Author: Diana Eccles, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine
- UEB extended a warm welcome to Ed Brooker, our new SUSU (Southampton University Students Union) President, joining us for his first meeting.
- 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 individualised approach we are taking to the students who have been affected by the marking and assessment boycott (MAB) in a few parts of the University. Our primary focus continues to be to ensure that our students are not disadvantaged by any action and to ensuring that our students can graduate successfully.
- The Vice-Chancellor had met with Dr David Bretherton, the new President of UCU in Southampton to discuss a range of proposals and resolutions. It was noted that we are having extensive and productive discussions with union representatives around modernising our governance and procedures, although it was noted there was not yet complete agreement on all areas.
- A revised Visa and Immigration Costs Assistance Policy was presented by the Executive Director Human Resources for discussion and approval. The revised policy makes slight modifications to our existing visa reimbursement provisions and adds an interest-free loan provision aimed at providing assistance for the visa costs of family members. This was welcomed by Deans in particular, as it will support recruiting from a global talent pool.
- The Health and Safety Audit and Assurance Committee (HSAAC) report going to Council this week was reviewed. The current completion for the mandatory Health and Safety training modules was noted. Currently staff are reminded from time to time to actively seek out the H&S training on SharePoint and it is recognised that this is a barrier for many staff.
- A more robust system that will facilitate routine reminders when training is due and will link directly to the mandatory training has been identified, is being procured, and will be implemented as soon as possible. In the meantime, all the mandatory training modules have been collated so that staff can ensure that they have completed them and kept them current, as revalidation is every two years.