare and achieve national Athena Swan accreditation for ICS.

Reporting line

The SCS Director, SCS Institute Management Group and CEIDC, but liaising widely with other committees and managers as required.

Membership

The VOICE committee is always happy to welcome new members with the expertise and/or commitment to promote diversity and equality within the ICS community. The committee will review its membership and remit annually, and may also seek new members if additional expertise is needed. The Group will meet 6 times per year and where a current member is unable to attend a nominated replacement is desirable.