University Executive Board minutes - 16 February 2021

On

Date:

16 February 2021

Present:

Professor K Lamberts (KL) (in the Chair), Professor J Derrick (JD), Professor S Fitzmaurice (SF), Professor S Hartley (SH), H Fraser-Krauss (HFK), J Jones (JJ), Professor C Newman (CN), Professor D Petley (DNP), R Sykes (RS), Professor G Valentine (GV), Professor M Vincent (MV), Professor C Watkins (CW)

In attendance:

Dr T Strike (TS), A Carlile (AC) (item 5)

Apologies:

Professor M Hounslow (MJH), I Wright (IW), Professor D Petley left the meeting at 12pm

Secretary:

N Button (NB) / Dr E Smith (ES)

  1. Closed Minute and Paper

  2. Closed Minute and Paper

  3. Report on Sustainability Strategy

    • (Dr R Rothman & T Wray in attendance for this item)
    • UEB received a Quarterly update on the progress of the University’s Sustainability Strategy. Attention was drawn to the ongoing engagement with Heads of Department and other staff, and the strong response from staff and others, which had informed the development of the Strategy. UEB were asked for feedback on any additional information they wanted to receive as part of these updates.
    • During discussion, UEB raised the following points:
      • Updates could be segmented by theme, for example, in the areas of Education or Research.
      • Communications work would be continued through attendance at Faculty Executive Boards and UEB-HoDs sessions, as well as recognising the importance of student communications.
    • UEB noted the progress made since the publication of the Sustainability Strategy and agreed the focus of future sustainability reviews contained in the report. UEB also noted the accompanying communications plan.

  4. Closed Minute and Paper

  5. Strategy and Planning Cycle Development

    • (A Carlile in attendance for this item)
    • UEB considered an update on the planning cycle and proposals for an extension to the cycle and an approach to coordinating the plans that would support the delivery of each pillar of the University Vision.
    • UEB agreed an extension to the planning cycle timelines, an approach and timeline for the development of Strategy Delivery Plans for each pillar of the University Vision, and to propose to Council an extension of the strategic period associated with the Vision.

  6. Draft responses to the OfS Consultations on Reportable Events, Monetary Penalties, and Publication of Information

    • UEB considered and commented on three draft responses to live OfS consultations on reportable events, monetary penalties, and the publication of information. Attention was drawn to the context of enhanced political pressure for the OfS to make use of its regulatory powers and some specifics contained in each draft response where it was proposed the University should either voice support or concern about the propositions.
    • UEB approved the three draft consultation responses.

  7. Proposed New Apprenticeship - request for approval in principle

    • UEB considered a proposed new apprenticeship in the Management School, in line with changes to Apprenticeship standards. The proposed programme would allow the University to continue to access the Apprenticeship Levy and support colleagues, particularly those in the NHS.
    • UEB approved in principle the proposed new apprenticeship.

  8. Coronavirus Update

    • General Update
      • KL updated UEB.. The Government was expected to make an announcement on student return to campus on 22 February, although it was anticipated to be at least May before all students had returned (after the formal teaching period). There were no expected exceptions to quarantine rules for international students.
    • Update from the Major Incident Group
      • HFK updated UEB on student and staff case numbers, which remained low. A paper setting out proposals relating to student behaviours and compliance would be brought to UEB shortly. The University had reported on its Covid measures to the Health and Safety Executive, which had responded positively. HFK would chair an on-campus readiness group to ensure that the operational side of the return to campus plans were sufficient.
      • UEB noted the ongoing challenge in ensuring sufficient levels of testing on campus compared to estimated attendance.
    • FVP Update
      • No updates given.

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