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Executive Committee

Summary notes of the Executive Committee held on 16 May 2007

1. Proposed British National Party meeting

   Permission to hold this meeting, originally given in accordance with the University's Code of Practice Relating to Meetings on University Premises and Freedom of Speech and subject to a number of conditions, had been withdrawn after intelligence was received that the protests planned against the meeting could potentially cause disruption to University activities and general public disorder.
   
   In light of the episode, it was felt timely to review the Code of Practice and to seek information about how other HEIs dealt with such matters.
   
   It was noted with regret that there was an apparent lack of sufficient awareness in parts of the University that advancement of scholarship, in the form of research and teaching and learning, constituted the fundamental and overriding purpose of the University. An unambiguous commitment to freedom of thought and freedom of speech was necessary to underpin all such academic endeavour.

2. Consultancy Incentives Scheme Pilot
   

   The Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research) presented a paper that sought to address the issues raised at the last meeting, and which outlined the details of the pilot scheme.
   
   The Committee noted that the objective of the pilot scheme was to find out how consultancy income channelled through the University could be increased, rather than to create a framework to police consultancy work. Incentives such as provision of indemnity insurance through the University and reduced personal transaction costs should not be overlooked in the promotion of the pilot scheme.

3. Draft Information Strategy 2006/07 to 2008/09
   

   The Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research) introduced a draft Information Strategy. This had been prepared by the Vice-Chancellor's Office in consultation with the Library and Learning Centre, BUCS, Marketing and Communications and the Management Information Processes Review Group. The primary purpose of the Strategy was to ensure that information was effectively managed as a strategic resource underpinning both research and teaching and learning. An operating plan would be drafted over the course of the summer. This would outline the contribution to be made by different departments in fulfilling the four strategic aims proposed.
   
   It was noted that the relevant skill sets available in the University would need to be enhanced if the Information Strategy was to be delivered.

4. Draft Corporate Planning Statement 2007
   

   The Executive Assistant introduced the latest draft iteration of the Corporate Planning Statement, as required for submission to the HEFCE on an annual basis. The only substantive change was the focus on a smaller number of strategic priorities, from six/seven last year to three/four. This had been suggested previously, but selection of priorities was yet to be finalised. A decision was also required on when it would be best for the University to submit the Corporate Planning Statement, along with the Annual Monitoring Statement and Financial Forecasts. Under the new 'single conversation' accountability framework proposed by the HEFCE, there was likely to be the option of submitting either in July or December 2007.
   
   It was felt that the Corporate Planning Statement and Annual Monitoring Statement should continue to be submitted to Council for consideration when draft versions were ready. Submission of Financial Forecasts in December would, however, have the advantage of allowing the incorporation of actual out-turns and student recruitment information. A number of amendments were suggested to the draft Statement.

5. Corporate Plan 2006/07 to 2008/09

   The Executive Assistant comments that, although the current Corporate Plan had been developed to avoid the need for annual updates, a one-off amendment would be required following the decision of Council to withdraw from the Gateway campus project. A revised version had been therefore produced. This stated that the University was now reviewing its strategy for the Oakfield Campus, and would report to Council by December 2007.

6. Risk Register and Risk Management Action Plan
   

   The Executive Assistant introduced the draft annual update of the Risk Register. This would be submitted to Council for final approval. It was proposed that reference to the effectiveness of teaching methods (currently LT2) should be removed, in the view of the considerable progress made by academic departments in this area, and adjustments made to net risks in a number of other categories.

   The following items were received without comment:

   Malaysian Government Sponsorship
   
   HEFCE Annual Conference 2007: Notes from a speech by Professor David Eastwood - Developments, future trends and opportunities
   
   Notes of the School of Management Executive Board: 20 February and 7 March 2007
   
   Notes of the School for Health Executive: 6 February 2007
   
   Notes of the Faculty of Science Executive: 3 April 2007
   
   Notes of the Division of Lifelong Learning Executive: 21 November and 18 December 2006; 25 January and 27 February 2007
   
   Notes of the Biosciences Services Unit Management Committee: 24 April 2007