Author: Shaun Williams, Executive Director Engagement and Advancement
- There was a further 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. The Vice-Chancellor reported that he had earlier that morning talked to colleagues on four picket lines on our Highfield and Avenue campuses. UEB also heard that at national level talks between Universities UK, UCU and four other higher education unions were entering a second day mediated by the conciliation service Acas.
- UEB heard that as part of our growing civic activity, the University had been well represented last week at two major city events: the Southampton Forward conference on change, culture and destination, organised by the Southampton Culture Trust (of which our University is a founding partner) to build on Southampton’s bid to be UK City of Culture; and at a major social and charitable event in the Guildhall organised by the Lord Mayor of Southampton, Councillor Jacqui Rayment.
- UEB noted and welcomed news UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) has this week announced the Future Leaders Fellowships round 8 funding opportunity, aimed at early career researchers or innovators looking to establish or transition to independence, or develop their own original and ambitious plans within a commercial setting.
- UEB congratulated the four members of the Southampton University Challenge team on their 175-90 second round win against Christ’s College Cambridge this week, which propels them into the quarter finals.
- Finally, there was the regular review of the University Risk Register.