Author: Shaun Williams, Executive Director Engagement and Advancement
A variety of issues were discussed at today’s UEB meeting:
- There was a lengthy discussion on the continuing development of our overarching Sustainability Strategy. There is clear determination to drive this forward at leadership level and to take advantage of the opportunities the COVID pandemic is providing to accelerate some initiatives and deliver early impact. So an interesting discussion about where our priorities should lie: achieving a credible path to net zero, measuring and targeting a reduction in our Scope 3 emissions, modifying our estates plans to embed sustainability, or integrating education for sustainable development in the curriculum? And how much are our culture, values and behaviours both a potential enabler for success, but also at times a barrier to success? Much still to reflect on and discuss before the strategy is finalised over the summer.
- UEB reviewed and discussed an open letter sent by a number of academics in the Faculty of Arts and Humanities raising concerns about the recent decision to suspend sabbaticals for 2020/21. The letter was sent before last week’s all staff email from the Vice-Chancellor which set out the financial context for this and other decisions, which included making sure we have the maximum amount of staff resource on hand to cope with potential future workloads during the next academic year and to ensure they are spread more equitably amongst colleagues. The email made clear that these measures could be reversed if student recruitment turns out better than the current modelling suggests. A full response to the letter will be provided. As the pandemic has caused UEB to examine sabbaticals, it has also recognised there is a lack of consistency between individual faculties’ approach to sabbaticals which will be addressed in due course.
- Next, there was the monthly UEB update on Strategic Major Projects, the first such discussion since UEB agreed to new governance and re-naming of the former Ten-Year Plan projects. There was an update on the current status of key projects, and a separate update on Estates projects. Over the next two months there will be a comprehensive update on all active projects to our university community.
- There was an update on the recruitment process for four senior leadership roles. In light of the financial challenges the University may face ahead, three of these have been placed on hold. The recruitment process for the Senior Vice-President (Academic) will continue, but will only be confirmed once student recruitment numbers have been assessed. To ensure continuity of leadership during a critical period for the University, Richard Middleton has been made Chief Operating Officer until December 2021.