Author: Shaun Williams, Executive Director Engagement and Advancement
- There was an update on the current status of the industrial action over pay and non-pay issues at national and local level by members of the University and College Union (UCU). UEB heard that the University has been given notice of an additional five days of strike action from Monday 25 to Friday 29 September, in addition to the ongoing Action Short of a Strike (ASOS), and that UCU has also announced the withdrawal of the Marking and Assessment Boycott following the results of a member consultation. UEB also heard that notice has been given that a strike ballot will open on Tuesday 19 September, and close on Friday 3 November, seeking a mandate for a period of further industrial action.
- There was a further briefing on the use of RAAC (reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete), on our campus estate. At our meeting last week, UEB heard this method of construction had not been widely used in any of our University-owned buildings, and we were previously aware of three buildings where the condition of RAAC was being regularly monitored. Over the last week, and in the light of revised Government guidance to schools, there has been a further precautionary review and re-assessment of all our buildings. This identified use of RAAC in the Turner Sims Concert venue, and as a precautionary measure Turner Sims has been temporarily closed to allow a more intrusive survey to be carried out, which was taking place while UEB was meeting. We hope to re-open the venue as soon as we can, subject to any additional mitigations needed. * Subsequent to the meeting it was confirmed that no immediate remedial work is required at Turner Sims and the venue will re-open shortly.
- There was a huge welcome for the news last week, after a number of false dawns in recent years, that the UK will be associated again with Horizon Europe, the world’s most ambitious research and innovation programme. Association means UK-based researchers and innovators can participate in Horizon Europe funding opportunities, including coordinating projects, on the same terms as EU-based applicants, from the 2024 Work Programmes onwards and including any 2024 calls opening this year. Swift and extensive re-engagement by researchers from across the University will ensure maximum advantage is taken of the opportunities now available.
- UEB noted the publication over the previous weekend of two national UK University Rankings. We have retained our top 20 UK universities spot in the Guardian University Guide 2024 with a ranking of 20th, and broadly within our competitor group. We also featured in the new Daily Mail University Guide 2024, using a different methodology, where we are ranked 21st out of the 128 institutions featured and are singled out for our strong record on social inclusion, teaching excellence and quality research. UEB heard that relative positions can often be a factor of improvement in other institutions, rather than any change in our own, and discussed how a small improvement in our NSS and Graduate Outcomes scores could lead to a significant advance in our competitor group.
- UEB agreed that this would need to be reflected in our priorities for business planning, which comprise:
- Driving greater inclusivity for staff and students.
- Deliver growth with excellence across our triple helix, in particular (a) protect and enhance the student experience; and (b) review and improve research performance.
- Improving Graduate Outcomes.
- UEB heard there had been a successful Open Day the previous Sunday, attended by more than 2,500 prospective students, despite the unexpected rain. UEB thanked all those involved in organising the day so well.
- There was an update on the expansion and growth plans for University of Southampton Malaysia (UoSM), which will also be discussed at the next meeting of our Council. A business case for expansion was approved in November 2019, and construction work on a new campus estate and the expansion of the programme portfolio started in January 2020. That same month the World Health Organisation declared COVID-19 a public health emergency of international concern, and two months later the Malaysian borders closed for two years. Despite the very significant impact of the pandemic, particularly in respect of student recruitment, UoSM has made very significant progress against the criteria of its original business plan, and seen the opening of its new purpose-built campus.
- UEB discussed the current 2023 USS Valuation Technical Provision Consultation – this consultation with Universities UK (UUK) is the first step in the process of agreeing the 2023 valuation, to be followed from 25 September by a statutory consultation with all USS members on potential benefits changes.
- UEB discussed potential criteria for evaluating and prioritising future capital investments, to ensure prioritisation aligns to the principal imperatives and goals in the University Strategy, as well as important financial criteria; and noted an update to Council on the core key performance indicators (KPIs) which underpin and will ensure successful delivery of the University Strategy.
- UEB were delighted to hear that that we have been shortlisted in the Outstanding Support for Students category of the Times Higher Education (THE) Awards 2023 for the implementation of our Student Hub model. UEB congratulated all those involved in the development and launch of the Student Hub, and all our colleagues who are delivering outstanding support to our students.
- Finally, there was the regular review of the University Risk Register, where some recent updates were noted.