REF People & Environment Advisory Group

Terms of Reference

The REF People and Environment Advisory Group will advise REF decision-makers on matters arising related to equalities legislation, advice from internal EDI and People Function teams, REF guidance and Research England policy. In addition they will:

• Maintain independence from other University REF-related committees and groups.
• Ensure REF-related decisions are informed by current equalities legislation and best management practice in line with the University’s REF Code of Practice.
• Guide assessment of the Code of Practice as it relates to EDI and institutional culture.
• Review of representativeness and oversight of the Equality Impact Assessments at key stages of the REF submission process, advising the REF Steering Group and VPRE of recommendations.
• Support development of the institutional Strategy, People and Research Environment (SPRE) statement as it relates to EDI and research environment.
• Review appeals raised by staff regarding decisions on research independence and serve as the final arbitrator, advising the REF Steering Group accordingly of the outcome.

The quorum for the REF People & Environment Advisory Group is half of the members, with the Chair in attendance. Decisions require a simple majority (half of panel members plus one) of those present. 

The REF People & Environment Advisory Group meets approximately termly. More frequent meetings may be scheduled at key points in the REF programme as required.