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 the marking and assessment boycott currently in place. Our primary focus continues to be to ensure that our students are not disadvantaged by any action and that there is minimal disruption to their studies and progression.
- UEB heard that later that day the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) would be holding an EGM and a key vote on member support for proposed changes to its governance, culture and purpose following shocking allegations about its workplace culture, including allegations of rape. This led the University in April to pause our CBI membership with immediate effect. The CBI has now published a comprehensive prospectus including rapid changes to its governance structures and processes, along with progress made in implementing recommendations from two external reviews. On balance, UEB felt the package of significant measures was substantive proof of the CBI’s seriousness in tackling the issues, and this route to reform should be supported. It was recognised that it will take time to see the full impact of the changes. We will continue to monitor progress in culture change, and the ongoing value of our membership. *That afternoon following the EGM the CBI announced that 93% of the votes cast were in support of their proposals.
- UEB noted a letter to Vice-Chancellors from the Minister for Skills, Apprenticeships and Higher Education, Robert Halfon MP, asking for the strongest possible commitment to student mental health, and an expectation that all providers will join the University Mental Health Charter by September 2024. We have already made our own detailed submission, covering both students and staff, and a multi-day on-site visit and assessment is taking place later this month.
- There was a discussion about our strategic intention to establish a physical presence via international campuses or significant Transnational Education (TNE) partnerships in three or four strategically important global locations where we can make a positive impact. UEB heard that, amongst other opportunities, we are actively in discussion about potentially very interesting opportunities in India.
- UEB noted the announcement that Professor Arif Ahmed from the University of Cambridge has been appointed as the first as the first Director for freedom of speech and academic freedom at the Office for Students (OfS) as part of the Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Bill, which became law on 11 May. Professor Ahmed will be responsible for championing freedom of expression on campus and investigating any infringements of the duties placed on universities to promote freedom of speech, however, full details of how the role will operate have yet to be revealed.
- UEB noted a paper due to be discussed by Senate next week about future arrangements for Senate meetings. These have all been held online on Teams since the COVID pandemic, with strong engagement, but now in-person meetings have started to return more widely, it would be timely to discuss future arrangements, recognising that hybrid meetings can often prove unsatisfactory for all attendees.
- UEB were reassured to hear that the cyber incident and data breach announced the previous day, affecting the payrolls of a number of high-profile UK companies, did not affect the University, but was yet another reminder of the need for constant vigilance against cyber-attacks.
- UEB heard that Professor Marika Taylor, our Head of the School of Mathematical Sciences, has been appointed as the new Head of College of Engineering and Physical Sciences at the University of Birmingham, and offered her our congratulations.
- Finally, there was the regular review of the University Risk Register.