Terms of Reference:

Aim: To create and sustain a vibrant collaborative network, of Leaders of Higher Education provision in the subject area of Engineering & Technology, for mutual benefit.  This group will be called the Engineering Alliance and Leaders in the Midlands region will be invited as members.

Governance of the alliance:

The alliance will:

1.  aim to meet quarterly to network, share ideas, market information and current issues of interest
2. will promote collaborative activities and lively discussions in the subject area of Engineering & Technology in Higher Education.
3. will gain strength through critical mass and collaboration
4. will seek to promote its constitution and activities to the wider community through a website
5. will seek to agree on any actions such as coordinated action (lobbying) through consultation with its membership
6. will seek to create structural links to relevant external bodies, such as (IMechE, IoM3 etc..), and the RDA, WMHEA, L&S Council, EEF, HEFCE, SEMTA; and, will seek to collaborate with and to receive regular representation from them at meetings. 

Meetings:

1. will be coordinated by the Alliance Chair (AC), and the venues will rotate between each members host institution. Hosting members will normally chair their local meeting with support from the (AC), and would supply an appropriate meeting room, facilities and refreshments.
2. will normally be chaired by the Leader of the host institution (Local Chair,LC), with support  from the AC.
3. will have at least 4 members present to be quorate
4. will be recorded by the Alliance Secretary (appointed annually) and minutes distributed to members shortly after a meeting will be used to shared information in confidence between the members unless otherwise agreed
5. agenda items will be made by the members in advance of a meeting

Membership:

1. Members will be HE Leaders and have a post at a senior management level, such as Dean/ Associate Dean / Head of Department. If a Leader cannot attend a meeting then a deputy who is appropriately briefed can attend on their behalf.
2. An annual membership fee will be agreed to cover the costs of secretarial support, website, postage, reprographics etc.. The fee will be held in a university account and will be used to defray costs. Financial statements of account will be made to the members and agreed.

    

Date: 18-09-08