Author: Shaun Williams, Executive Director Engagement and Advancement
- UEB noted the news that the leader of Southampton City Council, Councillor Satvir Kaur, stood down as leader just before Christmas, to prepare to fight the next general election as the prospective Southampton Test MP. She has been succeeded as leader of the council by deputy leader Councillor Lorna Fielker, and the University is looking forward to continuing our very productive working relationships with her and with the City Council, and advancing the interests of the City together.
- UEB noted that Hampshire County Council has this week opened a public consultation to understand people’s views across Hampshire on proposals to change and reduce some local services and help the Authority address a £132M budget shortfall faced by 2025. The consultation closes on 31 March.
- UEB heard that the apparent encouraging news of a Government change of heart around an increase in salary levels in relation to skilled worker visas, as reported in the media before Christmas and in last week’s UEB Blog, was indeed slightly too good to be true. Instead of a phased introduction, the new £38,700 threshold will apply for new skilled worker visas from Spring 2024. Further clarification on a number of details is still being sought from the Home Office.
- UEB discussed and approved the Annual Research Integrity Statement 2022-2023, a declaration of our research activities for that academic year, and a requirement as a signatory to the Universities UK Concordat to Support Research Integrity. The statement will be published on our website in due course.
- UEB were reminded that this year’s Southampton Science and Engineering Festival (SOTSEF) takes place from 8-17 March, with the Science and Engineering Day taking place on Saturday 16 March on our Highfield and Boldrewood campuses. The closing date for exhibitors to register is 15 January.
- Finally, there was the regular review of the University Risk Register.