At our Autumn Conference in 2016, conference passed a set of rules on the diversity of Federal Committees.
These rules were passed by our Autumn Conference 2016. The motion can be viewed here: https://www.libdems.org.uk/conference-autumn-16-f34-diversity
For any Federal Committee, there must be a minimum of 40% of the committee who identify as either men or non-binary or women or non-binary.
At least 10% must be from an underrepresented ethnic background.
At least 10% must be disabled.
At least 10% must be from under-represented sexual orientations and gender identities, including trans and non-binary identities.
2.5 Whenever this Constitution provides for the election by party members to a Federal Committee, not less than 40% or, if 40% is not a whole number, the whole number nearest to but not exceeding 40% of those elected shall self-identify as men or non-binary people, and self-identify as women or non-binary people respectively;
2.6 Whenever this Constitution provides for the election by party members of ten or more persons to any Federal Committee or other Federal body:
(a) not less than 10% or, if 10% is not a whole number, the whole number nearest to but not exceeding 10% shall be from underrepresented ethnic backgrounds;
(b) not less than 10% or, if 10% is not a whole number, the whole number nearest to but not exceeding 10% shall be disabled people; and
(c) not less than 10% or, if 10% is not a whole number, the whole number nearest to but not exceeding 10% shall be people from under-represented sexual orientations and gender identities, including trans and non-binary identities.
2.7 The provisions of this clause shall not prevent places being filled if diversity requirements are not met due to insufficient candidates with the stated characteristic being nominated. Such elections shall take place from a common list and in accordance with the election rules made by the Federal Board as from time to time in force. Where this Constitution or any Standing Orders made thereunder appear to conflict with the Act, the provisions of the Act shall prevail.
2.4 The provisions of this Constitution shall be implemented with regard to the principle that men and women shall have an equal opportunity of participating at every level of the Party subject to the provisions of the Equality Act 2010 (the Act). If and insofar as the Act may be amended to permit positive action by political parties to secure adequate representation of groups having protected characteristics within the meaning of the Act on internal party bodies, and there is no opportunity to propose an constitutional amendment to Conference before a relevant internal election, the Federal Executive shall introduce such provisions as they consider to be appropriate to take advantage of such amendment of the Act. The Federal Executive shall ensure that such provisions as they may so introduce shall be brought before Conference as a constitutional amendment at the next reasonable opportunity. Where this Constitution or any Standing Orders made there under appear to conflict with the Act, the provisions of the Act shall prevail.