1. BACKGROUND INFORMATION
The origins of Cardiff Metropolitan University can be traced back to 1865 when the
Cardiff School of Art was first opened in the old library in Cardiff.
In 1976, the School of Art, the College of Food Technology and Commerce
(established 1940), the Cardiff College of Education (established 1950) and Llandaff
College of Technology (established 1954) were merged to form the South
Glamorgan Institute of Higher Education. The name was changed to Cardiff Institute
of Higher Education in 1990.
Until 1992, the institution was under the jurisdiction of South Glamorgan Council.
Incorporated status was granted in 1992, this process occurring later in Wales than
elsewhere in the UK.
Key milestones in the development of Cardiff Metropolitan University as an
autonomous institution include:
1993
Teaching Degree Awarding Powers (TDAPs) granted by the Privy
Council.
1996
Became a college of the University of Wales and changed name to
University of Wales Institute, Cardiff (UWIC).
2003
Became a Constituent Institution of the University of Wales.
2009
Research Degree Awarding Powers (RDAPs) granted by the Privy
Council.
2011
Withdrew from the University of Wales and changed name to
Cardiff Metropolitan University.
With just over 1000 staff, more than 12,000 students and an annual turnover of
approximately £83 million, Cardiff Metropolitan University is, in terms of size, in the
middle range of the UK university sector.
A recent investment of £50m in the Estates Strategy has focused on the
development of a new Cardiff School of Management, Food Industry Centre and
enhanced student and research facilities.
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2. STRATEGIC INTENT AND DIRECTION
The University will work with others to:
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build a post-92 provision which is distinctive, of national standing, world class
in selected domains, serving the needs and aspirations of learners and the
economy;
build collaboration in established and developing areas of teaching
excellence, underpinned by scholarship, so as to contribute to economic and
social regeneration and specific national needs and establish an international
reputation;
develop applied research and consultancy which enhance the economic
competitiveness of business, commerce and industry;
intensify integrated access policies and practices which raise aspirations,
encourage and support progression and improve participation rates.
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3. MOTTO, VISION, MISSION, VALUES AND ETHOS
Our Motto
“The most valuable possession is knowledge”
Our Vision
To be a premier provider of:
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higher education that promotes student employability;
applied research and knowledge transfer.
Our Mission
 To provide student-centred learning opportunities that are accessible,
flexible, inclusive, lifelong and of the highest quality.
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To provide a culture within which applied research and enterprise will flourish.
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To develop established and new centres of excellence in professional
education, applied research and knowledge transfer.
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To provide services that meet the needs of Wales and wider communities by
working in partnership with city, national and international bodies.
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Our Values
We value:
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Respect for individuals, helping them realise their potential and value life-long
learning;
Environment based on commitment, teamwork, good leadership and
management practices which is positive and friendly;
Sharing a common purpose founded upon honesty, integrity, openness,
objectivity, accountability and selflessness and supported by leadership and
example;
Pride and ownership in Cardiff Metropolitan University and its development;
Excellence achieved through the pursuit of continual improvement in all that
we do;
Community that is inclusive;
The most valuable possession is knowledge.
Our Ethos
The following are the foundations upon which Cardiff Metropolitan University will
engage with other institutions to plan the future together:
We are committed to:
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Independent scholarship, relevant application, curiosity-driven learning.
Excellence in everything we do.
Improvements through ideas and insights transforming the people and the
organisation.
Creativity and innovation, inspiring new ideas and applying knowledge in new
ways to create value.
Collaboration for competitive advantage.
Building on the past.
A collegiate approach to learning and research.
Interdisciplinary orientation.
Building on our presence in the Cardiff Metropolitan area.
4. STUDENT PROFILE
Cardiff Metroplitan University’s range of programmes identify us as sharply focused
on professionally relevant higher education and on research which is predominantly
applied in nature. The proportion of part-time students also continues to grow, as we
become a centre in Cardiff and South Wales for continuing professional
development.
Programmes range from HNC/HND level to degree and postgraduate level, with an
increasing number of postgraduate research students.
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International Students
Cardiff Metropolitan University has responded to the Welsh Assembly Government’s
Learning Country document and contributed significantly to the targets for growth
and expansion of international student recruitment to higher education institutions in
Wales and to the internationalisation of academic institutions and their curricula for
the benefit of all students and staff. The numbers of international students have
grown exponentially in recent years, with students from over 130 different countries.
5. RESEARCH AND ENTERPRISE
Cardiff Metropolitan University engages in research that is at the cutting-edge of new
knowledge creation and its application. The research, therefore, has direct
application in business, industry, the professions and the community at large.
World renowned organisations such as Ford (UK), Coca Cola, Nestle, Robert Bosch
and Dowty Aerospace have all featured amongst our portfolio of applied research
and knowledge transfer partners.
With a growing international reputation, the institution is committed to developing its
leading research groups and supporting new and emerging areas of research across
all discipline areas.
Added to this, we are also engaged in a diverse range of enterprise activity including
Knowledge Transfer Projects (KTPs), consultancy, collaboration, contract research
and training.
6. COLLABORATION AND PARTNERSHIPS
In keeping with its mission, Cardiff Metropolitan University has sought to expand its
role in offering programmes in partnership with others, in Wales, elsewhere in the UK
and internationally.
We have a small number of close relationships with transnational education (TNE)
partners - the London School of Commerce has international students studying
business, computing and hospitality and tourism programmes in significant numbers
in London and in its overseas campuses. We also offer programmes in conjunction
with partners in several countries including Sri Lanka, Egypt, Bulgaria, Morocco and
Singapore.
In order to focus Wales-based activity in a smaller number of FE colleges, a SouthEast Wales FE2HE Consortium was established in 2004. The aims and objectives of
the Consortium include to provide quality assured higher education at the FE
partners, to widen participation and to facilitate progression for students from within
Consortium partners to study at the University.
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7. WIDENING ACCESS
Cardiff Metropolitan University is committed to widening access and participation for
people who are currently under-represented in Higher Education. The Widening
Access team aims to ensure that people of any age, background, or ethnic group are
given an opportunity to study within Higher Education in a supported manner.
This strategy involves offering a wide range of subjects at a variety of levels and
delivering them in innovative ways in the community.
8. ABOUT THE CITY OF CARDIFF
The capital city of Wales has altered beyond recognition over the past decade or so.
Massive investment in the city, the regeneration of its docks into a superb waterfront
and a general interest in all things Welsh, from its music scene to its new Assembly,
makes Cardiff an exciting European destination.
Cardiff has the good fortune to house such national gems as the Millennium Centre,
the Millennium Stadium, the National Museum of Wales, the Museum of Welsh Life,
the Welsh National Opera and stunning civic buildings surrounded by acres and
acres of parkland. The city boasts a year-round calendar of events, which include an
extensive range of arts, cultural and international sporting events.
9. THE UNIVERSITY
Cardiff Metropolitan University is based on two teaching campuses, all within the
boundaries of the City of Cardiff.
Llandaff Campus
The Cardiff School of Health Sciences, part of the Cardiff School of Art and Design
and the new £20 million Cardiff School of Management are based at the Llandaff
Campus. The campus also houses the National Centre for Product Design &
Development Research (PDR), a Podiatry Centre and a Speech Language Therapy
Centre. The Cardiff School of Art and Design and Art Gallery are also based at this
city centre campus.
Cyncoed Campus
The Cardiff School of Education and the Cardiff School of Sport are based at the
Cyncoed Campus. A major student residence centre with over 500 study bedrooms
is also based here.
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10. ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE
The Vice-Chancellor’s Board (VCB) manage the day-to-day activities of Cardiff
Metropolitan University. The VCB comprises of:
Vice-Chancellor
Deputy Vice-Chancellor
Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research)
Pro Vice-Chancellor (Enterprise)
Pro Vice-Chancellor (International)
Pro Vice-Chancellor (Strategy and Performance)
Chief Operating Officer
Professor Antony Chapman
Mrs Jacqui Hare
Professor Sheldon Hanton
Professor David Brooksbank
Professor Mohamed Loutfi
Mr David Price
Mr John Cappock
Academic Schools
The academic work of Cardiff Metropolitan University is organised into five schools:
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The Cardiff School of Art and Design
The Cardiff School of Management
The Cardiff School of Health Sciences
The Cardiff School of Education
The Cardiff School of Sport
These are the core business and drivers of Cardiff Metropolitan University. Between
them they offer over 100 different academic, professional and vocational
programmes.
Each school is led by a Dean of School who is supported by three school directors,
each taking responsibility for one aspect of the school portfolio – learning and
teaching, enterprise and research.
The administrative team of most of the schools is led by a Business Support
Manager who is responsible for the development and implementation of
administrative policies and procedures. These roles, together with elected members
of staff from the school, form the School Management and Planning Team.
Support Units
In addition to the above structures there are a number of support sections and units
which make a major contribution to the smooth running of Cardiff Metropolitan
University:
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(Cardiff Metropolitan University) UWIC Foundation
Collaborative Provision
Communications, Marketing and Student Recruitment
Estates and Facilities
Finance
Human Resources
International Development
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Learning and Teaching Development Unit
Library and Information Services
Product Design and Development Research
Procurement
Quality and Standards
Research and Enterprise Services
Secretariat
Strategy Development Office
Student and Registry Services
Welsh Language Unit
Centres of Excellence
Cardiff Metropolitan University has centres of excellence in each of its schools
offering applied research and consultancy to business and industry and local and
national government across the UK and throughout the world, including:
Centre for Performance Analysis
The Centre for Performance Analysis is a world renowned centre of excellence in
performance analysis research and development. It works closely with major
international sporting bodies and the organisers of world sporting tournaments and
events.
National Centre for Product Design & Development Research (PDR)
PDR is one of the UK’s leading centres for product design and development and is a
designated Centre of Excellence for Technology & Industrial Collaboration (CETIC).
PDR works closely with the manufacturing industry, particularly small and medium
sized enterprises (SMEs) offering applied research and consultancy in the fields of
product design, development and manufacture. PDR’s mission is to aid in the
development and adaptation of new processes, tools and techniques for use in new
product development.
11. WELSH LANGUAGE SCHEME
Cardiff Metropolitan University’s Welsh Language Scheme has a designated Welsh
Language Scheme Coordinator to oversee its implementation and to administer a
translation service available to all members of university staff.
The Unit also manages a range of staff development events that include training for
all front-line staff on how to deal with bilingual enquiries and the provision of Welsh
classes for members of staff.
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12. NATIONAL AWARDS
Investors in People
Cardiff Metropolitan University was proud to first achieve Investor in People (IIP)
status in 2006. IiP is a nationally and internationally recognised standard that
provides a framework for improving an organisation’s performance through its
people. We were successfully re-assessed in 2008 and again in October 2011.
Environmental Management System (EMS) (IS014001)
Cardiff Metropolitan University is working towards achievement of the international
standard ISO14001 Environmental Management System (EMS). The EMS is a
systematic method for ensuring that the environmental impacts of Cardiff
Metropolitan University are effectively managed. The scope of the work covers the
whole of the university’s activities from estates and facilities to teaching, learning,
research and enterprise.
Corporate Health Standard
Cardiff Metropolitan Univeristy is committed to improving performance in health,
safety and well-being through supporting and encouraging the adoption of healthier
lifestyles by staff. The philosophy which underpins this commitment is one of self
help and individual responsibility within a corporate framework, promoting and
supporting good practice to comply with legislation, addressing key workplace risks
to health and encouraging a healthy lifestyle culture. In line with this commitment, in
2012, we were delighted to be awarded the Welsh Government’s quality mark for
health and well-being in the workplace – the Gold level Corporate Health Standard
award for ‘totally embedding health and well-being into organisational practice’.
13. WORKING AT CARDIFF METROPOLITAN UNIVERSITY
Cardiff Metropolitan University is an exciting and diverse organisation to work for,
offering excellent terms and conditions of employment. In return, we expect staff to
deliver to the highest standards and to assist in continuing to make Cardiff
Metropolitan University a great place to work.
When new staff are asked at corporate induction to identify one thing that surprised
them about Cardiff Metropolitan University when they first started, more than 90%
state that they were surprised at just how friendly everyone was!
We aim to be an inclusive organisation where diversity is valued and equality is
promoted. As an inclusive employer, we aim to attract and retain the best staff,
regardless of their background.
Cardiff Metropolitan University is a Disability Symbol User – also known as the
‘Double Tick scheme’. This means we make five commitments:
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To offer a guaranteed job interview for all applicants with a disability who meet
the essential requirements for a job vacancy and for applicants to be
considered on their abilities;
To ensure there is a mechanism in place for us to discuss, at least once a
year, with disabled employees, what we can do to ensure they can develop
and use their abilities;
To make every effort to retain employees who become disabled;
To take action to ensure that all employees develop the appropriate level of
disability awareness needed to make the commitment work;
To review our commitments and achievements annually, to plan how to
improve and to let employees know about progress and future plans.
Cardiff Metropolitan University recently joined DisabledGo which provides online
access guides in a great deal of detail to a huge range of venues – including Cardiff
Metropolitan University. DisabledGo cover any venue you would access as a
member of the public for example cinemas, hotels, hospitals, colleges, sports
grounds, restaurants, council offices, parks, historic land marks, tourist attractions.
We also has many other benefits to offer, including:
Staff Development
We are fully committed to providing our staff with leadership and development
opportunities to enable each individual to fully realise their potential and make a
tangible contribution to the achievement of a shared vision.
Equality and Diversity
We are an equal opportunities employer and manage the effective operation of the
equalities agenda through our Equality and Diversity Committee, Human Resources
Committee and Board of Governors.
Health, Safety and Well-being
We take very seriously the Health, Safety and Well-being of all our staff and students
and manage the effective operation of health and safety issues through our Health
and Safety Committee, Human Resources Committee and Board of Governors. We
have in place occupational health facilities, a generous scheme of sick pay and
operate a no smoking policy.
National Framework Agreement
In 2006, we implemented a new 51 point pay scale and a job evaluation scheme
which ensures equal pay for work of equal value. We also have in place a Human
Resources Strategy supported by well defined HR policies, procedures and
practices.
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Annual Leave
There is a generous annual leave allowance for all staff. Grades 1- 5, 30 days per
annum (25 in the first year) and Grades 6 – 9, 35 days per annum.
Pension
We operate 3 contributory final salary pension schemes – the Local Government
Pension Scheme (LGPS), the Teachers Pension Association (TPA) and the
Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS).
Flexible Working
We promote the importance of a positive work life balance through the operation of a
flexible working policy which includes flexi-time, flexible place of work options, job
share and career break arrangements.
Access to Facilities
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Our staff are encouraged to use the state of the art sport and fitness facilities.
A subsidised annual membership fee is available;
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Staff have free access to all of the library and learning centre facilities;
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Staff can travel at subsidised rates on our rider bus which travels regularly
between campuses;
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Staff can join the Childcare Voucher Scheme and Cycle2work Scheme;
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Staff are entitled to a 25% discount on any programme of study at Cardiff
Metropolitan University.
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