Author: Shaun Williams, Executive Director Engagement and Advancement
- UEB were very pleased to hear that the University has been successful in our application to renew our Disability Confident Leader status for another three years, and thanked all those who contributed to the submission. Disability Confident was set up to create a movement of change, encouraging employers to think differently about disability and take action to improve how they recruit, retain and develop disabled people. There are three levels: Disability Confident Committed, Disability Confident Employer, and Disability Confident Leader. We are one of only two Russell Group universities to achieve Disability Confident Leader status.
- This work prepares us for the next step in our commitment to disability equality, using the Business Disability Smart Framework as a tool to help us deep dive into the areas that require further improvement, using the comprehensive feedback we have received.
- UEB noted the Government announcement the previous day unveiling a package of measures to reduce the number of people coming to the UK, including a proposed minimum salary threshold of £38,700 from next Spring, and a rise in the Healthcare Surcharge. We are assessing any implications for the University and our staff, recognising this may be of concern to some of our colleagues, as well as the chilling effect on international students’ recruitment. Further details are expected to be provided by Government in the New Year.
- There was a further briefing on the results of the recent staff engagement survey. As reported last week, UEB heard there had been a response rate of 69%, up 3% on last time, and an engagement score of 77%, also up three percentage points. As always, although the overall picture provides some perspective, and benchmarked comparisons with other universities, there can be significant variations in responses at local level, and that is where the focus of the analysis, understanding, and actions should be. UEB heard that the results would shortly be made available to faculty and professional services leaders for local communication and discussion.
- UEB reviewed a paper summarising the Levels 4-7 Appraisal Outcomes for the review period ending 31 July 2023. This year, for the first time, all Level 4-7 staff used the same appraisal timeline, with the appraisal year from 1 August to 31 July, and the appraisal review period lasting 15 weeks from 1 June to 15 September. This year saw the introduction of the second line reviewer process, and all second line reviews had to be completed by 15 October. UEB heard that 91% of expected appraisals were submitted to the second line reviewer with the majority of appraisals submitted in the last two weeks of the review period. A key part of the appraisal process is for second line reviewers to review and confirm a contribution descriptor for the appraisee to ensure fairness and consistency across the process. Of the 91% completed appraisals, 87% had been reviewed by a second line reviewer, but a significant number did not have a confirmed contribution descriptor in place. This suggests that the Second Line Reviewer did not always realise they needed to do this or fully understand their role in the process. Further guidance and support will be provided before next year’s appraisal window.
- UEB heard that a very successful event had been held the previous week at our John Hansard Gallery, for donor members of our Giving Circles to enjoy exclusive access to the gallery’s current exhibitions, and meet with graduates from our Ignite programme, a life-changing package of support that helps disadvantaged and underrepresented students flourish at university. There are currently 120 Ignite students this year in all cohorts.
- Finally, there was the regular review of the University Risk Register.