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. UEB noted that although last week there was some optimism after a new set of proposals on pay, conditions and pensions was put forward, and that more than two thirds of UCU members who took part in an e-ballot were in favour of a vote on the proposals and a pause in strike action, the UCU’s higher education committee – which has authority to decide what happens next – voted instead to continue with industrial action this week, and decided against putting the proposals out for members to vote on. UEB considered this a very disappointing outcome, and one which leaves no clear route to a sector-wide resolution to the dispute. Meanwhile a re-ballot for further industrial action is underway.
- UEB heard that Saturday’s Science and Engineering Day on our Highfield and Boldrewood Innovation campuses had been hugely successful, with more than 5,000 attendees during the course of the day. UEB expressed its huge thanks to the more than 1,000 members of staff and students, including 80 student ambassadors, who had been involved in organising and hosting a really significant community engagement activity.
- The Vice-Chancellor reported that he had the previous day attended the inaugural meeting of the new Renaissance Board, convened by Southampton City Council to bring together key stakeholders in the city to advise on and help drive forward key regeneration, economic and other initiatives. We look forward to playing a key role in supporting the Council as part of our widening civic activity.
- UEB reviewed a paper summarising the Level 7 appraisal process and outcomes for the period ending 31 December 2022. Appraisals are mandatory, because of their importance, and so we have a target of 100% completion each year. UEB were concerned that despite a 4-month window for completion, and regular reminders to line managers, for the third year in a row a 20-day extension was required to ensure higher completion rates, allowing us to reach 94%. Despite the extension, 27 members of staff at L7 had not received an appraisal, which is clearly not acceptable. UEB also noted that following the removal of moderation of ratings, 45% of staff were awarded a box 4 or 5 rating and were therefore deemed to have exceeded or significantly exceeded the agreed expectations; only 2 members of staff were given a box 2 rating, indicating only partly meeting the expectations of their role, and no staff were given a 1 box rating. This picture is somewhat unusual in any similar organisation, and highlights the need for well-benchmarked, evidence-based conversations.
- UEB noted that all staff will move to the same appraisal timeline from 1 August and all appraisal conversations will be expected to take place between 1 June and 15 September. In launching the new timeline, emphasis will be placed on the importance of ensuring appraisals are completed by the required deadline to ensure objectives are agreed before the start of each new academic year; box number ratings will be replaced by descriptive phrases – ‘contribution descriptors’; and the role of a second reviewer will be introduced in the next appraisal round to ensure fairness and consistency, replacing the old moderation process.
- Finally, UEB were pleased to hear that we had achieved a 99% completion rate in our annual Researchfish of research outcomes, and thanked everyone for doing so in a timely manner; and there was the regular review of the University Risk Register.