Author: Shaun Williams, Executive Director Engagement and Advancement
As always, a range of strategic and operational issues on the UEB agenda this week.
- UEB heard that later that morning the University would be announcing the appointment of Dr Giles Carden as Chief of Staff and Chief Strategy Officer. As a professional services leader and a member of UEB, reporting directly to the Vice-Chancellor, he will work alongside other colleagues on the development and monitoring of the new University Strategy and its supporting strategic plans, act as a project director on specific transformational projects of institutional significance, and facilitate the progress of university-wide initiatives and objectives.
- UEB noted the recent publication of two major league tables, which saw Southampton rise two places to 13th overall in the Complete University Guide 2023, the third consecutive year we have improved our position in this annual ranking of 130 UK institutions, that now sees us ranked 9th in the Russell Group; and a ranking for Southampton of 78th in the QS World Rankings 2023, consolidating our position in the top 80 universities in the world. UEB agreed these were both encouraging outcomes for the University, and helped highlight areas where there are still opportunities for improvement.
- UEB received its regular update on our Equality, Diversity & Inclusion activity, including the imminent submission of our Race Equality Charter and the action plan that goes with it. The recent staff engagement survey has underlined the need for much more work to be done to ensure a truly inclusive environment for our staff and student community.
- UEB noted the appointment of Professor Edward Peck, Vice-Chancellor of Nottingham Trent University, as the Government’s new student wellbeing tsar, who will work with universities in England to help them support students struggling with their mental health, and has already contacted Vice-Chancellors to discuss the remit of the role. UEB also noted the passage of the Higher Education Freedom of Speech Bill, and recent Government amendments requiring the reporting of financial arrangements between universities and overseas individuals and organisations.
- Finally, UEB approved a revised Institutional Risk Policy for the University, designed to assist us in integrating risk management into significant activities and functions; noted the University Risk Register; and approved revised terms of reference for the Honorary Degree Advisory Group, including an expanded membership.