EFFECTIVE GOVERNANCE. The University Court has overall responsibility for the strategic direction of the University, the approval of overall institutional budgets and major developments. In discharging its obligations, Court receives strategic advice and regular reports from executive officers on the day-to-day operation of its business and its subsidiary companies. The University Senate has delegated authority from the University Court for oversight of all academic matters. In late 2021/early 2022 we conducted our five yearly externally facilitated Court Effectiveness review, having extended the timeline for this because of the impact of COVID on University business. A Court Effectiveness Steering Group was established to oversee the review, and its work was facilitated by Advance HE. The scope of the review was defined as being to ‘provide an evaluation of the effectiveness of the current arrangements for Court and Senate’. The overarching judgement arising from the review is that the University Court continues to have in place effective arrangements to meet its key obligations, as set out in the University Court Statement of Primary Responsibilities. On the basis of the evidence considered in relation to ILR, the review concluded that the Court can have full confidence in QMU’s arrangements for academic assurance and enhancement, noting that quality mechanisms are applied consistently, including across online, international and collaborative provision. The action plan to address recommendations arising from the Court Effectiveness Review Report is a standing item on Court’s agenda during Session 2022/23. All actions arising from the review are to be completed by June 2023. The Review Report can be accessed at the following link: xxxxx://xxx.xxx.xx.xx/about-the- university/university-court/court-effectiveness-review-2022/ During Session 2021-22, the gender balance of membership of Court was maintained at 50% female and 50% male. The lay member gender balance was 47% female and 53% male. Equality Monitoring is in place for all Court members. During 2022-23, we will continue to reflect on the balance of diversity on the Court, while maintaining the gender balance required under the Gender Representation on Boards legislation. The gender balance of membership at the time of writing is 52% female and 48% male, with female lay members continuing to account for 47% of the membership. A commitment to equality shapes our institutional Strategic Plan. This Agreement embodies our commi...
