Author: Shaun Williams, Executive Director Engagement and Advancement
- UEB expressed its deep concern about the emerging humanitarian crisis in Turkey and Syria following the devastating earthquake. We are reaching out to staff and students who are directly affected to ensure they know support is available. Those in our community wishing and able to contribute to the humanitarian effort are encouraged to consider donating to the British Red Cross: https://donate.redcross.org.uk/appeal/turkey-syria-earthquake-appeal
- There was an update on the ongoing 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. A new phase of industrial action started last week with 17 further dates set during February and March. Pay deducted from anyone taking strike action will, as previously, be used to support the student experience.
- While UEB was taking place, there were rumours of an imminent Whitehall departmental restructure which could have implications for research and innovation if the speculation about a break-up of the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) proves accurate*. The sector will need to reflect on the impact of any changes, as will UEB at its next meeting. (* Subsequent to the meeting the Government announced the break-up of BEIS and the creation of four new departments to put a new emphasis on energy security and efforts to turn Britain into a “science superpower”: a Department for Energy Security and Net Zero; a Department for Science, Innovation and Technology; a Department for Business and Trade; and a “re-focused” Department for Culture, Media and Sport).
- UEB also noted that the Government will today re-introduce the statutory tort to the Freedom of Speech Bill, having previously been rejected by the Lords, insisting on it as a “legal backstop” for the other measures provided for by the Bill. This is likely to ping-pong so a compromise is expected. This remains an issue of considerable concern to the sector.
- UEB then discussed the issue of student suicides, and a request made by the bereaved parents of a student at another University for more sharing of information to enable students and parents to make more informed choices about where students should study. We are confident in the approach and the structures we have in place, but are very aware that those staff on the front line of student contact, especially personal academic tutors, play a critical role in our approach. We will continue to work with Universities UK, our representative body, and adopt best practice in this area of our work.
- UEB discussed a paper setting out the complexities of marks release and the option of implementing a sequential marks release that separates the exercise for finalists and continuers, as a possible solution to easing the pressures with respect to marking deadlines, following a past decision by Senate. A Task and Finish group will be set up to consider the issues, and will report back to Education Committee, ahead of a more detailed update to staff.
- Finally, there was the regular review of the University Risk Register.