UEB 18 April 2016

• UEB received the Welsh Government remit letter to HEFCW. It was noted that there were no surprises in terms of funding priorities, the letter also included the request that HEFCW work in partnership with providers to develop a Strategy for Higher Education in Wales looking forward over the next decade.
• UEB received a paper on the Cardiff Capital Region City Deal. Opportunities for the University around the Innovation and Digital theme were discussed.
• Under matters arising the School of Biosciences proposal E-Learning and E-Assessment Facility (E-leaf) was discussed. It was noted that Estates do not have capacity to undertake the work this academic year but would look to schedule Christmas 2016, subject to funding being available.
• It was noted that the Students’ Union campaign on anti-lad culture had been launched and that the University had put forward the point that the term ‘anti-lad’ may need to be reconsidered but the point had not been accepted.
• It was noted that Professor Price had attending a meeting convened by HEFCW for the Universities Wales PVCs of Learning and Teaching Group to talk through HEFCW’s proposals for quality assurance with one requirement being the commissioning of an external review.
• It was noted that the five flagship engagement projects had been shortlisted in the Times Higher Education Leadership and Management Awards (THELMAs) in the category ‘Knowledge Exchange/Transfer Initiative of the Year’.
• It was noted that any published paper not registered as open access compliant by the end of July 2016 would be unable to be returned in the REF and, in light of the seriousness of the risk, College PVCs were asked to raise this as an issue at their next College Boards. A lot of information is available on the intranet on the topic of open access and staff should be directed there for clarity.
• UEB received the business case for the Centre of Student Life before it is seen by Policy and Resources Committee en route to Council.

UEB received the following regular reports

• PVC College of Biomedical and Life Sciences monthly report
• Research and Innovation monthly report
• Report on International and European activities
• Innovation System update
• Report on Engagement activities