[Minutes]
Minutes of the 240th Meeting of the University Council held on Monday 16
December 1996.
Dr S C Miller
Mr. H. Barber (ab) Dr. T. Higgins
Mr. J.B.C. Blood Professor J.R. Hough
Mr. R.H. Boissier Professor D.J. Hourston
Dr. W.R. Bowman Professor M. Hutchinson (ab)
Professor L.M. Cantor Mr. M. Jackson
Professor S.J. Cox Professor R. McCaffer
Dr. J.A.W. Deboo (ab) Professor J.N. Miller
Mr. S. Dorrell (ab) Professor I.C. Morison
Dr. A.M. Duncan (ab) Mr. D'A.T.N. Payne (ab)
Dr. A.S. Durward Dr. A.C. Pugh
Mr. D. Eacott Professor P.H. Roberts
Dr. D.W. Edwards (ab) Sir Denis Rooke
Professor M. Evans Professor M. Shaw (ab)
Dr. A.N. Fairbairn Mr. M. Shuker
Professor J.P. Feather Mr. N. Slater (ab)
Mr. K. Foreman Mrs. C. Stephens (ab)
Mr. G.P. Fothergill (ab) Mrs. J.A.M. Strong (ab)
Sir Frank Gibb(ab) Mr. A. Thacker (ab)
Dr. M. Gilbert Mr. E. Waite
Mr. S.J. Gorton Professor D.J. Wallace
Dr. J.K. Green Professor C. Williams
Mr. P.W. Harrisson Mr. C.S. Woodruff
Miss J.E.L. Harvatt (ab) Mrs. H.M. Woodward (ab)
By invitation: Professor J.V. Dawkins
Professor H. Thomason
In attendance: Dr J E M Elliott
Dr. D.E. Fletcher
Ms. E.A. Howarth
Mr. N.A. McHard
Mr. H.M. Pearson
Apologies for absence were received from Mr. Barber, Dr. Edwards, Mr.
Fothergill, Sir Frank Gibb, Miss Harvatt, Mr Payne, Professor Shaw, Mr. Slater,
Mrs. Stephens and Mrs. Strong.
It was RESOLVED to confirm the Minutes of the 238th Meeting of the Council held
on 17 July 1996 , subject to the following amendment to Minute 96/38.2:
-
- `Fellowship of Engineering' to read `Royal Academy of Engineering'.
The Vice-Chancellor reported that:
- (i)
- The University had regretfully not been successful in its submission for
the award of the Queen's Anniversary Prize for the achievements of Loughborough
Students' Union. Loughborough students continued to excel in sporting events,
with the swimming team achieving more points than the total next five
universities at a recent event.
- (ii)
- The consortium bid for the British Academy of Sport, involving the
University, the University of Nottingham's Queen's Medical Centre,
Nottinghamshire County Council and the Lilleshall consortium, had reached the
long list of 13 from an original total of 26 bids. The final outcome should be
known by early Spring 1997. Informal feedback indicated that the bid was a
strong contender. The Registrar had negotiated with the Trustees of the
Garendon Estate and its agents for 150 acres on the Estate for the Academy.
Outline planning permission was to be considered by Charnwood Borough Council
on 19 December.
- (iii)
- Work had commenced on the Business School/Economics building for completion
by December 1997. The Pro-Chancellor and the Director of Works were to be
thanked for their considerable efforts to ensure that the costs did not exceed
Council's approved total of £3.9M.
- (iv)
- The University had recently responded to requests for input to the `Dearing
Review' (appended to these Minutes) and to the HEFCE on the future funding of
teaching and research.
- (v)
- The Chancellor's November budget had been more encouraging for Higher
Education than that of the previous year. There was a small cash increase of
0.5-1.0%, which taking into account inflation represented a cut of 1.5% in real
terms. This was less severe than had been feared. The University's funding
allocation for 1997-98 would not be known until February 1997.
- (vi)
- Following an actuarial assessment, USS, the Universities Superannuation
Scheme for the `old' universities, had recently agreed a 4% reduction in the
amount to be paid by institutions from 18% to 14% of salary. The Funding
Council, however, had subsequently announced a reallocation of this 4% saving
across the whole HE sector, which was likely to result in a net saving for the
University of about 2% in the total cost of academic and related salaries. The
Vice-Chancellor had responded to the Chief Executive that this was not a matter
for Funding Council involvement. Council concurred with this view. It was
recognised, however, that there was the danger in any public conflict on this
matter that the windfall be effectively clawed back by the Treasury.
- (vii)
- The salary dispute for academic, academic-related and technical staff
remained unresolved. An offer of 1.5% prior to the budget had been
unacceptable and a recent offer subsequent to the budget of 5% over 2 years had
also been rejected. The University's input into UCEA's (Universities and
Colleges Employers Association) negotiations had advised a higher offer. The
University was keen that the dispute was ended and that the co-operation of
staff was not put in jeopardy. The University had therefore announced that
staff would receive a payment equivalent to 2.5% of salary in January 1997 as
payment on account. This was not a local settlement.
-
- A member informed Council of the salary position of academic,
academic-related and technical staff which had fallen far behind that of other
professional groups, at a time of marked increased productivity. Staff morale
was suffering and UCEA was failing to serve the interests of the CVCP. The
Vice-Chancellor reminded Council, however, that UCEA was required to take into
account the very variable financial positions of institutions across the sector.
- (viii)
- The results of the Research Assessment Exercise 1996 would be announced on
19 December 1996, though the true financial outcome for the University from it
would not be known until the end of February 1997 when funding would be
announced. A summary of the RAE results would be circulated to members as soon
as these became available.
- .1
- Council received the University Accounts for the year ended 31 July 1996,
together with the comments of Finance Committee and Financial Statistics for
1995-96. The Treasurer drew attention to the statement of the University's
corporate governance arrangements and the Auditor's statement expressing
satisfaction with the University's arrangements.
- .2
- The Treasurer reported that the Income and Expenditure account showed a
surplus before transfers of £3.9M. This was less than in the previous year but
that surplus had been inflated by exceptional non-recurring items. The
importance of a surplus was vital for the building programme in view. The
Balance Sheet remained strong and the University's investment in new buildings
had led to a substantial increase in fixed assets.
- .3
- During the year the Treasury Sub-Committee had re-tendered the investment
management service and transferred to Kleinwort Benson. A much improved and
more transparent service had resulted. The Sub-Committee had also re-tendered
the University's borrowing requirements to achieve a saving on interest charges.
- .4
- Within the Financial Statistics 1995-96 the Treasurer highlighted the
achievement of the Department of Aeronautical and Automotive Engineering and
Transport Studies in a total external income representing 278% of academic
salary costs. The Indicators of Financial Health showed the University to be
substantially above the sector mean in regard to short-term solvency and above
the sector mean in regard to long-term debt. Both ratios were expected to be
closer to the norm by the end of 1998 when the BES schemes had ceased to
distort the accounts. The Treasurer reported on a stable and sound financial
position.
- .5
- A member drew Council's attention to the disappointing level of increase
in income from Research Grants and Contracts, which fell short of the
achievements intended within the University's Strategic Plan, and in
particularly the reduction in such income from the European Union. Council was
informed that HUSAT, the University's prime earner of European research funds,
had been through a restructuring process which was likely to have affected
European earnings at that time. It also had to be remembered that appropriate
overheads were difficult to achieve with European contracts, which therefore
could act as a drain on finances. The University was conscious, however, that
the increase in research income was flattening. Estimates of income were being
revised to more realistic levels and incentive schemes had been devised for
Departments. The RAE outcome was likely to be an important factor in future
research income.
- .6
- Council RESOLVED to approve the adoption of the Accounts and congratulated
all those involved in the satisfactory outcome, particularly the Treasurer and
the Bursar and Finance Officer and his team.
- .1
- The Treasurer introduced the recommendation of Finance Committee for a
long-term loan of £31.4M from the Yorkshire Bank. The loan would be over a
20-year term, would be flexible and would take care of existing borrowing at a
saving of £50K per year in interest charges. Security for the debt would be
provided by mortgaging seven properties forming 20% of the University's estate.
- .2
- Clarification was requested on the position of the new Engineering
building. It was confirmed that the project had been deferred for future
consideration, but that the loan facility negotiated would permit funds to be
available for a development if required.
- .3
- It was RESOLVED to approve the long-term loan of £31.4M from the Yorkshire
Bank as presented in the Annex to COUN96-P58.
- .1
- Council received an interim report from the Joint Steering Committee. The
Senior Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Chair of the Committee, reported that discussions
were progressing in a very harmonious manner. The timetable for the original
date of formal merger of 1 August 1997 had proved impracticable and this had
now been set at 1 August 1998. Recommendations for merger would come forward
to the LCAD Governors in May 1997 and to Council in July 1997. Members were
supportive of the more realistic timetable which would permit greater
consultation.
- .2
- Council was informed that LCAD Governors had accepted the proposals
nem.con. Some buildings on the LCAD site were also used by Loughborough
College and an uncoupling of this arrangement would be needed before merger.
Council was reassured that capital work planned by LCAD would be undertaken
within its own resources. It was noted that the position on LCAD's residential
halls was shortly to be discussed by the Estates Sub-Group of the Steering
Committee.
- .3
- It was AGREED that the summary of the financial review from Deloitte and
Touche Corporate Finance concerning the University was in error by stating that
the significant capital projects of the swimming pool and the engineering
building would be implemented, when such a decision had not yet been taken. It
was also to be made clear that the former project would not go ahead without
the award of substantial lottery funds.
- .4
- Council was informed of the recent merger between Winchester College of Art
and the University of Southampton. A visit to Southampton was planned in
January 1997 when advantage would be taken of that University's experience.
- .5
- Council was reassured that the HEFCE financial indicator statistics showed
that LCAD's finances were in a sound state. In regard to the repayment of
European Social Fund monies, even the worst-case scenario could be accommodated
from reserves.
- .6
- It was noted that there were staff contractual differences between the two
institutions. These would be discussed by the Human Resources Working Group
and it was anticipated that they would be satisfactorily resolved.
- .7
- Council RESOLVED to approve the recommendation of the Joint Steering
Committee that, subject to a merger being agreed by the two governing bodies,
the College would become Loughborough University School of Art and Design
within the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities.
- .1
- Council received a progress report from the Registrar, who reported that a
meeting at Peterborough on 19 December with the Chief Executive of HEFCE would
hopefully result in the University's ability to bid for funded student numbers.
These would be crucial if the project was to be sustainable. If the outcome
was satisfactory a detailed Business Plan would be developed for consideration
by the Resources and Planning Committee. The University would need to be
assured of a reasonable financial return from the venture. It was noted in
response to a query that the development would be the Loughborough University
(Peterborough Campus).
- .2
- Members expressed support for the development and it was RESOLVED to agree
that the discussions and negotiations should continue.
- .1
- Further to Minute 96/45 of Council's 238th Meeting on 17 July 1996, Council
considered a paper from the Registrar. Council RESOLVED to approve the
proposal that the Nominating Committee which recommended the appointment of
co-opted members to Council should contain one elected staff member, and that
the Committee should meet to consider the process of soliciting nominations and
report thereon to the next meeting of Council. It was AGREED that Professor
Morison would contact elected staff members of Council with a view to coming
forward with a representative for the Nominating Committee.
- .2
- The Nominating Committee was again urged to consider wider representation
of the community in its recommendations on co-opted membership, and in
particular to improve the gender balance and representation by the ethnic
community. It was suggested that the new local MP, when known, should also be
considered for membership.
- .3
- It was noted that the issue of a possible limit on the number of former
members of staff in the category of Council members elected from Court would be
considered again by Council at a later date.
- .1
- Council noted that it was necessary for Council to make a nomination for
the office of Treasurer to the annual meeting of Court on 5 February 1997,
pursuant Statute VII.I, consequent upon the expiry of Dr A S Durward's period
of office on that date. Dr Durward had served two periods of office. The
Chair, on behalf of Council, thanked him for his positive and successful
contribution to the University in this role.
- .2
- It was RESOLVED to recommend to Court that Dr T Higgins be appointed
Treasurer for a period of three years from the annual meeting of Court on 5
February 1997.
- (i)
- The Membership of Council for the Session 1996-97 was noted.
- (ii)
- Further to Minute 96/51.3 of the 238th Meeting, it was RESOLVED to approve
a list of appointments to vacancies on Council Committees and Joint Committees
with Senate.
- (iii)
- It was RESOLVED to approve nominations by the Students' Union to membership
of Council Committees and Joint Committees with Senate.
It was RESOLVED to approve the following recommendations referred by the
Finance Committee at its 95th Meeting on 29 November 1996:
- (a)
- Appeals Procedure
- (b)
- Code of Conduct for Employees and Lay Members of Council
It was RESOLVED to approve the following recommendations referred by the
Health, Safety and Environmental Committee at its 65th meeting on 14 November
1996:
- (a)
- Health and Safety Policy
- (b)
- Environmental Policy
It was RESOLVED to approve the following recommendation referred by the
Information Services Committee at its 15th meeting on 25 October 1996:
-
- Terms of Reference and Constitution: Information Policy Implementation
Sub-Committee
- .1
- It was RESOLVED to approve the following recommendations referred by the
Resources and Planning Committee at its 97th meeting on 8 November 1996:
- (a)
- Promotions to Senior Lectureships and to ALC Grades 3 and 4
- (b)
- Establishment Matters
- .2
- It was RESOLVED to ratify Chair's action in approving, on behalf of
Council:
- (a)
- Tuition Fees for 1996/97
- (b)
- Establishment Matters
It was RESOLVED to approve the following recommendations referred by Senate at
its 310th meeting on 27 November 1996:
- (a)
- BSc in Physics with Computing, new programme from 1998/99
- (b)
- BSc in Physics with Environmental Science, new programme from 1998/99
- (c)
- BSc in Retail Automotive Management, new programme from 1997
- (d)
- BA in History of Art and Design with Studio Practice, validation from
1997/98
- (e)
- BA in Graphic Communication, validation from 1997/98
- (f)
- BSc in Electronic Engineering and Physics, discontinuation after 1997 entry
- (g)
- BSc in Mathematics and Computation, title change to BSc in Mathematics and
Computing from 1997 intake
- (h)
- BEng/MEng in Environmental Systems Engineering, title change to revert to
BEng/MEng in Building Services Engineering with immediate effect
- (i)
- Ordinance VI - amendment
- (j)
- Ordinances XV and XXVIII - amendment
- (k)
- Loughborough University Disability Statement
In fulfilment of the requirements of Ordinance XXXVIII, established at the
229th meeting of Council on 29 March 1995, it was RESOLVED to appoint the
following members to the Student Grievance Committee for 1996-97:
Members: Dr M Bell Alternate Members: Dr J A W Deboo
Dr T Higgins (Chair) Dr A N Fairbairn
Mr H E Jones Mr J R Hinds
Mr C S Woodruff Professor P H Roberts
Mr. M. Jackson Mr. P Rhodes
Pursuant Statute XVIII, on the recommendation of Senate and with the advice of
the Honorary Degrees Committee, it was RESOLVED to approve the issuing of
invitations to persons to receive honorary degrees at Degree Congregations to
be held in 1997.
It was RESOLVED to ratify the action of the Registrar in affixing the
University Seal to the documents listed.
Council noted the duties and responsibilities of Members of Council.
Council noted that the 1997 Annual Meeting of the University Court would be
held at 2.00 pm on Wednesday 5 February 1997. All members of Council were
members of the University Court.
Council received the Report of the Alumni Office for 1996.
Council noted the formation of the Trust for the purpose of fund raising.
Council received reports of the following committees:
- (i)
- Audit Committee of 24 October 1996
- (ii)
- Finance Committee of 29 November 1996
- (iii)
- Health, Safety and Environmental Committee of 14 November 1996
- (iv)
- Residential and Catering Services Committee of 26 November 1996
- (v)
- Information Services Committee of 25 October 1996
- (vi)
- Research Committee of 2 October and 31 October 1996
- (vii)
- Resources and Planning Committee of 4 October and 8 November 1996
- (viii)
- Student Services Committee of 13 November 1996
- (ix)
- Senate of 20 September and 27 November 1996
-
Council noted the dates of Degree Congregations to be held in Summer 1997 as
follows:
- Thursday 10 July 1997
- Friday 11 July 1997
- Monday 14 July 1997
- Tuesday 15 July 1997
- *Friday 14 February 1997 - at 10.45 am
- Friday 21 March 1997 - at 10.45 am
- Wednesday 16 July 1997 - at 10.45 am
(*Only if required: at least two weeks notice to be given)
Author - Dr J E M Elliott
Date - January 1997
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