International Partnerships Committee

PURPOSE

To ensure adherence to procedures for the approval and governance of international partnership arrangements,

REMIT

(To be reviewed annually at first meeting of committee cycle) *and as other reviews for example regarding governance/project management take place

To assess, monitor and oversee the University's portfolio of international partnerships - including, where appropriate, risk management - and to ensure their continued fit to its strategic direction. This includes the approval of new initiatives referred to it by the International Advisory Group and SMT as well as oversight of the ongoing development of approved/operationalised projects.

In the case of project approval IPC will:

• verify and offer further challenge to larger and potentially higher risk projects so as to provide robust governance.
• ensure risks are recognised, detailed and managed with action plans in place to mitigate them, also recommending and implementing new actions in risk management.
• make recommendations as appropriate to Policy and Resources Committee.
• ensure the implementation of institutional policies consistent with Senate’s ‘Principles and Procedures’ document to support the development of transnational projects with delivery partners.

It should be noted that, as per the procedures for the approval of a transnational education initiative, in all cases where delivery partners are involved, the majority of a degree is to be delivered overseas or in the (highly unlikely) event that a capital investment is required of the University, a project must then be subject to PaRC scrutiny and approval in addition to that of IPC.

Once a project is approved, IPC will receive regular reports on its operationalisation. In addition to its role in reviewing these reports, and following up on any matters of concern therein, the IPC is available to hear concerns from any individual member of staff about an international partnership. It may also:

• establish and disestablish sub-committees or working groups to support the work of the Committee.
• engage in horizon scanning to anticipate and prepare for new opportunities and likely future transnational developments.
• liaise with Professional Service Directorates, academic areas and Schools as appropriate.

Composition and Membership

Date of Establishment: February 2021 (Revised July 2021)

Chair and Administrative Support Area

• Chair: Alan Speight Vice-Principal (Global Student Recruitment)
• Clerk: Vimal Subramanian, Lead International Governance Officer

In attendance: With the agreement of the Chair, other staff, students or stakeholders, as required.

Quorum: 50% of formal membership (including Chair)

Account to be taken of Equality and Diversity in Membership

Reporting Line/Parent Committee and Interface with other Committees

Parent committee and Formal reporting line: 

• Policy and Resources Committee (PaRC)

Interface with other committees: 

• International Advisory Group
• Senior Management Team

Frequency and Timing of Meetings

The International Partnerships Committee will hold at least four meetings per academic year

Publication of Papers

Cognisance will be taken of the University’s Publication Scheme and Agenda papers will be made available on web pages/staffNet where possible.