Author: Mark Spearing, Vice-President Research and Enterprise
UEB had a relatively short meeting with a lighter agenda this week, reflecting the summer period.
- We noted the very positive outcome for the University following the A Level results release on Thursday and the confirmation and clearing process throughout last week. The overall University student numbers are projected to be slightly above our current numbers, and while the A-level grade curve has returned to be more in line with the return to pre-Covid marking practice, we believe that our recruitment performance will be in line with our peer Universities. The whole process went very smoothly, and great credit goes to everyone involved across the University. UEB recorded its thanks to all involved.
- We received an update on the ongoing consequences of the UCU (University and College Union) marking and assessment boycott. There are very few continuing students affected by this, and these remaining cases should be resolved over the next few weeks. We were advised that at a national level UCU has not yet responded to UCEA’s request to a facilitated meeting with Acas to resume discussions around terms of reference for an independent assessment of finances in the sector.
- UEB received an update on the announcement this morning of the creation of a new University Technical College (UTC) to be located in Southampton, which will be sponsored by the University. This will focus on provision for students aged 14-18 in Science, Technology and Maths (STEM) subjects, and will work in collaboration with the existing UTC Portsmouth. This is a welcome complement to the existing K-12 provision in the City and Region.
- The Executive Director for Human Resources briefed UEB on the new resources available in support of staff recruitment. These include upgraded “Super Recruiter” training, and recruitment toolkits, accessible on a dedicated SharePoint site, both of which have a particular focus on improving the diversity of our new hires and to ensure a more consistent and streamlined approach to recruitment across the University.
- As usual the meeting concluded with a review of the risk register. There were no significant changes.