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the
COURT
MINUTES of the third meeting of the 2006/2007 academic year held on
Monday, 19th March, 2007, in the Council Room, Queen Anne Court,
Greenwich Campus, commencing at 5.30 pm.
Present:Mrs A-M Nelson(in the Chair)
Mr R J BaglinBaroness Blackstone / Sir Callum McCarthy (until item 06/50)
Mrs M McKinlay
Mr J E Brathwaite / Dr A S Pugh
Mr V Choudhary / Dr D Quarmby
Mr S Etherington (until item 06/50) / Ms C Rose (from item 06/45)
Dr L Garner / Mr M Sharp
Mr J C Gould / Mr R Spinney
Mr J R H Loudon / Lady Paulette Tomlinson
In attendance:
Mrs T A Brighton (Minutes Clerk)
Mr P Chambers (Director of Development & Communications)(until item 06/49)
Mr R V T Daly (Director of Finance)
Prof N Ekere (Head of School: Engineering)(for item 06/43)
Prof J Humphreys (Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research & Enterprise))
Dr M Noble (Pro Vice-Chancellor (Learning & Quality)
Prof D Wills (Deputy Vice-Chancellor)(until item 06/50)
Ms A Woods (Head of Marketing)(until item 06/49)
Apologies:
Mr S Atkinson
Dr T Meers
The Court congratulated Virender Choudary on his re-election as President of the Students’ Union.
06/41DECLARATION OF CONFLICT OF INTERESTS
There were no declarations of conflict of interests.
06/42ITEMS FROM THE CHAIR
42.1 Model HEFCE Finance Memorandum
The Chair drew attention to the report by Stuart Etherington on his attendance at the Leadership Foundation Course on “Key Issues for Governors in Higher Education Institutions”. It had been suggested that Members should be familiar with the HEFCE Financial Memorandum and a copy could be obtained from the Secretary and Registrar’s Office.
42.2 Leadership Foundation for Higher Education – Training for Governors
The Chair highlighted a number of training sessions taking place in the new few months organised by the Leadership Foundation as part of its 2007 Governor Development Programme. The Minutes Clerk was asked to circulate the details to all Members of Court.
42.3 Launch of the Lifelong Learning Network
It was reported that the Lifelong Learning Network had been formally launched on Thursday, 15th March 2007 at the Medway campus. Greenwich was the lead organisation in the widening participation initiative which was funded by HEFCE and involved more than 20 different further and higher education institutions. The event had been held in the new Pilkington Building and it was agreed to take advantage of the new facilities and hold a future meeting of Court at the campus.
42.4 CUC London Group
The Court noted that the London Branch of the Chairmen of University Committees had met recently with Boris Johnson, the Conservative Higher Education Spokesman.
06/43PRESENTATION ON THE SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING
The Court received a presentation on the work of the School of Engineering from Professor Ndy Ekere, Head of the School.
06/44MEMBERSHIP (CRT 06/37)
44.1 The Court noted the resignation from the Court of Maureen Branch-Davis (Co-opted Member elected by and from support staff) effective from 31 December 2006.
44.2 Following an election of support staff, and a subsequent vote by non Co-opted Governors, the Court resolved that Christine Rose be appointed under Article 7(2)(d) for the period to 31 August 2008.
06/45MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING (CRT 06/38)
The minutes of the meeting held on 4 December 2006 were taken as read and signed as a true record.
06/46MATTERS ARISING
46.1 Honorary Degrees Committee
The Court noted that the Award of an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Science would be conferred on Dr Annette Doherty at the 2.45 pm award ceremony on Tuesday, 24th July 2007 at Rochester Cathedral.
06/47MARKETING STRATEGY FOR STUDENT RECRUITMENT (CRT 06/39)
Phil Chambers (Director of Development and Communications) and his deputy, Alison Woods (Head of Marketing) were in attendance for this item.
47.1 The Court received:
- the University’s Marketing Strategy for Student Recruitment
- a report entitled “Marketing Strategy Progress – Moving On”.
The Chair recalled that shortage of time had prevented any detailed debate on the Marketing Strategy at the Court meeting on 4th December 2006 and the supplementary report on progress in taking forward the strategy was a helpful addition to the discussion.
47.2 Introducing the discussion, the Director of Development and Communications reported that the Marketing Strategy covered the five year life of the Corporate Plan and addressed the need for a repositioning of the University brand. In order to achieve this it would be necessary to understand the University’s standing in relation to the perceptions of the different student markets and of its competitors. Of equal importance was the need to identify the University’s unique selling points (USPs) in order to develop greater coherence in the methods deployed to target the diverse markets.
47.3 It was noted that the initial step in the process would be market research driven. The results would be used to assist the University in ensuring that student expectations were met and there was some discussion on whether the expectations of its current students were known. It was envisaged that, having obtained a clearer insight into students’ requirements, the University would be able to initiate and implement strategies which would not only help to meet these requirements, but would also help to increase recruitment levels and ultimately help the University to differentiate itself within the higher education market.
47.4 It was noted in discussion that two of the key institutional targets - improving the employability levels of students and reducing the 20% student drop-out rate – appeared not to be factored into the research. It was reported that these areas were being actively addressed by the enhancement of the services levels and study skills sessions as part of the overall strategies being identified to improve the student experience. It was recognised that the University needed to continue to identify effective ways to encourage students to enter into higher education. A range of activities in pursuit of this cause was currently undertaken with schools and colleges but it was suggested that greater engagement with businesses and commerce could also help to promote the University amongst the local and regional communities.
47.5 The Court enquired about the availability of resources to support implementation of the strategy. It was reported that the incompatibility of the University’s enquiries database and Banner system currently prevented effective interrogation of student data. A project to develop and implement a customer experience management (CEM) system had been initiated and it was hoped that the key components would be in place by the autumn of 2007. This would enable Officers for the first time to track students through the University from enquiry to graduation and beyond. It was noted that some budgetary provision for enhancement of the information systems already existed, but the increased marketing and research capabilities arising from the new operating systems would necessitate a review and possible reallocation of resources within the Marketing Office.
47.6 The Court welcomed the more professional approach to its marketing strategy being adopted by the University and asked Officers to keep the Members in touch with progress with its implementation.
06/48NATIONAL STUDENTS SURVEY 2006 (CRT 06/40)
Phil Chambers (Director of Development and Communications) and his deputy, Alison Woods (Head of Marketing) were in attendance for this item.
48.1 The Court considered a report setting out the results of the 2006 National Student Survey and the University’s approach to the 2007 survey.
48.2 Introducing the paper, the PVC (Learning and Quality) reported that the National Student Survey (NSS), conducted by IPSOS MORI, was now in its third year. The aim of the Survey was to gather feedback on the quality of the students’ courses, to help inform the choices of future applicants to higher education and to contribute to public accountability. Final year students were contacted by e-mail, post and telephone in the last year of study and were asked to complete a questionnaire of 22 questions about the quality of their academic programmes.
48.3 It was further reported that overall the results of the 2006 Survey for the University were broadly similar to those for 2005 with an overall satisfaction rating of 3.7 (out of 5). There had been positive results in the areas of academic support and personal development and the enthusiasm and approachability of staff but the University had performed particularly badly in the areas of Assessment and Feedback and Organisation and Management. The overall results placed Greenwich in the bottom quartile of scores and as the NSS was now widely used to contribute to university league tables, it was imperative that the University adopt approaches to ensure a better outcome in future years.
48.4 It was noted that in preparation for the 2007 survey, all Schools were developing action plans to address the shortcomings identified in the 2006 survey results. Schools were aiming to meet the corporate objective to have no scores below the mean. Schools were also working to raise the profile of the survey amongst their students. Results were only published after completion of the survey by 50% of the students or more than 30 respondents in any given subject area. Although the response rate for 2006 had been higher than in previous years, the University had set a 2007 target response rate of over 55%.
48.5 The Court noted that the results of the 2007 survey were to be published in August. It was hoped that the scores would reflect the efforts by staff and the Students’ Union to bring about improvements. Officers agreed to present an analysis of the 2007 results to the October 2007 meeting of Court.
06/49VICE-CHANCELLOR’S UPDATE ON RECENT DEVELOPMENTS
The Vice-Chancellor reported verbally on the following recent developments:
49.1 University Centre at Folkestone – There had been an encouraging level of interest at the Centre’s first open day held on 24th February 2007. Negotiations on the Lease and the Funding Agreement had been protracted but were now completed. Officers had been successful in negotiating break clauses after three and five years with no clawback of funding if the break clauses were exercised. The documents were expected to be available for signing the next day.
49.2 Further Education Bill – The third reading of the Further Education Bill had resulted in some concessions being made by the Government on the conditions under which Further Education Colleges can obtain degree-awarding powers. The amendment clause would be beneficial to the University. An independent review on the impact of further education colleges’ new powers four years after the Bill is enacted would be undertaken.
49.3 Inaugural Professorial Lectures – The requirement for all professors to give inaugural professorial lectures was to be reinstated. In future Members of Court would be invited to these events as a matter of routine.
49.4University of Greenwich Public Lecture – Professor Ed Galea, a world renowned computational modeller in fire evacuation, based in the School of Computing & Mathematical Sciences, would be giving this year’s annual public lecture. The lecture was to be held at 5.30 pm on 26 June 2007 and all Members of Court would be sent an invitation.
49.5Fundraising – efforts on fundraising for initiatives on Chinese finance studies and a Centre for Indian Business were continuing and the Court would be kept informed of developments. The Vice-Chancellor agreed to send the particulars to Jim Brathwaite who had expressed some interest in these areas in his capacity as Chairman of SEEDA.
49.6Staff : Student Ratios – Advertisements for 17 new academic posts had appeared in the recent edition of the Times Higher Education Supplement. It was hoped that these appointments would help improve the staff : student ratios and ultimately the University’s position in league tables.
49.7Expulsion of Students – Following a violent fight outside the Sparrows Farm Centre resulting in two students requiring hospital treatment, two students had been expelled, two more had been suspended until the next academic year and two others had been fined. The Students’ Union was working with University staff to ensure that students recognised the importance of appropriate behaviour.
49.8School of Humanities – Drama Festival – The students and staff of the School of Humanities had recently held a successful drama festival. It was intended to hold the event again the following year and the Vice-Chancellor would ensure that Members of Court were invited to attend.
06/50FINANCE COMMITTEE (CRT 06/41)
The Chairman of the Finance Committee introduced the report to Court detailing principal items of significance arising from the meeting of the Committee held on 22nd January 2007. The following items were highlighted:
50.1 Students’ Union
The Chairman reported disappointing year-end results for 2005-06 of a deficit of £40,000. A more positive start to the 2006-07 year had been made with a surplus to date of £74,000.
50.2 Management Accounts
The Court noted that the University was still hoping to meet the current budgeted surplus of £500,000. The Committee was aware of a number of risks in relation to the forecast outturn and Members would continue to monitor the position closely.
50.3 NRI
It was reported that work to identify expenditure savings and reduce staff costs was under way. The Committee would be examining the financial implications of the closure of NRI in the event that the revised business plan was not achieved at a future meeting.
50.4 Estate Issues : School of Science Chemistry Laboratory
The Chairman reported that there had been a lengthy discussion on the proposal for the creation of a new School of Science Chemistry Laboratory in the Link Building at Medway. As a result of concerns that this requirement had not been anticipated in the School of Pharmacy Business Plan, the Committee had asked for additional information to be provided to Court. It was noted that the original Business Plan had envisaged Pharmacy sharing the School of Science chemistry laboratory (in the Anson Building) together with other facilities and also staff. However, the School had expanded considerably over the last three years and the School’s requirements for facilities had grown similarly. From September 2007 the School would have dedicated use of the Anson Building and the School of Science required a replacement laboratory. The new laboratory would be much improved on the previous facilities. Rent of £258,000 pa (associated with the additional space use of the School of Pharmacy) charged to the University of Kent effective from the next financial year would help to offset the expenditure which was being met from the University’s capital funds.
The Court resolved that:
ia total budget of £1.45m be approved for a new School of Science chemistry laboratory in the Link Building on the Medway Campus
iidelegated authority be granted to the Chair of Court / Vice-Chairman of Court / Chair of Finance Committee and the Vice-Chancellor / Secretary and Registrar / any other Governor to sign the necessary orders and contracts.
50.5 Estate Strategy
The financial aspects of the new Estate Strategy would be considered at a future meeting of the Committee in order to make recommendations to the Court meeting in July.
06/51AUDIT COMMITTEE (CRT 06/42)
The Chairman of the Audit Committee introduced the report to Court detailing principal items of significance arising from the meeting of the Committee held on 19th February 2007. The following items were discussed:
51.1 2005-06 Procurement & Business Services Annual Report
The Audit Committee had assumed sole responsibility for monitoring the activities and performance of the Procurement & Business Services Office. The Committee had been satisfied that value for money was being properly pursued within the procurement function generally but noted that a proposal to implement a centralised e-procurement system was likely to afford the potential for increases in the levels of procurement influence on spend as well as reductions in the number of suppliers.
51.2Internal Audit Reports
The Chairman reported the Committee’s concern that the Internal Audit review of assets and inventory control had received a limited level of assurance. This was the result of varying practice within Schools and of the adequacy of the inventories maintained by some. The Vice-Chancellor reported that since the meeting all Heads had been instructed to ensure that their controls in these areas were up to standard.
51.3Internal Auditors – Extension of Contract
The contract of the current internal auditors, Bentley-Jennison (formerly Pritchard Wood), was due to expire at the end of July 2007 and as the possibility of an extension for a further three years existed, the Committee had discussed the quality of their performance since the appointment. On the basis of general agreement that there were discernible improvements in the overall performance, the Committee had agreed that the contract of Bentley-Jennison be extended for a further three years w.e.f 1st August 2007 on the understanding that there continue to be improvements in the organisation of the audit schedule.
51.4Review of External Audit Contract
The Committee had considered the re-appointment of the existing External Auditors, RSM Robson Rhodes, whose contract was due to expire with the completion of the 2006-2007 year-end audit. This would be the seventh audit carried out by the Auditors and, although satisfied with the quality of service provided throughout the duration of their appointment, in compliance with HEFCE guidance, the Committee had decided that a fee comparison assessment with similar institutions should be carried out. The results of this assessment had indicated that the University was receiving value for money and the Committee had approved the re-appointment of RSM Robson Rhodes for a further two years to cover the 2007-2008 and 2008-2009 audits.
51.5HEFCE and auditing of academic quality
The Chairman reported that HEFCE was placing increasing emphasis on the need for governing bodies and audit committees, as part of their overall corporate governance responsibilities, to audit academic quality. As universities were rigorously and regularly monitored by the Quality Assurance Agency, it was difficult to understand the rationale for this requirement. The Court noted that the Committee had been satisfied that the internal systems of control existed by which Governors could exercise their responsibly for oversight of academic quality. The Vice-Chancellor agreed to consider whether a regular report to Court to provide assurance on academic issues would be appropriate.