University and Faculty business strategy updates

Toni Schwarz informed the committee of the work being undertaken by the Faculty Leadership Team to define clear faculty objectives to support delivery of the university strategy.

Pillar Board updates

Updates were received from the latest pillar board meetings.

University Creating Knowledge pillar board:

• Work is underway to develop the research strategy around Research Institutes and Centres.
• The publication and implementation of the internal funding “Prospectus” generated significant R&KE activity.
• Code of practice for REF2021 is being reviewed.

University Shaping Futures pillar board:

• PVC’s are leading on step change projects to further develop student experience, manage governance and quality of teaching and learning.
• The Highly Skilled Employment (HSE) Staff Handbook is now available.
• Work is also underway to improve timetabling and this is being monitored at ULT level.

HWB Shaping Futures pillar board:

• The Board reviewed a report on key points from the post-graduate taught student experience survey (PTES).
• Departmental Overview Reports and 2018/19 Action plans were individually highlighted with opportunities for sharing good practice.
• The Student Participation Improvement plan was explored with an exemplar being given about new ways of working through employing graduate interns in the learning enhancement team. A presentation was given by the HWB Interns about their work streams.

PSOM update/feedback

Sue Hughes attended the meeting to present an update on PSOM following the implementation of the new structures in January. Committee members had the opportunity to provide feedback from their staff groups which will be reported back at relevant PSOM forums.

Staff wellbeing and engagement initiatives

Susan Tallents informed the committee that a staff wellbeing survey will be launched in February which all staff are encouraged to complete.

The survey aims to gather your opinions to provide an insight into the health of the faculty and of potential sources of stress. We are aware that concerns have been raised about stress levels in the Faculty in the past and have agreed that we will run a survey to help us more clearly identify likely levels and causes of stress.   Responses to the survey questions will help us identify our strengths as well as areas which may need our attention, thus enabling action to enhance the wellbeing of all working in our Faculty.  Further information will be circulated to staff via the usual faculty communication channels.

The committee was informed that FLT will be holding various events over the coming months where staff will have an opportunity to meet with members of FLT and raise any questions.

Agenda

Further information

Your LICC representative can provide you with further feedback from this meeting, where you will have an opportunity to provide your views and thoughts on some of the questions raised.