Annex C
Research Libraries Network
FUNDERS' GROUP
TERMS OF
REFERENCE
The Research Libraries Network (RLN) Funders'
Group consists of one senior officer of each of the UK HE funding
bodies, the British Library and the National Libraries of Scotland
and Wales. Each member has sufficient authority, or direct access
to sufficient authority, to commit their own organisations to
action and to the use of financial or other resources in respect
of the RLN scheme. The Funders' Group operates on the basis of
mutual trust, equality of status and a shared responsibility for
the RLN as a whole.
The RLN Funders' Group:
1. Approves and overseas the objectives
and activities of the RLN.
2. Approves the Memorandum of Understanding
between the Funding Bodies in connection with the RLN, and any
significant changes thereto.
3. Approves and oversees the Funding Agreement
with the British Library for delivery of the RLN administrative
service on behalf of the funding bodies.
4. Through the Advisory Board, receives
and considers reports from the RLN executive unit on progress
against the objectives of the RLN.
5. Provides advice to the Chief Executives
of the RLN sponsors on RLN related issues, including funding issues
and general policy advice.
6. Authorises and monitors activity within
the agreed existing budget resources and timetables in respect
of RLN activities.
7. Reviews and agrees proposed significant
new activities within the agreed existing budget resources and
timetables, including draft terms of reference for working groups.
8. Oversees and considers administrative
and spending reviews.
9. Receives and considers information concerning
significant adverse issues arising which affect RLN activity.
10. Ensures that the RLN is evaluated.
Administrative arrangements
1. The Chair of the Funders' Group will
normally be the HEFCE representative.
2. The Funders' Group will be serviced by
a HEFCE officer.
3. The Director of the RLN executive will
usually attend meetings of the Funders Group.
4. Interests should be declared in advance
of discussions. The Chair will decide on a case by case basis
whether members with conflicts of interest should be asked to
withdraw from the meeting.
5. Where a member cannot attend, the member
may send an `alternate' to Funders' Group meetings.
6. The Funders' Group may allow observers
to attend meetings at its own discretion.
7. The Funders' Group will normally meet
twice each year—including one joint meeting with the Advisory
Board—and otherwise as appropriate.
8. Meetings and decisions may be actual
or virtual in nature (ie by videoconference or email).
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