Author: Shaun Williams, Executive Director of Engagement and Advancement
A shorter than usual UEB this morning as some members were giving Welcome Talks to our new cohort of students.
There was an important and wide-ranging discussion around the current appraisals process, and policy, which we are currently reviewing with our Trades Unions for staff at levels 4 – 7. UEB and Council are wholly committed to ensuring every single member of staff receives a meaningful annual appraisal, aligning individual contributions to the University Strategy, as part of ongoing, two-way discussions between individual members of staff and their line managers. The most recent figures indicate that 90 per cent of staff at levels 4 – 7 have received appraisals in the most recent appraisal window.
But it is also recognised that the at times clunky process of appraisals can sometimes overshadow the quality and value of the conversation, that the timings of appraisals can be too far removed from the year under review, and that the current system of ratings and moderation is contentious.
UEB members were clear that they fully support the current principles around appraisals, and gave views on items for consideration as part of the review. Any changes resulting from this review are unlikely to come into effect until next year’s appraisal cycle.
Other issues on the agenda included:
- UEB formally noted a paper summarising appraisal outcomes for staff at levels 4 – 6.
- Professor Alex Neill, Vice-President (Education) provided a confidential update on student recruitment. The full picture, including Post Graduate Taught (PGT) figures, will not be clear until October, but we had another successful Confirmation and Clearing period without a significant negative impact on our overall tariff.
- Professor Diana Eccles, Dean of the faculty of Medicine, updated UEB on our University’s Athena SWAN action plans. A sustained and resourced focus will be required over the next 12 months for us to deliver on our action plans.
- Professor Jane Falkingham, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, reported on her faculty’s progress with Staff Engagement Survey action plans, with a particular focus on improved communications, improving employee recognition and celebrating success, and reviewing faculty resources.
Finally, Ian Dunn, our Chief Operating Officer, advised UEB of his intention to leave the University at the end of the year, to pursue his interests in wellbeing, leadership and sustainability, through developing a portfolio career and launching his own business next year. UEB recorded its immense gratitude to Ian for his contributions to the University.