Author: Shaun Williams, Executive Director of Engagement and Advancement
A number of issues were discussed under the Vice-Chancellor’s Business section at the start of this week’s meeting:
- There was a detailed update on the University’s continuing response to the global coronavirus outbreak. Significant activity continues to take place across the University to provide guidance and support to students and staff, with a regularly updated webpage that provides key information, including responses to a large number of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs). UEB heard that four of our students had been tested for the virus after doing exactly the right thing: self-isolating as a precaution when feeling ill and seeking advice from NHS 111. We have not yet received any positive test results for coronavirus at the University. Finally, the University continues to liaise closely with Public Health England (PHE) and local health authorities. The University’s Business Continuity committee continues to meet several times a week to assess developments and preparedness.
- There was an update and discussion about a further period of industrial action over the national issues of pay and/or pension reform (specifically in relation to the Universities Superannuation Scheme), due to take place at Southampton and dozens of other universities starting on 20 February. The University has assured students it will put in place arrangements to ensure they continue to receive a world-class education at Southampton, and to mitigate the impact of any action upon the University community. UEB heard of concerns that constructive discussions and initiatives underway at national level between employers’ organisations and the University and College Union (UCU) had not been consulted on by UCU directly with its members, to gauge their views as to the progress that had been made.
- The Chief Operating Officer (Interim) updated UEB on a drive to ensure we are fully responsive to the increasing number of Freedom of information (FOI) and Subject Access Requests received by the University, often triggering significant amounts of work in order to provide a response. All areas of the University are asked to ensure a timely – and proportionate – response, if asked for help in formulating one.
- The Vice-Chancellor updated UEB on plans for senior team changes ahead, aimed at strengthening the academic leadership of the University, delivering our strategy at greater pace, responding with increased agility to external opportunities and threats, and creating a more joined-up, ‘One Southampton’ community and culture. Full details can be found in today’s SUSSED News post.
Finally, under the main agenda, there was a discussion of the University’s formal response to the Universities UK (UUK) consultation on the second report of the USS Joint Expert Panel (JEP). UEB sees merit in the broad details as outlined.