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 noted the additional five days of strike action that have been called for next week, from Monday 25 to Friday 29 September, and that a strike ballot seeking a mandate for a period of further industrial action was due to open that same day, Tuesday 19 September, and close on Friday 3 November. There was also an update on the 2023 USS Valuation Technical Provisions consultation and the University’s response.
- UEB noted that since it had last met we had seen publication of the annual Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide, with the University retaining its top 20 UK universities spot at 17th. This followed the previous weekend’s Guardian and Mail league tables. These results have seen some very good individual subject outcomes, and although we are comfortable with our Top 20 position, we want to – and can – do better.
- This led on to a wider discussion about our student experience outcome measures for 2023, and a report which summarised the data from the National Student Survey (NSS), which is completed by final year undergraduates; the Southampton Student experience Survey (SSS), which is completed by undergraduate students in other years of study and aims to mirror the areas of focus of the NSS; and the Postgraduate Student Experience Survey (PTES), completed by taught postgraduate students. Overall, student satisfaction remains good and is improving in some areas.Performance at subject level shows marked variability in key areas such as assessment and feedback, organisation and management, and student voice. Whilst we have many good performing subject areas, some subjects have very low scores compared to university averages and benchmarks, and where there are large undergraduate cohorts, this is impacting on institutional-level data. Institution-wide improvement projects, focusing particularly on student voice and assessment and feedback, will be launched this autumn.
- UEB reviewed and strongly supported an initial project concept paper proposing the creation of a Reducing Casualisation Project, one of the strategic priorities within the People Plan, and recognised as a critical activity to deliver the Triple Helix Strategy. This multi-year project will aim to reduce the reliance on casual contracts and promote fair employment practices in the University. This will now move to a full business case.
- UEB welcomed the news that the Royal Society has launched a Career Development Fellowship (CDF) to kickstart the independent research careers of researchers under-represented in UK STEM academia. Applications will open in November as part of an initial pilot with researchers from Black heritage backgrounds, and around five fellowships will be awarded in the first year to outstanding candidates who are completing, or have recently completed, their PhD. If successful, the pilot may be broadened to researchers from other under-represented groups.
- Finally, there was the regular review of the University Risk Register.