University Access & Admissions Advisory Board
Helping more able students reach and thrive at competitive universities.
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 University Access & Admissions 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 University Access & Admissions Advisory Board advises on access to, and successful admission to, competitive and selective universities (including Cambridge and Oxford) with a particular commitment to supporting students from under-represented and disadvantaged backgrounds. It helps the Institute lead with access and progression, so that more able students, whatever their background, are able to reach and thrive at such institutions.
Scope
Within Scope
- Access to, and successful admission to, competitive and selective universities, including Cambridge and Oxford
- Widening participation and the support of students from under-represented and economically disadvantaged backgrounds
- Guidance, preparation and outreach relating to university progression and the admissions process
- The alignment of this work with the Institute's bursary and scholarship schemes
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 guarantee, or attempt to improperly influence, the admission of an individual to any institution; and individual application casework or formal careers or financial advice to particular students
Chair
Chair (not yet appointed). Appointed by the Board of Trustees.
Membership & Size
Typically four to twelve members. Expertise sought: university admissions, including current or former admissions tutors; access, outreach and widening participation, including school-based university-progression coordinators; supporting students from under-represented and disadvantaged backgrounds; and relevant lived experience of progression to competitive and selective universities.
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.