Author: Shaun Williams, Executive Director Engagement and Advancement
- The meeting opened with a discussion about the use of RAAC concrete (reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete), which has led to the temporary closure of a number of schools requiring urgent remedial work. UEB heard that this method of construction has not been widely used in any of our University-owned buildings. The university regularly monitors the structural integrity of all of our buildings and for a number of years we have known that three buildings contain RAAC – in Building 7, in the roof plant rooms above Building 2, and in the Nuffield Theatre, all on Highfield campus. In all these cases, the buildings have been regularly inspected by a structural engineer, and all necessary remedial works have been carried out in accordance with national guidance and advice from The Institution of Structural Engineers, to ensure they continue to be safe for our community to use.
- As a further precautionary measure, and in the light of revised guidance recently issued by the Department for Education, we are now carrying out a further review and re-assessment of all our buildings, including recent acquisitions. We are also liaising closely with those responsible for operating buildings which we use, but do not own, including at the hospital. We will obviously continue to monitor the situation closely.
- UEB heard that we continue to be on track for a very positive outcome from the confirmation and clearing process, with overall student numbers projected to be slightly above our current numbers. UEB also heard that all of our students have now graduated with classified degrees.
- UEB noted a paper to be considered by Council setting out the process by which Head of School appointments are made, and the actions taken in this and other processes to increase diversity amongst our more senior appointments.
- UEB noted that the window for completion of annual appraisals and PPDRs closes at the end of next week, on Friday 15th September, having been open since 1st June. There was concern that the completion and submission numbers are still very low. It is very important that appraisals have taken place, and that the subsequent documentation is completed by the line manager, and the appraisal submitted – by Friday 15th September – for second line reviewer checks.
- Finally, there was the regular review of the University Risk Register, where some updating over the last few weeks was noted.