Author: Shaun Williams, Executive Director Engagement and Advancement
Operating in Gold Command mode, UEB discussed several operational and campus issues:
- UEB noted that Monday marked the final phase of the government’s roadmap for the lifting of almost all COVID-related restrictions in England. Like many other organisations, we are adopting a sensible, gradual, precautionary approach as we prepare over the summer to welcome our students and staff back for what we hope will be a near-normal new academic year.
- For the immediate future, our existing requirements around use of face coverings and social distancing will continue. UEB discussed a paper setting out a two-staged approach for reviewing our current operations and risk assessments: from now until the new academic year, and from the start of the new academic year and beyond. This will now be addressed further through the Active Campus group, which will look at any immediate changes that are appropriate, and through Education Silver, which will be looking at implications for the new academic year. Ongoing dialogue with our campus Trades Unions and the regional Health Protection Board continues. UEB recognised that management of the pandemic is going to remain fluid for a considerable period ahead, and we will inevitably need to prepare a Plan A, B and probably C for the autumn, potentially ready for short-notice implementation as events unfold. Regular updates will be given over the coming weeks.
- UEB approved a revised policy on International Travel reflecting the current red, amber and green traffic light system which determines what action needs to be taken before and after a trip to a country. The University will not, in general, permit travel to red or amber countries until further notice, but if there is a critical business need, travel may be permitted subject to advance approval from the relevant Dean or the Chief Operating Officer. Travel to green countries is permitted, but only if the travel is approved in advance by the relevant Head of School or Professional Services Director.
The meeting then reverted to normal UEB mode to discuss other issues:
- The Vice-Chancellor highlighted the University’s very strong comparative performance in the recently-announced National Student Survey (NSS) 2021, which saw for the first time ever for Southampton a positive score flag between our expected benchmark performance and our actual performance, leading to a rise of 18 places to 32 in our sector ranking. The Vice-Chancellor said this was a fantastic effort in such difficult circumstances, thanks to collective effort across the University.
- After the regular review of the University Risk Register, the Vice-Chancellor ended the meeting by thanking Professor Rachel Mills, attending her very last UEB meeting, for her massive contribution to the University over the last 28 years at faculty and University level. On behalf of all of UEB he wished her every success in her new role at Sussex.