Terms of reference
Role of advisory bodies
The primary role of all advisory bodies is to provide input to Council and staff on issues of concern related to their unique mandates. Furthermore, an advisory body:
- Considers matters which may be referred to it by Council or staff
- May take positions on policy initiatives from other levels of government as they relate to its mandate
- Works cooperatively with other advisory bodies as appropriate
- Acts as a resource for staff in public engagement processes and civic events
- Exchanges information with the public on issues of interest
Authority
The Women’s Advisory Committee is established by Council resolution under authority of the Vancouver Charter section 159.
Mandate
- Advises Council and staff on enhancing access and inclusion for women and girls to fully participate in City services and civic life
- Advise Council and staff on the Women’s Equity Strategy as it is developed, implemented and updated
Vancouver: A City for all Women, Women's Equity Strategy 2018-2028
The Women's Equity Strategy reflects the City's vision to make Vancouver a place where all women have full access to the resources provided in the city, and have opportunities to fully participate in the political, economic, cultural, and social life of Vancouver.
The strategy addresses the issues faced by women in five priority areas:
- Applying an intersectional lens to strengthen City processes and inform decision-making
- Safety, including violence against women
- Accessible, quality childcare
- Safe and affordable housing
- Women's leadership and representation within the City's workforce
Reporting and Accountability
The Women’s Advisory Committee reports to Council, provides input to Council and City staff and undertakes the following reporting activities:
Joint meetings with other advisory bodies:
The Chair and staff liaison work collaboratively with counterparts from other advisory bodies to identify opportunities for quarterly joint-briefing sessions on overlapping issues of interest.
Collaboration with the public and external agencies:
- Works co-operatively with external agencies whose activities affect constituent communities;
- Exchanges information with the constituent communities and the general public about relevant programs and issues of interest; and
- Engages in outreach to disseminate information and encourage participation from constituent communities.
Annual reporting activities:
- Produces an annual work plan with specific objectives by April of each year, in consultation with Council and staff liaisons, for distribution to Council and civic departments for information;
- Presents accomplishments and progress to date at the annual Council of Councils event; and
- Submits an annual report to Council describing its accomplishments for the year, including reference to each objective set out in the work plan and any arising issues to which the committee has responded.
All advisory bodies should conduct their activities in accordance to the Guidelines for Advisory Bodies which set out the roles and responsibilities for advisory body members, chairs or co-chairs, staff and Council liaisons.
Meeting frequency
The Women’s Advisory Committee holds six regular meetings per year, in addition to regular working sessions, generally scheduled during intervening months throughout the year.
Attendance requirement
A member who is absent from more than two consecutive formal meetings without a leave of absence is deemed to have resigned.