Author: Shaun Williams, Executive Director Engagement and Advancement
- UEB had an interesting discussion about how we can ensure that our strategic decisions align with the 6 Sustainability Strategic Plan Goals. Sustainability is a core theme of the University Strategy, with the vision that by 2030 “sustainability will be part of everything the University does.” In addition, the Sustainability Strategic Plan is clear that we will reduce our Scope 1 and 2 emissions to net zero by 2030. The Sustainability Implementation Group (SIG) have started working closely with teams across the University to ensure that sustainability is embedded in all our key decision-making processes, particularly in key areas such as the Estates Capital programme, IT projects, and strategic major projects. UEB fully supported this approach.
- UEB discussed and approved the University’s annual submission to the Office for Students (OfS) on its actions in relation to the Prevent duty. In response to the Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015, which sets out the importance of preventing people from being drawn into terrorism, the OfS developed guidance for Higher Education Providers (HEPs) to clarify their responsibilities. This is monitored through an annual data return covering the number of Prevent cases escalated formally or informally for advice, the number of events and speakers approved through the external speaker process, and the number of staff who have completed training on Prevent.
- UEB noted and welcomed the strategic outline business case for the proposed new Institute for Medical Innovation, which will be discussed by the University Council next week. The Institute for Medical Innovation (IMI) is a transformational, interdisciplinary initiative that will drive a dramatic step-change in translational research capability at the University across a range of Science, Technology, Engineering, Maths and Medicine (STEMM) areas, including computer sciences and biological sciences, ensuring we successfully leverage our world-class strengths and emerging areas of excellence to prevent, diagnose, treat or cure the world’s most devastating diseases.
- The Institute is strategically aligned to our Triple Helix strategy and builds on our outstanding partnership with University Hospital Southampton (UHS) to create medical research with a broad civic and national impact. This new capability will realise reputational gains, increases in league table rankings, quality contributions to REF and a substantial increase in industry partnerships and research contracts and other income.
- UEB noted the annual Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Report for the academic year 2022/23, which will also be discussed by the University Council next week. We are now three years into our five-year Strategic Plan for EDI, and our mission remains to create an inclusive University community where all feel welcomed, supported, and valued, and where we truly listen and actively engage with each other, understand the impact of our actions and lead and influence social change. The report provides an overview of progress against our broad strategic intent in relation to EDI; the six goals set out in the Strategic Plan for EDI; and the University’s four equality objectives. The report also summarises major milestones and key achievements during the year, highlighting areas of strength, as well as those that require further focus and attention.
- UEB thanked all those involved in the annual Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) data returns for students, which has been particularly complex this year against a changing backdrop of complicated rules of submission.
- UEB heard that the completion rate for the staff engagement survey was currently at 46%, which was a good start, but we need to keep up the momentum to achieve our target of 75% completion. The survey closes on 24 November and further reminders will be sent over the coming days to ensure views and voices are fully heard.
- UEB noted that the University had been represented at a number of civic events and ceremonies linked to the annual Remembrance Services, including our military detachments, and there had been a strong turnout for our own marking of Remembrance at our Jubilee Plaza event on 10 November.
- UEB noted the opening of the Class Ceiling photography exhibition at our John Hansard Gallery, showcasing the working-class experiences of a range of students, staff and alumni of the University. Produced and curated by the University’s Social Mobility Network, it offers a glimpse into the lived experiences of its contributors, celebrating who they are and what they bring to the institution and our city. Opening times are Tuesday to Saturday 11:00 to 17:00 from today through to 3 February 2024. John Hansard Gallery is located at 142-144 Above Bar Street, Southampton SO14 7DU, opposite Guildhall Square.
- Finally, UEB agreed the proposed Closure Days for Christmas 2024 and Easter 2025, which are always considered in line with the best timing of the days and alignment with Hampshire and Southampton school closure dates. The agreed dates for Christmas 2024 are December 24, 27 30, 31; and for Easter 2025 are April 16,17. These dates will now be included in the University’s Almanac, uploaded onto the HR website, and cascaded to key stakeholders.
- The meeting ended with the regular review of the University Risk Register.