As our Executive Director Engagement & Advancement, Shaun Williams, is taking a well-deserved break the blog was written this UEB by Kieron Broadhead, Deputy Vice President Operations.
- There was an update on the latest developments at national level concerning the ongoing industrial action by members of the University and College Union (UCU) relating to pay and working conditions.
- UEB discussed the position in relation to Confirmation and Clearing following receipt of the main A-Level results file. As was widely trailed in advance of results release, A-Level grades have returned to close to the 2019 level. This will have an impact across the sector and for the University as we look to maximise our confirmation levels and use Clearing strategically to meet our student number plans. Enormous thanks was given to the teams across our Schools and Faculties, and Professional Services, who have worked incredibly hard and will continue to over the comings weeks to ensure that we meet target.
- UEB discussed a number of areas relating to education and student experience. Firstly, UEB noted that the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) outcome will be made public and announced on 28 September. We then considered the recently received National Student Survey (NSS) results. The NSS has undergone a major change and so this was the first opportunity to consider the data we have received and the best way for this to be shared. Initial indications are that we have performed well but that there is room for improvement in some of the ways we engage with our students. Once refined, information will be shared with the relevant faculty and professional services colleagues, to enable colleagues to undertake appropriate and proportionate action planning.
- As ever, there was consideration of the University Risk Register.