Author: Shaun Williams, Executive Director Engagement and Advancement
- UEB heard that our Graduation ceremonies in Southampton and Winchester last week and this week have been going extremely well, and it was wonderful to see so many of our students celebrating with their families and friends at their ceremonies, and on our campuses. UEB again thanked the many colleagues across the University who have been involved in preparing and running the ceremonies.
- UEB were briefed on the latest development at national level in respect of the USS pension scheme, whose financial position has been significantly transformed primarily due to the rapid and substantial rise in interest rates. The USS Trustee last week published a Technical Provisions consultation to employers on the assumptions to be adopted for the 2023 valuation. The positive news is that members and employers can look forward to significantly lower contribution levels and improved pension benefits, and – hopefully – a period of stability ahead.
- UEB heard that Professor Sir David Payne will shortly be stepping back from his role as Director of the Zepler Institute (ZI) after 28 years. Following an internal recruitment process chaired by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Graham Reed has been appointed as successor Director, from 1 August 2023. UEB expressed its huge thanks and appreciation to Sir David for his world-leading and world-renowned work, and his outstanding leadership of the Institute, and was delighted to hear that he will still be continuing with his research at Southampton.
- Finally, UEB approved the Annual Assurance Statement for 2022-2023, completed each year by all Deans and Executive Directors to provide assurance to the Vice-Chancellor and Audit Committee of compliance relating to key areas of risk across the University; and there was the regular review of the University Risk Register.