Author: Mark Spearing, Vice-President Research and Enterprise
UEB met in person for the first time since the Easter break.
- Following the decision of UCU members nationally to renew its strike mandate, UEB received a briefing and had a discussion regarding the approach to be followed in response to the proposed marking and assessment boycott. The interests of our students are the primary concern in our planning.
- UEB noted that the Government’s prospectus for the “Pioneer” programme was published last week. This is the alternative to the preferred position of “association” to the European Union’s “Horizon Europe” programme. Negotiations are ongoing with the EU regarding association. If these are not satisfactorily concluded, Pioneer is felt to be a good alternative.
- UEB received a briefing on progress on the web transition project. Good progress is being made, particularly regarding the development of descriptions for “research entities” (research groups, centres, institutes etc.). 87 of these are now live, with a further 190 in progress. This will be an iterative process, and colleagues are encouraged to respond quickly when asked to check and/or approve content before it can go live. An external technical review has been commissioned to ensure that we have the most effective web presence and appropriately resource it. UEB also welcomed the publication of a clear roadmap for the future web developments.
- There is a Council Away Day on Wednesday and Thursday of this week. Key elements include an overview of progress on implementing the University Strategy, the Estates Strategic Plan and Equality, Diversity and Inclusion. There will also be short, focused explorations of: Improving Student Futures, Interdisciplinary Research and the “Triple Helix”.
- As usual the meeting concluded with a review of the risk register. UEB was happy to note a slight downgrading of the risks around student recruitment, which continues to be strong. There was also a change to wording around the student experience risks, to more accurately incorporate the importance of student outcomes.