Author: Professor Jane Falkingham, Vice-President International & Engagement
- As highlighted in a SUSSED post on 24 Feb, UEB was informed that an administrative error had affected how strike deductions had been calculated for February’s pay, affecting around 200 members of staff who had taken part in industrial action. As soon as this error was identified, immediate action was taken to address this ensuring that no staff incurred a financial loss. All affected staff had received a personal email outlining the error and that a correcting payment would be made.
- It was noted that discussion at ACAS between UCU and UCEA are ongoing with a further meeting later on Tuesday. It was also noted that UCU had informed the sector that an additional strike day would take place on 15 March.
- In response to a growing number of queries from international staff regarding assistance with the rising cost of accompanying dependants’ visas, UEB had previously requested a review of the practice at our comparator universities. This reveals a mixed picture, with the most ‘generous’ institutions offering loans. In line with our commitment to recruiting exceptional talent from across the globe, UEB agreed to introduce an interest-free loan up to £10k to support newly appointed staff in meeting these expenses, with payments spread over three years. This is the maximum allowable under current HMRC rules and brings the University in line with other leading global universities.
- UEB discussed the results from the new approach to building and measuring staff engagement that was used in 2022. In headline terms UEB was pleased to note that the response rate had increased and that the University had maintained its 74% engagement level. Whilst broadly positive, UEB also recognised that there are areas for improvement.
- One innovation introduced as part of the recent survey was the introduction of an open comments box regarding what people would like to change. UEB was pleased to note that the majority of colleagues who responded to the staff engagement survey took the time to respond to the open question, with the most common themes being around University processes and systems, workload and reward and recognition. These are all areas where action planning is on-going. UEB noted the value of this innovation and agreed to explore expanding the qualitative element to other areas of inquiry, including the possibility of using the option of open text to better understand differences across our community in response to the question on ‘belonging’.
- UEB then reviewed the presentations from the five Deans and the Vice-President Operations on the Faculty and Professional Services plans that will be presented to Council next week. Professional Services and the Faculties outlined their achievements so far in implementing the strategy and the challenges, opportunities and barriers, for the next stages of development. This was followed by a good discussion around synergies across the Strategic Plans, especially in the important areas of wellbeing, inclusion and diversity. Common challenges were identified around growing PGR numbers and securing the talent pipeline. Estates was also a common constraining factor.
- UEB noted the exciting and very close match in University Challenge on Monday night and is looking forward to cheering on the team in their second quarter final match.