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Date:

12 October 2021

Present:

Professor K Lamberts (KL) (in the Chair), Professor J Derrick (JD), Professor S Fitzmaurice (SF), Professor S Hartley (SH), Ms J Jones (JJ), Professor D N Petley (DNP), Professor C Newman (CN), Mr R Sykes (RS), Professor G Valentine (GV) (item 1), Professor M Vincent (MV) 

In attendance:

Dr T Strike (TS), Mrs T Wray (TW), Mr I Wright (IW); Professor V Toulmin (VT) (item 1)

Apologies:

Professor J Litster (JL), Professor C Watkins (CW)

Secretary:

Mr D T Swinn (DTS)

1. Closed Minute and Paper

2. Coronavirus Update

   • General Update

     • It was reported that the level of local Covid-related hospitalisations remained low and continued to fall. Within the University, infection rates were consistently well below the local and national averages. This was the context within which to frame ongoing discussion about ventilation in teaching rooms and related issues around timetabling. A significant proportion of staff and students were comfortable with the measures in place as they resumed face to face activities.
   • Update from the Major Incident Team
     • UEB received and noted the update report from the Major Incident Team, commending the success of EFM and colleagues in delivering the Pop-up vaccination bus and testing centre on campus.
   • FVP Update
     • Members reported positively on the resumption of face to face teaching, noting that all departments had begun to deliver on a face to face basis.

3. Annual Report to Council – Preventing and Addressing Harassment and Sexual Misconduct

   • UEB received and noted the Report and welcomed the contents, which had been approved by the UEB Sexual Violence and Harassment Steering Group. The Report would be presented to Council on 18 October to provide assurance around the University’s activities in this area, particularly the strength of current arrangements and compliance with the OfS Statement of Expectations and requirements.

4. Round Table

   • Senate, 13 October: It was noted that the first Senate meeting of 2021/22 would be held on 13 October, including important items relating to academic assurance and research.
   • Industrial Relations: IW reported on the latest developments and national and local level and the range of institutional responses.
   • Staff Pay: IW reported on a constructive meeting about the claim for cleaning staff to be receive £10/hour and planned next steps, taking into account the national economic outlook and the wider implications for staff reward and recognition.