Committee System

Ethical Committee to consider the acceptance of gifts 2011-12

Status: Ad hoc. The Committee will only be convened if the Warden has identified a potential ethical issue in the acceptance of a particular donation to the College.

Terms of Reference

1   To assess the case for acceptance of a gift to the College where ethical considerations have been identified, taking into account any negative impact on the reputation of the College, and the following particular considerations:

• whether the purpose of the gift is compatible with the College's Mission, and supports delivery of its current strategic plans;
• any additional costs arising from acceptance; 
• any recognition or acknowledgement expected; 
• any evidence that the proposed gift arises from from activity that involves tax evasion, environment damage, public health issues, human rights violations, criminal activity or falsified academic research;
• any evidence that acceptance of the gift would: require action illegal under English law; create an unacceptable conflict of interest for the College; expose the College to financial liability;damage the College’s wider reputation and cause negative press coverage or deter other donors.

2  To advise the Warden on acceptance or refusal of the gift in question, or to refer the matter to Council should the Committee feel this to be necessary in a particular case.

Composition

Warden (Chair)

Registrar and Secretary

Director of Development

President of the Students' Union

A member of the College Council (normally an independent member)