Legal, Ethics & Safeguarding Advisory Board
Helping us act lawfully, ethically and safely.
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 Legal, Ethics & Safeguarding 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 Legal, Ethics & Safeguarding Advisory Board advises on legal compliance, research and organisational ethics, and the interface between safeguarding and the law, helping the Institute to act lawfully, ethically and safely, particularly given that its work involves children and young people.
Scope
Within Scope
- Legal and regulatory compliance relevant to the Institute's activities
- Ethics, including research ethics and the ethical use of data and technology
- The safeguarding–legal interface and the Institute's safeguarding approach at a strategic level
- Charity-sector good practice
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
- The provision of formal legal advice or representation to the Institute, which should be obtained from instructed professionals; and operational safeguarding decisions and individual safeguarding casework, which rest with the Designated Safeguarding Lead under the Safeguarding Children Policy
Chair
Chair (not yet appointed). Appointed by the Board of Trustees.
Membership & Size
Typically four to twelve members. Expertise sought: legal and regulatory compliance; ethics and governance; and safeguarding at a strategic level, with charity-sector experience.
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.