Author: Shaun Williams, Executive Director, Engagement and Advancement
A number of strategic and operational issues on the agenda for this week’s UEB meeting:
- The Vice-Chancellor opened the meeting by welcoming and congratulating two new members to their first UEB meeting: Yvonne Hawkins, our new Executive Director, Governance, Legal and Strategy Implementation; and Professor Andrew Atherton, our new Vice-President International & Engagement, who will fulfil the role as a job share with Professor Jane Falkingham.
- There was an update by the Vice-Chancellor on a number of sector issues, including the ongoing pay and pensions disputes in the sector; the appointment of Susan Lapworth as the new Chief Executive of the Office for Students; and speculation about the likely approach to education and research under the new Liz Truss Government, with Cabinet appointments expected later that day.
- As we look towards the start of the new academic year, concerns about rising energy costs and the cost of living impact on students and staff are very much front of mind, and a cross-University task group will be looking at what support and advice might be most helpful. UEB had been pleased to learn that UK Research & Innovation (UKRI) had recently announced that they will be raising the minimum stipends for PGR students that they fund by 10% to reflect the cost of living crisis. Separately, UEB heard we are also updating our scenario planning in case of future power outages or energy rationing.
- There was an update on admissions, following this year’s highly successful Confirmation and Clearing, which put us in a very strong and buoyant position compared with previous years. UEB heard we remain on target comfortably to meet our undergraduate student recruitment plans.
- There was a further update from the recently established Website Oversight Board (WOB), chaired by the Vice-President (Operations), on the ongoing transition of academic content to a new website structure. Good progress continues to be made on addressing many of the issues that have been raised; some issues are more complex and will take longer to resolve. Further communication is planned this week, which will set out the priorities and timescales for progressing issues between now and December.
- UEB reviewed a paper to be discussed by our governing Council providing an update on progress with implementing our new University Strategy, through its 11 underpinning strategic plans, the majority of which have now benefited from consultation and engagement with colleagues, with consultation on the remaining plans imminent. Three priorities have been identified for the next phase of implementation: driving greater inclusivity in our community of staff and students; delivering growth with excellence across our triple helix; improving graduate outcomes. Over the next few months we will be providing further progress updates to our University community.
- UEB reviewed a report summarising the use by staff of the ability to purchase additional annual leave during the 2021/22 annual leave year. Following a successful trial as part of the University’s Voluntary Measures in 2020, it was agreed this option would return as a permanent staff benefit last year. UEB noted that around 120 people had applied during the course of the two application windows, and observed some trends in the demographics of applicants which it wants to understand further.
- The meeting ended with the regular review of the University Risk Register.