University Learning Enhancement Committee

The University Learning Enhancement Committee is a sub-committee of the University Education Committee. 

Purpose

The purpose of the Committee is to:

a) Drive and refine institution-level projects and initiatives focused on teaching, learning and assessment, as agreed by University Education Committee, and monitor their progress.

b) Promote and share good practice and innovation relating to learning enhancement.

c) Oversee the development and scrutinise the implementation of the regulations, policies and processes that will deliver the strategic vision for taught education.

d) Ensure consistent application of education-related policies.

Terms of reference

The Committee has delegated authority from University Education Committee (UEC) for decision-making on the matters within its remit, except where:

  • the Committee believes that a decision would benefit from a broader discussion at UEC (in which case it will provide a summary of the matter with a recommendation);
  • a decision is required that has significant implications to the University’s education provision and/or the student academic experience;
  • otherwise stated in a specific term of reference.

Framework for delivery of taught education

  1. Working within the strategic focus identified by UEC, scope what is required to deliver priorities to enhance learning, teaching and assessment.  
  2. Establish the principles for new or revised regulations, policies, practices and processes to govern learning, teaching and assessment within taught programmes (referring the detailed development of regulation and policy to the Codes Executive Group).
  3. Monitor the implementation and evaluate the impact of new or revised regulations, policies, practices and processes relating to learning, teaching and assessment, ensuring that the aims and benefits are being achieved and any issues resolved.
  4. Respond to relevant institution-level outputs from the University’s quality framework.

Educational projects and initiatives

  1. Contribute to and advise on the scope, aims and approaches of institution-level projects and initiatives focused on teaching, learning and assessment.
  2. Monitor progress to deliver these institution-level projects and initiatives, advising on solutions, mitigations and next steps.

Good practice and innovation

  1. Encourage education innovation, share good practice and ensure staff are supported and enabled to innovate and deliver high-quality learning, teaching and assessment.

Membership

The membership of the Committee for 2025-26 is as follows:

Job title Name
Associate Pro Vice-Chancellor (Learning and Teaching) [Chair] Dr Mark Allinson
Associate Pro-Vice Chancellor (Student Engagement, Skills and Success) Professor Alvin Birdi

Academic Director (Programmes, Curriculum and Assessment) – Arts, Law and Social Sciences

Professor Bradley Stephens
Academic Director (Programmes, Curriculum and Assessment) – Health and Life Science Dr Dawn Davies
Academic Director (Programmes, Curriculum and Assessment) – Science and Engineering Dr Cameron Hall
Director of Education Quality and Policy or nominee Mike White
Head of Assessment Charlotte Verney
Representative from the Careers Service Naomi Love
Representative from the Library Service Sarah Newbold
A Head of Faculty Education and Student Success Abi Stickland
Bristol SU Undergraduate Education Officer Mia Stevens
Bristol SU Postgraduate Education Officer Sharan Khemlani

A standing invitation is issued to:

  • Bristol SU Head of Representation and Student Leadership (Finn Northrop)

If the Chair is unable to attend a committee meeting, they may identify a suitably qualified alternative to chair on their behalf.

Other members who are unable to attend a committee meeting may send a suitability qualified nominee (at the discretion of the Chair). Nominees shall count towards the quorum as though they were the member of the Committee by whom they were nominated and, subject to the agreement of the Chair, shall be entitled to vote. 

Quorum

The Chair (or nominee) and at least three other staff members of the committee to include two Academic Directors (Programmes, Curriculum and Assessment) (or nominees).

Voting 

Only committee members have the right to vote at committee meetings. Attendees who are not members of the committee may speak at meetings to provide guidance, advice and opinion to the committee but shall not be entitled to a vote. 

Voting on any issue will be by a show of hands and decisions are taken by a simple majority. 

The Chair may vote and has the right to exercise a casting vote if a vote is tied. 

Decision-making between meetings  

Where decisions are required between meetings of the committee (due to the urgency of the matter and for the good of the University), the Chair is authorised to make decisions on behalf of the committee (i.e. use ‘Chair’s action’).  

If the Chair feels it is appropriate, business may also be conducted electronically via email with the committee between meetings (i.e. by correspondence).    

A decision made by Chair’s action or by correspondence shall be valid as though taken at a meeting of the committee.  

Any such decisions will be reported to the next meeting of the committee. 

Related networks

  • Education Director Network

Mode of Operation

  1. The committee will normally meet seven times a year.
  2. The committee will normally report to University Education Committee following each meeting.

Meeting dates

University Learning and Teaching Committee reports to University Education Committee so the meetings are scheduled to enable this.

University Learning and Teaching Committee meeting schedule 2025/26
Paper deadlines Meeting dates
Monday 22nd September 2025 Tuesday 30th September 2025
Monday 20th October 2025 Tuesday 28th October 2025
Monday 1st December 2025

Tuesday 9th December 2025
Monday 26th January 2026 Tuesday 3rd February 2026
Monday 2nd March 2026 Tuesday 10th March 2026
Monday 13th April 2026 Tuesday 21st April 2026
Friday 11th May 2026 Monday 19th May 2026

Record of business

Summary reports from University Learning and Teaching Committee are available for download (UoB only).