University Executive Board minutes - 5 October 2021

Date:

5 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 J Litster (JL), Professor D N Petley (DNP), Professor C Newman (CN), Mr R Sykes (RS), Professor G Valentine (GV), Professor M Vincent (MV), Professor C Watkins (CW)

In attendance:

Dr T Strike (TS), Ms T Wray (TW), Mr I Wright (IW); Mr A Carlile (AC) (item 5);

Apologies:

-

Secretary:

Mr D T Swinn (DTS)

1. Minutes of UEB held on 11 August 2020

   • The Minutes were approved as an accurate record.

2. Minutes of UEB held on 8 September 2020

   • The Minutes were approved as an accurate record.

3. Minutes of UEB held on 29 September 2020

   • The Minutes were approved as an accurate record.

4. Closed Minute and Paper

5. 2021/22 Planning Cycle Launch

   • (AC in attendance for this item)

   • UEB received and noted an overview of the launch of the 2021/22 planning cycle, together with a summary of the previously agreed timetable and the key dates and documents that would be completed during the year. The approach was intended to ensure the alignment of plans towards the realisation of the University Vision. In particular, UEB noted plans to deliver training and support for key groups and the responsibilities of Faculties in supporting departments to set priorities, developing Faculty plans and identifying investment opportunities for UEB discussion. It was recognised that the planning cycle would need to take into account related UEB decisions. Clarification was provided that the dedicated Google Site was being populated with examples for each areas of the planning framework, which would be developed further during the year.

6. Closed Minute and Paper

7. Capital Pipeline Prioritisation Group

   • JJ reported that UEB would in due course receive a paper providing an update on decisions from the Group’s previous meeting and subsequent updates; making recommendations to clarify the role of the Group and that of ECSG, in order to ensure the clarity and alignment of strategic decision making about the University estate; and setting out proposals for the Council Finance Committee.. It was noted that the approach to capital prioritisation and business case approvals, in conjunction with work with project managers and other colleagues, should improve the accuracy of capital expenditure forecasts.

8. The Garnham Centre

   • UEB considered and approved a proposal to name a new remote NHS work placements facility, located in Firth Court rooms E1 and E2 after inspirational, locally based NHS geneticist Julia Garnham. The new centre would be named “The Julia Garnham Centre” to help differentiate it from the existing Grantham Centre.

9. Closed Minute and Paper

10. Report of the Estates and Capital Sub-Group

    • UEB received and approved the Report and was pleased to note the positive role of the Sustainability Steering Group with respect to capital projects.

11. Report of the Risk Review Group

    • UEB received and approved the Report, including confirmation of the Group’s terms of references and membership and the 2021/22 risks, and noting the latest version of the OfS registration conditions compliance register.

12. Coronavirus Update

    • UEB received and noted the update report from the Major Incident Team.

13. Round Table

    • Research Strategy Delivery Plan: SH reported on positive discussions with Department Directors of Research and Innovation, indicating an appetite for positive change and enthusiasm for the level of ambition in the plan.