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Executive Committee

Summary notes of the Executive Committee held on 23 January 2007

1. Protocol for responding to a report of a missing student

   The Director of Marketing and Communications queried whether this revised draft took account of the comments previously made by the Committee, specifically the need to be clear about the lead responsibility for reporting when a student went missing, and for the Department of Marketing and Communications to be involved at an earlier stage. It was also suggested that Deans should be included among those contacted by the Head of Student Services when a report was to be made.

2. Revision of the RAE Code of Practice
   

   The Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research) reminded the Committee that the intention was for the Code of Practice to be revised as necessary in the light of experience. A first revision had already taken place, but it was now thought felt that there were one or two areas where further clarification would be useful. A second revision had therefore been prepared with a number of amendments. The Director of Human Resources and Acting University Secretary had reviewed this draft and were content with the amendments proposed.

3. Proposed refurbishment of Westwood and Eastwood Residences
   

   The Director of Estates outlined details for the next phase of refurbishment of the Westwood residences. This was scheduled for summer 2007, and would involve the complete refurbishment of the Conygre and Wolfson blocks, and the refurbishment of bathrooms, bedrooms and common areas in Brendon Court. Boilers would also be replaced with low energy installations. Costs had been estimated at £5.4M. A final phase, planned for 2008, would refurbish the two remaining blocks, Derhill and Cotswold, at an estimated cost of £3.29M.
   
   The Eastwood project, also scheduled for summer 2007, involved the modernisation of bedrooms and common areas, and electrical rewiring, in residences 42 to 51. Costs were estimated at £1.73M or £1.975M (inclusive of fees, direct supply items and VAT), depending on whether refurbishment of showers was included. Funding would be obtained from the surplus on the Accommodation Account. A business case was being produced. There were likely to be further phases of improvement at Eastwood in summer 2008.
   
   It was the intention that all of the Westwood and Eastwood residences, together with Polden and Brendon Courts, would meet RIS category B standard by the end of the current refurbishment programme in 2009. Substantial ongoing investment would be required to maintain this standard, supported by a range of rental levels.

4. Outline bid for Beacons of Public Engagement: Invitation to apply for funds (HEFCE 2006/49)
   

   The Executive Assistant said this invitation was thought to be intended to improve public understanding of the more controversial issues of science, although the specific purpose was not entirely clear. There was likely to a geographical element to the selection of preferred bids. Construction of a bid for one of the Beacons of Public Engagement (rather than the National Co-ordinating Centre) could, however, offer the opportunity to capitalise on a range of existing activity, such as Bath Taps into Science. Collaboration would be provided by the Science Museum at Wroughton. Funding of £300K over four years would be deployed in the development of technologies to achieve broad public engagement, e.g. podcasts. Financial sustainability would be assured by avoiding creation of any new infrastructure.
   
   It was suggested that the focus should be the University's interdisciplinary work on healthy living. Mention should also be made of the Science Café.

5. University Risk Register: Progress report on improvement actions - January 2007

   The Executive Assistant summarised the outcome of actions that had been taken to mitigate risks in respect of EI1 (Insufficient capacity to support planned expansion) and EI2 (Inefficient use of existing space).

6. RCUK Call for Research into Public Health
   

   The Head of the School for Health reported that this call was seeking proposals for research centres in public health. The University did not have significant expertise and capacity in this area, and therefore would be able to participate only through collaboration.
   
   
   
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