27 February 2018

Key discussion points and outcomes

 

Horizon 2020 letter of commitment
The Board considered the letter which has been prepared as the proposed approach to providing assurance (if/when required) related to participation of SHU staff in EU funding bids.
The Board approved the letter as well as discussing the need for a small group to be established to consider the EU strategy, developing thoughts beyond the letter.

Knowledge Exchange Framework (KEF)
The Board received a paper informing on the latest developments in the creation of a Knowledge Exchange Framework that Government intends will sit alongside the REF and TEF as a means of measuring universities performance and being accountable and transparent in their third mission and engagement activities.
The paper can be accessed here

Higher Education Business and Community Interaction Survey (HEBCIS) and Higher Education Innovation Fund (HEIF) Update
Alex Prince introduced a paper to the Board which informed on the HEBCIS return 2016-17, providing comparable data for the previous 3 years, and comments upon the implications of this for future HEIF income.  The paper also provided the Board with information on the emerging impact of the Government’s Industrial Strategy on HEIF and Knowledge Exchange (KE).

Research Conference
The Board received and supported Roger Eccleston’s proposal for a research conference. A provisional date has been scheduled of 18 June 2018. A draft programme is being developed.

Approved Creating Knowledge Implementation Plan (CKIP) and implementation next steps
The latest version of the CKIP plan was considered by the Board.

Research and Knowledge Transfer (R&KT) working groups
The Board reviewed a list of the current R&KT Committees and Groups and proposed a number of amendments.

AOB
Ann Macaskill provided information to the Board regarding ‘Concordat to Support Research Integrity’
(HEFCE) has made annual demonstration of compliance with the Concordat to Support Research Integrity – a condition for receiving HEFCE funds specified in institutions’ funding agreements including the income from the REF. The current  University response to the Concordat to Support Research Integrity can be found at https://www.shu.ac.uk/research/ethics-integrity-and-practice/integrity-concordat
Researchers, Directors of Research Centres and Heads of Departments have all been communicated with outlining their responsibilities under the Concordat.

Agenda

  1. Apologies for absence
  2. Record of the meeting on 30 January 2018
  3. Performance Report
  4. Faculty financial report
  5. H2020 letter of commitment
    1. Knowledge Exchange Framework (KEF)
    2. Higher Education Business and Community Interaction Survey (HEBCIS) and the Higher Education Innovation Fund (HEIF) Update
  7. Research Excellence Framework (REF) Update
  8. Research Conference
  9. Approved Creating Knowledge Implementation Plan and implementation next steps
  10. Research and Knowledge Transfer (R&KT) working groups
  11. AOB

Attendees

Roger Eccleston (Chair), Claire Boot, Doug Cleaver, Martin Conway, Wayne Cranton, John Leach, Ann Macaskill, David Morley, Jill Nanson, Davina Porock, Alex Prince,Emma Scoffield, Lloyd Snellgrove, Peter Wells, Nicola Woodroofe, Rachel Parnham (Interim Minute Secretary), and Raela Chambers observing