Author: Shaun Williams, Executive Director Engagement and Advancement
- Meeting this week at the National Oceanography Centre Southampton (NOCS), there was a further update on the planned national industrial action by members of the University and College Union (UCU), relating to pay and working conditions, and changes to the USS pension scheme. Three days of industrial action have been announced for 24, 25 and 30 November, along with action short of a strike. UEB heard that a SharePoint site has been set up to provide guidance and frequently asked questions for both staff and students, and an email from the Vice-Chancellor had been sent to all staff earlier that morning urging respect and courtesy towards colleagues who plan to take action, and too for those who choose not to take part. UEB also heard that Southampton University Students’ Union (SUSU) will be taking a neutral stance on the issue. The University is actively engaged with the relevant employer representatives.
- UEB welcomed the news that the Government has this week announced up to £484 million in additional research funding in response to the EU’s refusal to finalise the UK’s association to Horizon Europe and other related EU science programmes. The full implications are being assessed, but it seems likely we will receive an in-year uplift to our Quality-Related (QR) funding.
- The Vice-Chancellor reported on an extremely positive meeting he and colleagues had recently held with Southampton City Council, in which the value they see in the University, and their pride in having a Russell Group university in the city, was demonstrable. Earlier this month a major report on our economic and social impact was published, showing our University generates £4.14 billion of annual impact across the UK economy. Around £1.6 billion of the identifiable regional impact occurs in the South East, of which a very significant proportion occurs within Southampton itself. UEB heard that we hope by next Spring to have signed new Civic University Agreements with all our local Councils.
- There was a discussion about potential future opportunities for our Transnational Education (TNE), as we seek to deliver our stated strategic intent to grow our international footprint as a global university, to meet the aspirations and needs of individual regions.
- There was a reminder that the Staff Engagement survey closes at midnight on Friday this week, 25 November, and any colleagues who have yet to complete it are strongly encouraged to ensure their views and voices are heard.
- Finally, UEB offered its thanks and best wishes to Tracy Stevens from the Governance Team, who has supported UEB meetings so well and diligently for several years and is now moving to another role within the University.