Culture and Inclusion Committee

The Culture and Inclusion Committee (formerly Equity, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Oversight Committee) provides strategic oversight and assurance on matters relating to culture, values and behaviours and the University's Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) sub-strategy.

On this page

Responsibilities and terms of reference

The Culture and Inclusion Committee is one of the committees of the Board of Trustees.

It provides strategic oversoght and assurance (including compliance and risk related to relevant legal and 
regulatory requirements) on matters relating to: 

  • the University’s culture, values, and behaviours;
  • the effectiveness of its Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) sub-strategy and;
  •  staff and student wellbeing; Safeguarding and Prevent responsibilities.

For full details of the Culture and Inclusion Committee's responsibilities, see Ordinance 4 - Appendix F.‌

Membership

As a group, the committee members are empowered to make decisions. They can take advice from others attending the meeting.

Members and roles

The Equity, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Oversight Committee has up to 10 members.

  • Ms Jessica Cecil, Independent Trustee (Chair)
  • Professor Dame Melanie Welham, Independent Trustee (Deputy Chair)
  • Mr Jack Boyer, Chair of the Board of Trustees
  • Professor Natalie Edwards, Academic Staff Trustee
  • Ms Lucy Collins, Professional Services Staff Trustee
  • Ms Sophera Whiu, Student Trustee
  • Mrs Charlie Cowley, Co-opted Member
  • Mrs Margaret Simmons-Bird, Co-opted Member

If we identify a skill gap in the committee, we will recruit members with this expertise. These individuals usually do not work for the University and will take the role of 'Co-opted Member'. The committee can appoint up to 3 co-opted members, who are not a member of the Board of Trustees.

Attendees

The following may attend meetings and offer advice to committee members:

  • Deputy Chair of the Board of Trustees
  • Vice-Chancellor and President
  • Chief People Officer
  • Director of Governance and University Secretary
  • Other members of the senior management team as appropriate

Staff reporting to those members of the Executive listed above may also attend meetings as required.

They do not have authority to make committee decisions and are not eligible to vote in meetings.

Committee Secretary

  • Current post-holder: Helen Cole
  • Email: helen.cole@bristol.ac.uk

Vacancies

There are currently no vacancies.

Meeting dates and paper submission deadlines 2025/26

View paper submission deadlines

View paper submission guidance. 

  • Tuesday 23 September 2025, 1pm
  • Monday 27 April 2026, 3pm