We continue our termly look at the decisions made by our University Executive Board.
Between May–July, UEB continued to analyse and monitor student application numbers, National Student Survey (NSS) data, and discuss the possible impact on the future size of the University. A range of business-as-usual items have appeared on the agenda, including Business Planning outcomes, Budget updates, and Health and Safety.
UK Research and Innovation (UKRI)
Professor Mark Spearing, Vice-President (Research and Enterprise), presented a paper asking UEB to consider the opportunity presented by the Research England competition for Expanding Excellence in England Fund, and inform the decision on proposals that best align to the University strategy.
UEB noted that there had been a high level of interest in this call from Faculties and Institutes (13 expressions of interest in total). UEB discussed the pockets of excellence within the University and the need to identify unique but relevant areas of research for consideration.
UEB decided to delegate responsibility to Mark to coordinate the process, and report back to UEB once he has finalised the decision.
Spending Wisely
Eychelle Heywood, Head of Procurement, was invited to UEB to give an update on the Spending Wisely project. Eychelle explained the background and the rationale for driving a new approach to procurement.
UEB noted the buying power that the University can unlock, and the potential cost savings that can be achieved by becoming category focused, and moving to framework contracts.
Discussion points included how to engage the wider University in identifying new ways of working, and how to drive behaviour change to achieve the Spending Wisely objectives. UEB noted the update on the project and took away a number of actions.
Digital Transformation and the Digital Strategy
UEB was given a high-level overview of the Digital Transformation and our first Digital Strategy.
UEB recognised the benefits of the strategy for students, staff and research. They raised concerns around resource requirements and the strain on already burdened workloads.
UEB endorsed progression to create a business case when, among other areas, the resource implications of delivering this strategy would be considered in more detail.
Change Proposal – Communications and Marketing
Simon Peatfield, Director of Communications and Marketing, presented a proposal for restructuring the Communications and Marketing (C&M) department.
UEB noted that the proposed structure would enable improved market performance from better positioning with our target audiences. UEB also recognised the support it would give our International Strategy.
UEB endorsed moving forward with the change process.
