Sustainability Steering Group

(a) Strategic development, planning, performance monitoring and resourcing: items for consideration and/or decision

1. To be the central governing and oversight group for sustainability at the University.

2. Define the overarching vision for sustainability at the University for recommendation of the University Executive Board for Council approval.

3. To increase our impact on sustainability and the climate challenge through the development of a whole University approach covering operations, research and education, accessing relevant key experts where required.

4. To support and develop research that is impactful on the climate crisis and addresses the challenge of the transition to low carbon.

5. To build sustainability components into the curriculum and develop engagement opportunities around the sustainability agenda that can enhance the experience of our students.

6. To encourage and promote partnerships and relationships with third parties to extend the impact and output of our global research activity.

7. Develop and oversee the implementation of the University Sustainability Plan ensuring alignment with University Strategy.

8. To identify and provide appropriate resources to deliver the Sustainability Plan.

9. Assign responsibilities and accountabilities as required for delivery of the Sustainability Plan.

10. To coordinate the Sustainability Plan Theme Leads, ensuring a focus on key areas of implementation.

11. To identify areas where there could be competing priorities or conflict in the delivery of the strategic aims of the Sustainability Plan and make recommendations to the UEB on options for progression.

12. To review relevant performance measures against relevant priorities.

13. To undertake horizon-scanning that may impact on the University's delivery on its commitment to sustainability, as well as identifying potential new opportunities.

14. To evaluate and critically review University operations, with a focus on carbon reduction towards a net zero target.

15. To highlight progress across the University and to help identify blockages and barriers, as well as providing an appropriate level of critical challenge for the institution.

16. Have oversight of the University participation in league tables, schemes and awards relevant to sustainability.

(b) Policy and regulatory matters

1. Report progress against goals and targets to the University Executive Board and externally on an annual basis.

Authority

The Sustainability Steering Group has delegated authority from UEB for oversight and decision making in relation to implementation of the University Sustainability Plan as set out under its remit above.

• Professor Matthias Ruth, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research (Chair)
• Tom Banham, Interim Academic Registrar
• Adele Christie, Finance Manager - Estates and Capital
• Mark Clough, Sustainability Manager
• Simon Donoghue, Director of Strategic Planning & Performance
• Joan Concannon, Director of External Relations
• Dr Lynda Dunlop, Director of Education for ESAY
• Professor Andy Dougill, Dean of the Faculty of the Sciences
• Rachel Devaney, Director of Procurement and Transactional Services
• Susan Kane, Assistant Director of HR (Development)
• Professor Lindsay Stringer, Director of YESI
• Richard Walker, DTEF Assistant Director: Strategic Programmes
• Roger Ward, Director of Estates

Student representatives

• Connor Briggs, York Student Union

Four academics with appropriate expertise in sustainability

Two year rolling - staggered so two are rotated each year.

• Professor Henrice Altink, History (until December 2024)
• Dr Sophie MacKinder, Business and Society (until October 2025)
• Dr Chris West, SEI Deputy Director (Research) (until December 2024)
• Professor Jon Pitchford, Biology and Mathematics (until October 2025)

One Head of Faculty Operations (one year rolling)

• Graeme McAllister, Technical Operations Manager, (Chemistry, Environment & Geography) (until October 2024)

In attendance

• Kate Freeman, PA to Assistant Director: Strategic Programmes (DTEF) (Secretary)

The Group’s members are appointed ex officio. Further internal and external colleagues may be invited to attend meetings as appropriate.

Quorum

50% of members, or 50% plus one member where the number of members is not even.

Membership review

Membership will be periodically reviewed by the group itself, for UEB approval.

2024-25

The Group reports and provides assurance to the University Executive Board (UEB):

• Frequently: through the notes of each of its meetings to the next UEB meeting.
• Annually: via an internal Annual Report on implementation of the University Sustainability Plan.
• Periodically: via escalation of any significant matters arising from the implementation of the Sustainability Plan.

The Group does not produce formal minutes, but uses an item, decision and action (IDA) log and executive summaries for UEB.

Meeting frequency: Monthly apart from where these fall on significant holidays, then every two months, with the facility to transact and record decisions by written resolution or, where necessary, Chair’s Action.

Meeting modes: Meetings are held online via Zoom.