Summary notes of the Executive Committee held on 18 October 2006
- SETsquared Showcase to Investors
This event in London had been very successful. With Lord Sainsbury in attendance, 22 new technology companies had showcased a range of investment opportunities, ranging from drug discovery and medical devices to new software and customer monitoring solutions, to 150 invited venture capitalists . The Director of Research and Innovation Services would report on any commercial agreements arising from the event.
- Institutional Academic Strategies
(a) Draft International Strategy
The Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Strategic Developments) introduced the draft International Strategy. This had been prepared following discussion and refinement of an earlier draft. The intention was to make internationalisation of activity more visible, set priorities, and to outline the associated administrative support structure. It was important to note that internationalisation applied as much to Home students, and to staff, as to Overseas students. The draft followed the simplified format of the revised Corporate Plan, with a vision statement, supported by strategic goals, an operational plan with aims and objectives designed to deliver these goals, together with milestones and performance indicators. Some activities were already underway, such as the review of the work of the International Office and the gathering and dissemination of best practice on the recruitment of Overseas students. Subject to comment by the Committee, the draft would be circulated to other fora for consideration and then to the December meeting of Senate.
The Committee believed that draft tended to focus too much on students. Greater emphasis should be given to the opportunities internationalisation presented to staff and for areas of activity such as knowledge transfer. A reporting mechanism of progress towards objectives would need to be established.
(b) Revised Teaching and Learning Strategy
The Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Learning and Teaching) said that this document had been revised largely in terms of format, to bring it in line with the Corporate Plan. Some areas of substance had been sharpened in view of the increasing importance and scrutiny of learning and teaching, such as through the National Student Survey. Again, subject to comment by the Committee, the draft would be circulated to other fora for consideration and then to the December meeting of Senate.
The Committee suggested that mention should be made of enterprise education. Some thought was also needed on the resilience in IT systems required to deliver e-learning. A reporting mechanism of progress towards objectives would need to be established.
Top of page
- Value for Money Strategy and Implementation Process
The Director of Finance introduced a draft VfM Strategy. This was intended to formalise existing arrangements within the University, in the light of guidelines from the HEFCE. Proper implementation of the Strategy would be assured by a proposed new VfM Steering Group. This would prepare an annual plan of activities, with a specific focus on the area of procurement. The terms of reference outlined for the Steering Group would be sharpened and the proposed membership amended, if thought necessary. Committee members were invited to comment on these matters.
The Vice-Chancellor believed that it was essential for the University to take action to secure better VfM for its support services and commercial activities.
- Draft Procurement Strategy
The Director of Finance said that this draft updated an earlier version by taking account of new legislation and an increased level of scrutiny from external bodies, notably the HEFCE and DfES. An action plan and annual report would also be produced. All three documents would then be reviewed on a regular basis by the VfM Steering Group, with a particular emphasis on measurement of progress against objectives and achieving cost savings.
It was noted that the HEFCE had recently issued a consultation document on procurement in HE. This has raised some interesting issues such as the high average cost of processing an invoice and the potential value of purchasing cards. It was accepted, however, that there some areas of procurement where the quality of service remained the primary consideration.
The Director of Finance commented that an internal trial of a purchasing card was just about to come to an end. Subject to evaluation, the VfM Steering Group would consider how use of the card could be rolled out across the University. Strategy to review academic practice in response to the National Student Survey and Student Experience Survey
The Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Learning and Teaching) outlined a strategy for engaging with academic departments in the evaluation and enhancement of those areas of academic practice highlighted for particular attention as a result of the Student Experience Survey and the National Student Survey. The aim of the strategy was to ensure that the University continued to have proper mechanisms for the enhancement of academic practice and the maintenance of academic standards.
- Review of Media Strategy - Update
The Director of Marketing and Communications introduced a report reviewing the delivery of the Media Strategy agreed in 2004, and outlining priorities for 2006/07. Comparison of news coverage indicated that the University was punching above its weight. This was supported by anecdotal evidence, but more benchmarking data was required to test the conclusion. Use of new media had proved successful, with 26,000 downloads of podcast lectures. Future priorities focused on the enhancement of community coverage in Bath and Swindon , and further development of the University's profile in national and international media.
- University Risk Register: Progress report on improvement actions - October 2006
The Executive Assistant to the Vice-Chancellor gave progress reports on improvements action made in respect of RP3 (Failure to lead, direct and co-ordinate international partnerships) and F15 (Increases in fixed costs outside the university's ability to control affordability).
The Committee took the view that further actions were required to improve energy conservation. A presentation on this matter by the Energy and Environment Manager had been scheduled for a forthcoming meeting of Heads of Department.
The following items were received without comment:
Response to the DfES consultation on the reform of Higher Education research assessment and funding
|
Notes of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Science Heads of Department Committee: 25 September 2006
|
Notes of the School for Health Executive: 20 June and 17 July 2006
|
Notes of the School of Management Executive Board: 28 June, 11 July and 26 July 2006
|
Top
of page
|
VC's
Office | University | Search
| News | A-Z
Index | Contact VC's Office 
