Author: Shaun Williams, Executive Director Engagement and Advancement
- The Vice-Chancellor opened the first UEB meeting of 2023 by welcoming Julie Fielder to her first UEB meeting in her role as Interim Executive Director Finance, Planning and Analytics.
- UEB members gave their warmest congratulations to Professor Jane Falkingham, who was awarded a CBE in the King’s New Year Honours for her services to demographic research.
- UEB were briefed on the introduction of revised COVID testing measures for travellers flying from China. Although the immediate impact appears limited, we will obviously keep a close eye on the developing situation in case it has a greater potential impact on our international students, and staff.
- More broadly, UEB heard there has been a significant increase in seasonal viruses, not just COVID, and our local health services are under very acute pressure. We will this week be renewing our advice to staff and students of the importance of staying at home when feeling unwell, or if this is not possible, wearing face coverings when going outside or mixing with other people, to minimise the spread of illness.
- UEB reviewed the draft of a refreshed University Safeguarding Policy, an essential element of our risk management processes designed to keep our students safe and supported. This is a hugely important issue for the University, and UEB supported the proposed revisions, which will be accompanied by Safeguarding and Prevent training modules. The policy will be submitted for further discussion and ratification with our campus trades unions next month.
- UEB noted a Degree Outcomes Statement 2022 paper, which will be tabled at the next meeting of Senate. All universities are now required to undertake an internal review of their undergraduate awards over five years and publish a high-level statement outlining their findings. There is a particular focus by the Office for Students on the proportion of Firsts and 2:1s.
- UEB offered their congratulations to Wendy White, who has been confirmed as our new Director of Library and Learning Services, following an external search and after filling the role on an interim basis since October.
- Finally, there was the regular review of the University Risk Register.