Policy & Public Affairs Advisory Board
Engaging policymakers and public debate, on a strictly non-partisan basis.
Our Advisory Boards bring together leading researchers, practitioners and specialists who share our commitment to advancing the science and practice of learning. Our Advisory Boards are advisory in nature, and distinct from our Board of Trustees: our trustees govern the Institute and are responsible for its decisions; our advisers inform and strengthen our thinking.
These Terms of Reference are adopted by the Board of Trustees, and should be read alongside, the IALM Advisory Board Framework and the Advisers' Code of Conduct.
The Policy & Public Affairs Advisory Board is advisory. Its advice is valued but non-binding; the board is not part of the Institute's governance structure and has no delegated decision-making authority. The Board of Trustees retains ultimate responsibility for the Institute's strategy, decisions and resources.
Purpose and Remit
The Policy & Public Affairs Advisory Board advises on how the Institute engages, on a strictly non-partisan basis, with policymakers and the wider public to advance its educational aims. Its remit is tied explicitly to the Institute's charitable purposes and to education and learning.
Scope
Within Scope
- Non-partisan engagement with policymakers and public bodies in furtherance of the Institute's charitable purposes
- Analysis of education and learning policy relevant to the Institute's mission
- The Institute's positioning and contribution to public debate on learning
Out of Scope
- Decisions binding on the Institute, control of budgets, or direction of staff
- The governance of the Institute, which remains the responsibility of the Board of Trustees
- Individual casework, complaints or operational delivery
- Any activity that supports or opposes a political party or candidate, or that uses the Institute's name for partisan purposes; all such activity must comply with Charity Commission guidance on campaigning and political activity (CC9) and must not become the Institute's main continuing activity
Chair
Chair (not yet appointed). Appointed by the Board of Trustees.
Membership & Size
Typically four to twelve members. Expertise sought: public policy and public affairs, on a cross-party basis; education and learning policy; and working effectively and appropriately with government, Parliament and public bodies.
Term of Office
Three years, renewable by agreement. Voluntary and unpaid; reasonable, pre-agreed expenses may be reimbursed.
Meetings
On average two meetings per year, held remotely or in a hybrid format, with additional input sought between meetings as required.
How Advice is Provided
Through discussion at meetings; written input; review of materials; and responses to occasional requests from the Institute.
Reporting
To the Board of Trustees, via the Executive Director.
Conflicts of Interest
Members must declare any actual, potential or perceived conflict of interest as soon as it arises. All conflicts are declared and managed under the IALM Conflicts of Interest Policy.
Confidentiality and Data
Members keep confidential information confidential, use it only for the purposes of their role, and handle personal data in accordance with the IALM Privacy Policy and data protection law.