Author: Shaun Williams, Executive Director Engagement and Advancement
- UEB warmly welcomed last week’s announcement that our University is to lead a new consortium for the development of responsible artificial intelligence, which has been awarded £31 million by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). UEB congratulated Professor of Artificial Intelligence, Gopal Ramchurn, principal investigator for Responsible AI UK, and Dame Wendy Hall, Regius Professor of Computer Science, for their international leadership around artificial intelligence.
- UEB noted the publication last week of initial decisions on the high-level design of the next Research Excellence Framework (REF) for 2028, with submissions due in late 2027. REF 2028 will have an adjusted and expanded definition of research excellence, with re-balanced weightings: People, Culture and Environment (25% weighting); Contribution to Knowledge and Understanding (50% weighting); Engagement and Impact (25% weighting). A consultation on specific policy aspects is taking place and a considered response paper will be prepared by our internal REF Working Group over the summer and discussed at UEB.
- There was an 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 progression. UEB also discussed a letter from the Office for Students to Vice-Chancellors asking for a full picture of the steps institutions are taking to avoid the current action having an adverse impact on students.
- UEB also noted the suggestion that morning from the Chief Executive of the Universities and Colleges Employers Association (UCEA), to work with trade unions to reach a shared perspective on the finances of the sector, through an independently facilitated exercise to establish the financial position in relation to funding and the financial challenges facing different sets of institutions.
- UEB strongly supported the draft Access and Participation Plan covering the years 2024/25 to 2027/8. This hugely important document, which was discussed at Senate last week and will be formally approved by Council at its next meeting, acts as a statement of purpose and intent, and will guide the direction of the University in its approach to fair access and participation for the next four years. Southampton is one of a volunteer cohort of 40 higher education providers, and one of only two Russell Group universities, participating in the first phase of a new approach to Access and Participation Plans by the Office for Students.
- UEB heard that the on-site visit and interviews last week as part of the Student Minds University Mental Health Charter Programme has proved very constructive and the informal feedback had been very positive. UEB thanked all those involved in preparing for the visit. The outcome and structured feedback are expected in August, and that will then lead to the development of clear action plans.
- Finally, there was the regular review of the University Risk Register.