UEB, 4 September 2017

• It was noted that the University’s stand at the Eisteddfod had received good coverage.
• It was noted that an award from the EPSRC Global Challenges Research Fund had been secured to support research activities with the University of Namibia.
• The award of a STFC Ernest Rutherford Fellowship to David Alonso in the School of Physics and Astronomy was noted.
• The success of the three international summer schools attended by over 110 students that the Physical Sciences and Engineering College had run and this would be rolled out across the College was noted.
• It was noted that during 2016/17 over £4.5 million of new pledges had been received, exceeding the Development and Alumni target of £2.5 million.
• It was noted that the Welsh Government were moving forward on degree apprenticeship.
• The congratulations of UEB were extended to Dr Ilona Johnson, School of Dentistry, who has been awarded a National Teaching Fellowship.
• It was noted that the Academic Ranking of World Universities league table had ranked the University in the world top 100 and top 10 in the UK.
• It was noted that the initial decisions on the Research Excellence Framework 2021 had just been announced by the Funding Councils and a paper would come to next week’s UEB outlining the key areas.  Professor Thomas would speak further to College PVCs about encouraging applications for the roles of sub-panel Chairs from staff with previous panel experience.
• UEB received the latest drafts of The Way Forward 2018-23 and the sub-strategies which have taken on board consultation from staff feedback in the summer.  The strategies would be subject to a final proof reading and then submitted to Council for approval.
• UEB received a paper which provided an initial, high-level analysis of the University’s performance in the 2017 National Student Survey.
• UEB received the Operational Plan for 2017/18 which sets out the University’s high-level, strategic objectives for the year.  The section on REF would be reviewed in light of the publication of the initial decisions on the REF.  Subject to some minor changes UEB agreed to endorse the paper which would now go to Council for note.
• UEB received the draft response to the Welsh Government consultation ‘Public Good and a Prosperous Wales – Building a Reformed PCET System’ and recommended it to Council for approval.
• UEB received a proposal to revise the staff survey priority areas in light of further analysis and feedback from focus groups.  UEB approved the revised staff survey priority areas of (i) strategy and decision making, (ii) wellbeing and (iii) cooperation and supporting others.

UEB received the following regular reports

• Innovation System update
• Research and innovation monthly update
• Engagement activities monthly update