Many universities and colleges try to ensure that their governing body membership is diverse in all ways, and reflects at least in part the communities from which their students and staff are drawn. For example, with a majority of female students in many institutions and increasingly large numbers of students from ethnic minorities and from overseas, many institutions are trying to move away from the traditional male-dominated governing body. Many of those involved in recruitment to governing bodies are aware of the practical difficulties in having diverse governing bodies, in particular in terms of age, race and gender.
A research project, jointly funded by the Equality Challenge Unit (ECU) and the Leadership Foundation for Higher Education has led to the publication of a report. In addition, Governing bodies, equality and diversity - A handbook for governors of higher education institutions provides practical guidance and resources to assist governors in this area.
The Equality Act 2010 replaced much of the previous legislation and strengthens the law in this area. A concise overview can be found in issue 25 of In Practice. The Equality Challenge Unit has also prepared information on the key changes.
A special edition (Vol 16, No.1, 2012) of Perspectives, the journal of the Association of University Administrators (AUA) explores the likely impact of the 2010 Equality Act on the higher education sector.
The Equality and Human Rights Commission has announced (April 2012) that it will not now publish statutory codes of practice on the public sector equality duty for higher education. The draft codes will remain as non-statutory guidance.
A range of materials can be found in the Equalities section of the Home Office web site and guidance is also available from the Charity Commission.
More information on the governing body's responsibilities in relation to diversity and equality.