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Executive Committee

Summary notes of the Executive Committee held on 31 October 2007

1. Draft Redundancy Policy

   The Director of Human Resources introduced a draft Redundancy Policy and an accompanying Guide for Handling Redundancy. These documents were intended to put in place a systematic policy and procedure for use by managers in the University. In all cases, the Department of Human Resources should be contacted at an early point in any discussion of possible redundancies. The documents did not apply to staff covered by Statute 25, for whom separate provisions were already in place, as outlined in the Statute.

2. Staff Grievance Policy and Procedure
   

   The Director of Human Resources introduced the Staff Grievance Policy and Procedure. This incorporated the existing grievance procedure for staff covered by Statute 25, and proposed a corresponding procedure for other staff groups, based on a model recommended by ACAS.

3. Review of Committees
   
   The University Secretary outlined the main conclusions of a review he had undertaken of the of the committee structure. This was intended to improve the agility of decision-making processes within the University. Based on the review, the Committee was asked to consider the following recommendations:
   
   (a) That the Information Services Planning Committee should be abolished not later that the end of the current academic year.
   (b) That authority should be given for formation of a board comprising the PVCs, University Secretary and Director/Deputy Director of Computing Services to advise on prioritisation of activities in BUCS.
   (c) That the Space Management Committee should be abolished with immediate effect.
   (d) That in-principle support be given to the abolition of the Estates Committee, subject to further consultations.
   
   

4. The future of Inaugural Lectures and Showcase Events
   
   The Dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences introduced a proposal that, with effect from 2008/09, Inaugural Lectures should be organised by Faculties/Schools, with lectures open to other members of the University and to the general public. In addition, three to four events should be organised for showcasing work of academic staff (not confined to professors). A transition phase would be planned for 2007/08, in Inaugural Lectures currently scheduled would go ahead, but showcase presentations would be organised for Court in January, Council in February and possibly the Alumni dinner in May. Organisational support would be provided by the Department of Marketing and Communications, with the URC advising on showcase themes.
   

5. 2006/07 Accounts
   
   The Director of Finance reported that the out-turn for 2006/07 was a surplus of £1,986K. This compared to a June 2007 forecast of £539K and a surplus of £6,908K in 2005/06. Large increases in income, most notably in HEFCE grants, tuition fee income and academic overheads, had been paralleled by a large increase in expenditure on academic departments and smaller increases on general education expenditure, estates and administration. In total, specific activities had generated a surplus of £2,224M and general activities a surplus of £829K. The out-turn was, however, net of a special item of expenditure of £1,255M resulting from the FRS adjustment in respect of the University's share of the liabilities for the Avon Pension Fund.
   

6. Draft Equalities and Diversity Report 2006/07
   
   The Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Strategic Developments) introduced a draft of the report to be submitted for formal consideration at the next meetings of Senate and Council. This covered three main areas, current projects and activities and a forward look to planned and possible future activities. The aim was to mainstream activity in accordance with the external legislative framework.

7. Annual Energy report 2006/07

   The Director of Estates summarised this detailed report prepared by the Energy and Environment Manager. Procurement of energy had been rationalised, budgeting and invoice control improved, and a campaign organised to raise awareness of the need to reduce energy - and water - consumption. Although the University would be withdrawing from the European Union Emissions Trading Scheme, due to its bureaucratic nature, we would be preparing for the Carbon Reduction Commitment coming into force in 2009. This would probably be a lighter-touch administratively, and possible generate savings of £200K-£200K per year. Refurbishment and new build projects would be designed, as far as possible, to minimise energy costs and other environmental impacts.
   

8. People Management Self-Assessment Exercise
   
   The Director of Human Resources said that Mrs Alison Findall, HR Manager, would be in touch with Committee members in the near future about this Self-Assessment Exercise. The University would need to undertake in order to maintain R&D staff funding provided by the HEFCE. A presentation was scheduled for the next HoDs meeting.