The Council

COUN06-M5

Minutes of the meeting of the University Council held on Friday 27 October 2006.

Members:

Sir Bryan Carsberg (Chair); Dr Memis Acar; John Blackwell; Roger Boissier (ab); Penny Coates; Dr Sandie Dann; Vivian Dhaliwal (ab); Venu Dhupa (ab); Gifty Edila (ab); Sir John Gains; Marc Gibson (ab); Paul Glover; Gemma Godfrey; Professor Neil Halliwell; Peter Haslehurst; Norma Honey; Sir John Jennings; Jim Mutton; Professor Richard Parry-Jones (ab); Professor Shirley Pearce; Graham Picken (ab); Simon Proffitt (ab); Dr Fytton Rowland; Jackie Strong; Jeremy Swaffer; Professor Rachel Thomson; Professor Y Vardaxoglou (ab); Professor Peter Warwick (ab); Dr Cyril Woodruff; Alan A Woods

In attendance:

Professor Morag Bell; Chris Dunbobbin; Professor Terry Kavanagh; Professor Ken Parsons; Michael Pearson; John Town; Jon Walker

Apologies for absence were received from:

Vivian Dhaliwal; Venu Dhupa; Marc Gibson; Simon Proffitt; Professor Y Vardaxoglou;  Professor Peter Warwick

                                                                                                                                                                

06/72  Business of the Agenda

Special Agenda item 3.1, concerning the Induction Programme for New Members, was considered during the Ordinary Meeting, following item 5 on the Duties and Responsibilities of Council Members.

 

06/73  Minutes

The Minutes of the Meeting of Council held on 18 July 2006 [COUN06-M3] were CONFIRMED.

06/74  Chairman’s Introduction

The Chairman welcomed new members to Council. The session ahead would be the first full academic year of Professor Pearce’s term as Vice-Chancellor, and it would present a number of exciting challenges and opportunities for the University and the Council.

06/75  Duties and Responsibilities of Members of Council/Committee Guidance

                                               

COUN06-P76

It had been agreed following the review of the effectiveness of Council, that at the first meeting of each academic year, Council should note its duties and responsibilities and consider the key issues likely to emerge in the year ahead (an annual agenda, available on the web had been created to assist with the latter). As the governing body, Council was ultimately responsible for ensuring that the University was well-managed, and in particular, that the appropriate financial controls were adhered to.

 

It was suggested that paragraph 2 of the Notes for the Guidance of Members of University Committees contained too strong an emphasis on confidentiality and non-disclosure, given that the most successful organisations tended to be those that were most open. It was agreed that this paragraph would be amended to state as a general principle that Committee business would be open except where otherwise stated. It was noted that there were some Committees where most business would be confidential, and it would be appropriate for their agenda to contain a standing item relating to confidentiality.

ACTION: Secretary

 

06/76  Induction Programme for New Members

 

COUN06-P97

Council received a tabled paper from the Registrar containing an outline of arrangements for the induction and development of Council members. The proposed programme included introductory visits, an induction event, and further development and training within the University and externally. The programme was available to all members, and would offer opportunities for existing members to update their knowledge, and to interact with new members. Efforts would be made to find a date for the induction event that was suitable for all who were interested, but if some members were unable to attend, separate arrangements would be made. The Registrar emphasised that members of Council had access to officers of the University on a one to one basis, and were encouraged to make use of this to gain a deeper perspective on the operations of the institution.

 

Members were invited to propose further additions and enhancements, and the following suggestions were noted:

i) That the induction event included a visit to at least one academic department, and a tour of campus provided by LSU Student Ambassadors, so that members could receive a number of different perspectives on the University.

ii) That the induction event included a session on Loughborough Students’ Union, and that the proposed session on Teaching and Research also included activities relating to Enterprise.

iii) That a glossary of acronyms was provided.

iv) That a system of appraisals was established for new Council members, after 6 months or one year of membership.

v) That the web-page for Council was enhanced to allow materials to be posted, and members to interact online.

 

Council welcomed the proposals, and the Registrar was asked to organise the first induction event as soon as possible.

ACTION: JMT

 

06/77  University Corporate Strategy

 

COUN06-P77

 

(Fidelma Hannah attended for this item)

 

The Vice-Chancellor introduced the draft Corporate Strategy and sought comments from Council members. The process of preparing the Strategy had begun with the Strategic Planning Away Day in June 2006, and the draft was now being circulated for widespread consultation within the University, and on a semi-confidential basis to certain external bodies. It was intended that a revised version would be formally approved by Council in December 2006, and that the more detailed supporting strategies would be approved by Council in July 2007. The Strategy aimed to be aspirational and to provide a guide for decision-making whilst being sufficiently flexible to accommodate unforeseen opportunities. It was important that staff felt ownership of the plan and that Council was comfortable with its role in shaping it and overseeing its delivery. The Strategy had been developed based on the assumptions of building on Loughborough’s existing identity and strengths, striving for excellence in everything the University chose to do, and being recognised as a leading international university. Careful thought was being given to establishing key performance indicators for measuring and reporting progress back to Council, to ensure alignment with the Strategy and to avoid duplication.

 

Council welcomed the document and was fully supportive of the key themes. The following points made in the discussion were noted for consideration in preparation of the next draft:

i) There was agreement that the Strategy should be aspirational, in order to stretch the thinking of all members of the University as to what was possible. It was suggested further that an emphasis on a small number of very clear aspirations that could be easily remembered would have a positive effect on staff motivation. However, it was equally important that the stated aspirations were achievable, built on existing strengths, and led to practical actions. Ultimately the actual performance of the University would be key to its success, and in this context, it was important to remember that growth should not necessarily be an end in itself, but should follow from successful performance.

 

ii) The Strategy should be kept under review on an annual basis, and be sufficiently flexible to allow the University to respond in a pragmatic way to changing circumstances.

 

iii) Careful consideration should be given to the presentation and marketing of the Strategy. It was suggested in particular that a concise form of words, describing the Loughborough Experience and the ways in which the University intended to achieve its goals, could be contained on a credit card, which could be distributed to all staff and used as an external marketing tool.

 

iv) Some members felt the Strategy should contain a greater emphasis on the attributes that made Loughborough graduates special, in both academic and non-academic terms. In particular, it was suggested that additional weight be given to the University’s successes in developing its students through the provision of industrial placements with a broad range of employers nationally and internationally, and through the charitable and community-related activities of Loughborough Students’ Union.

 

v) It was recognised that university league tables were based on sometimes dubious metrics which could drive strategy in inappropriate directions.

 

vi) Some members felt the Strategy could be more positive, and should contain explicit references to the University’s strengths in specific subject areas.

 

vii) It was suggested that reference should be made to the University’s strategy in relation to the recruitment of staff and students.

 

06/78 University Budget 2006-07

COUN06-P78

The Bursar presented a review of the University budget for 2006-07, and noted in particular that the University had enjoyed a very successful admissions season, despite the introduction of higher tuition fees for home undergraduates, and an increasingly difficult and competitive international student market. The Admissions team was thanked for this excellent performance. The budget presented in July 2006 had shown a surplus of just over ₤3M, and this was secure. Funds remained in the strategic investment fund, and although it was possible that the relocation of the Jet Nozzle Rig could have a significant revenue impact, it was not expected to undermine the budget.

06/79 Capital Programme

(Roy Hill attended for this item)

06/79.1 Progress Report

COUN06-P79

Council received an update on Major Building Projects, and noted in particular that work on the extension to the Business School was underway.

 

06/79.2 Car Park 7 Development

COUN06-P80

The Director of Estates Services presented a progress report. It was expected that Council would be asked to agree final approval to proceed in December 2006. The following points were highlighted:

 

i) The background to the project was summarised, and it was noted in particular that Council had previously resolved not to use University capital to fund new student accommodation, in order to preserve it for other projects, such as research facilities, in which others were less likely to wish to invest. The first phase would therefore utilise an off balance sheet approach, which was felt to be justified given that most of the risks had been transferred to UPP.

 

ii) The final design had not yet been accepted by Charnwood Borough Council, but negotiations were ongoing, and a decision was expected in early December.

 

iii) It was intended that a ground lease would be granted to UPP for 35 years, after which the land and buildings would revert to the University for no consideration. All customer-facing activities, including security, would be carried out by University staff. There would be a covenant which restricted the University’s ability to build additional student accommodation without agreement from UPP. This had yet to be agreed, and it would be important to ensure it was drafted in a form that safeguarded the University’s interests.

 

iv) The project was still attracting a negative premium, and although it was hoped that this would be as low as possible, it was difficult to quantify because a number of key variables were still under negotiation. It was noted, however, that even if the University undertook to build a hall of this nature on its own, it was unlikely that it would be able to do so without incurring an operating loss.

 

06/79.3 William Morris Hall Re-development

COUN06-P81

Council NOTED that the William Morris Hall project had been authorised to proceed, and work was beginning on site. The scheme was different to that presented to the July meeting of Council, following a decision by the Accommodation Steering Group in August 2006 to revisit the implications of including John Phillips Hall. This approach had improved the project financially and operationally, and had produced a positive premium of ₤2.3M. The Chairs of Resources and Planning Committee and Council had endorsed the inclusion of John Phillips, and the accommodation was due to be delivered for September 2007.

 

06/79.4 Loughborough Sports Park

COUN06-P82

Council RECEIVED a paper from the Bursar outlining proposals for a project to provide accommodation for several sports governing bodies, currently residing in various parts of the University or Loughborough, or keen to move to Loughborough. The next stage was to appoint a design team to begin preliminary work so that firmer negotiations with potential tenants could begin in the context of outline designs and cost plans. It was anticipated that the development would be very important in consolidating Loughborough’s position as the centre for sport in the UK.

 

06/79.5 Jet Nozzle Test Rig Re-location

COUN06-P83

Council RECEIVED an update on the project to relocate the Jet Nozzle Test Rig, and noted that the cost had risen to £1.667M. It was noted, however, that the scheme was now significantly different to that originally envisaged, and presented the most sustainable solution. A contribution of between £0.6M and £1M was expected from emda.

 

06/80 Imago at Loughborough Limited

COUN06-P84

Council RECEIVED a report from the Chief Executive of imago at Loughborough Limited, which was presented by the Chair of the imago Board. Council’s attention was drawn to the following points in particular:

 

i) The Burleigh Court extension had been completed within budget, and with only a minimal overrun. This was an excellent achievement, and thanks were given to the Estates Services team for their contribution.

 

ii) Taking into account its consolidated surplus, and adding in rents, depreciation and interest charges, imago’s overall input to the University had been almost £4M in 2005-06. This was on target with the 5 year forecast.

 

iii) imago had recently won the prestigious Meetings Industry Marketing Award for Best Print Advertising Campaign.

 

iv) imago was committed to providing an excellent service to its internal customers, and the Chief Executive would be opening a dialogue with University departments in order to ensure this was achieved.

 

v) imago’s operations away from the campus were important commercially, and also provided a strategic advantage in giving the University a presence in Loughborough town. It was important, however, that these activities did not compromise imago’s core business.

 

06/81 Matters for Reports

06/81.1 Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research)

(i)         Research Grants and Contracts

COUN06-P85: NOTED

(ii)        Update on RAE 2008

COUN06-P86: NOTED

 

06/81.2 Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Teaching)

(i)         Recruitment for 2006/07 Entry

COUN06-P87: NOTED

(ii)        National Student Survey

COUN06-P88: NOTED

 

06/81.3 Enterprise

COUN06-P89: NOTED

 

06/81.4 Director of External Affairs

COUN06-P90: NOTED

06/82 Vice-Chancellor's Business

The Vice-Chancellor reported on the following matters:

 

i) Work relating to the validation agreement with the British University in Egypt was progressing well. BUE had met its student recruitment targets for 2006-07, and had secured funding from Vodafone for a Dean of Business. Efforts would continue to be made to strengthen research links between the institutions.

 

ii) The University was on a shortlist for consideration as the venue for the holding camp for the 2012 British Olympic team.

 

iii) Loughborough had been placed 17th in the Sunday Times league table, compared to 6th in the Times. It was noted that the former contained as one of its criteria the views of Head Teachers, and the University’s relatively low score in this measure had pulled down its overall rating. Work would continue to ensure that future marketing and publicity campaigns served to raise Loughborough’s profile with Head Teachers.

 

iv) The University had appointed a Director of Marketing. Ian Cairns would join from Lincoln University in the New Year.

 

v) Successful graduation ceremonies had been held in Singapore and Shanghai.

 

06/83 University Statutes

COUN06-P91

Council RESOLVED to pass a number of Special Resolutions to recommend amendments to, or the repeal of, various University Statutes. 

 

06/84 University Ordinances

COUN06-P92

Council APPROVED an amendment to Ordinance XI (Conduct of Meetings) with immediate effect.

06/85 Membership of Council Committees

 

06/85.1 Council Committees and Joint Committees with Senate

COUN06-P93

Council NOTED appointments to vacancies on Council Committees and Joint Committees with Senate.

 

06/85.2 LSU Appointments to Council Committees and Joint Committees with Senate

COUN06-P94

Council NOTED LSU appointments to Council Committees and Joint Committees with Senate.

 

06/86 University Medal Working Party – Change of Title

Council APPROVED a change in title of the University Medal Working Party to the University Medal Committee.

 

06/86 University Court

Council NOTED that the 2007 Annual Meeting of the University Court would be held on Friday 16 February 2006.

06/87 Graduation Ceremonies 2006/07

Council NOTED the dates of Graduation Ceremonies to be held in the academic year 2006/07 as follows:

Monday 18 December 2006

Thursday 19 July 2007, Friday 20 July 2007, Monday 23 July 2007 and Tuesday 24 July 2007.

 

06/88 Chair’s Action

Council NOTED that the Chair of Council had taken action on behalf of Council to APPROVE the following items between meetings:

i.         Tuition Fees and Bursary Scheme Details 2007-08

ii.       Changes to Programmes

Title changes:

MSc Physical Education to MSc Physical Education and Sport Pedagogy, with effect from September 2007 entry.

PG Certificate in Management (Sports Industries Federation) to Management (Federation of Sports and Play Associates), with immediate effect.

 

Discontinuation of programmes:

Security Management (Singapore), with immediate effect.

Postgraduate Diploma in Integrated Research Studies, IPTME, with immediate effect.

 

06/89 Reports of Committees

COUN06-P95

Council RECEIVED a report from the Performance Monitoring Group meeting held on 6 October 2006.

 

06/90 Academic Officers, Directors and Heads of Department

COUN06-P96: NOTED.

 

06/91 Any Other Business

(some information has been redacted due to commercial sensitivity)

COUN06-P102

Council RECEIVED a tabled paper from the Bursar regarding the proposed purchase land.

 

Council APPROVED the continuation of negotiations, and the delegation of authority to the Chair, the Treasurer and the Vice-Chancellor to settle the terms of acquisition, having taken the appropriate professional advice.

 

06/92 Dates of Future Meetings

Tuesday, 19 December 2006 (10.15am) may be preceded by Treasurer’s Briefing at 9.15am

Friday 16 February 2007 (10.15am) (if necessary)
Friday, 30 March 2007 (10.15am)
Tuesday, 24 July 2007 (2.30pm) 

                                                                                                                                                    

Author – Chris Dunbobbin
Date – November 2006
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