Author: Shaun Williams, Executive Director Engagement and Advancement
- There was an update on the 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, which has seen three days of industrial action over the last two weeks. The University remains actively engaged with the relevant employer representatives, and UEB noted the news that the Universities and Colleges Employers Association (UCEA) and national trade unions (including UCU, UNISON and Unite) have agreed a process to bring forward the 2023-24 New JNCHES pay round, with the aim of facilitating an early settlement to the pay round and the on-going action.
- UEB welcomed the news that the Southampton Business School has been successful in obtaining CABS Small Business Charter accreditation, which has been awarded for the next three years, and congratulated all those involved in achieving this success.
- Hot off the press, UEB were updated on the headline results of the recent staff engagement survey. UEB were pleased to hear that the engagement score was maintained at 74%, and with an increase in the response rate to 66%. Clearly there are significant variations across the University and over the next couple of weeks the results for Faculties and Professional Services will be communicated on a local level. UEB had listened to feedback from April’s pulse survey and an opportunity for open comments was provided, which resulted in more than 3,000 open comments which are also being analysed for common themes. UEB noted that good momentum is being achieved with action plans in individual areas, with some university-wide issues being addressed longer-term through strategic plans, in particular the People and Organisational Excellence plans.
- There was a reminder of the critical importance of Personal Academic Tutors (PATs) in supporting our students, particularly at times of the year where they may be experiencing difficulties or feeling vulnerable. If required, there is extensive support and expertise available within Professional Services which can be deployed swiftly to provide support. Information and resources can be found in the Personal Academic Tutoring Hub
- Finally, there was the regular review of the University Risk Register.