UNIVERSITY OF EXETER
CNL/11/130
COUNCIL
A meeting of the Council was held on Thursday 15 December 2011 at 1.45pm in the Council Chamber,
Northcote House.
PRESENT:
Pro-Chancellor, Mr K R Seal (Chair)
Mr C J Allwood
Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Professor N Armstrong
Professor S A Banducci
Dr S Buck
Mr N Bull
Mr M Choules
Professor K E Evans
Mr R M P Hughes
Mr M Jordan
Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Professor J M Kay
Mr P Lacey
Dame Suzi Leather
Sir Robin Nicholson
Ms B Rigg
Professor S J Rippon
Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive, Professor Sir Steve Smith
IN ATTENDANCE:
Registrar and Deputy Chief Executive, Mr D J Allen
Director of Human Resources, Mr S J C Cooper
Chief Executive of the Students’ Guild, Mr J R A Hutchinson
Executive Officer, Mrs E M James
Deputy Director of Finance, Mrs M Laithwaite
Director of Finance and Deputy Registrar, Mr J C Lindley
Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Professor M Overton
Director of Campus Services, Mr G Pringle
Director of Academic Services, Ms M I Shoebridge
Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Professor N J Talbot
Ms S Wilcox
APOLOGIES:
President of the Students' Guild, Mr N Davis
Ms J Hargadon, Lady Studholme
11.106 Declarations of Interest
Members NOTED the register of members interests in relation to the business of the agenda
including standing declarations of interest.
11.107 Minutes
The minutes of the meeting held on 13 October were CONFIRMED (CNL/11/97) as a correct
record.
11.108 Matters Arising from the Minutes
(a) MINUTE 11.81(c) THOMAS HALL (COMMERCIAL IN CONFIDENCE)
(b) MINUTE 11.81(f) GEOFFREY POPE BUILDING (CONFIDENTIAL AND LEGALLY
PRIVILEGED)
(c) MINUTE 11.81(g) SCIENCE
LEGALLY PRIVILEGED)
PARK/INNOVATION
CENTRE
(CONFIDENTIAL
AND
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(d) MINUTE 11.81(i) NORTHCOTT THEATRE (CONFIDENTIAL AND LEGALLY PRIVILEGED)
(e) MINUTE 11.86 THE UNIVERSITY AND PCMD (COMMERCIAL IN CONFIDENCE)
(f)
UCU AND PAY NEGOTIATIONS (COMMERCIAL IN CONFIDENCE)
11.109 Peninsula College of Medicine and Dentistry (STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL)
Professor Steve Thornton attended for discussion on this item
11.110 Vice-Chancellor’s Report
(a)
Council RECEIVED a report from the Vice-Chancellor (CNL/11/105), which covered the
following topics:
(i)
Announcements – the ‘Realising Opportunites’ programme had won ‘Widening
Participation Intiative of the Year’ at this year’s Times Higher Awards; the University of
Exeter Business School had won a prestigious Green Gown award in the Courses
category for its ground-breaking One Planet MBA programme; the University has been
ranked 174th out of nearly 3000 organisations in the Government’s carbon reduction
commitment league table; Professional Services has been reaccredited with Investors
in People; Academic Services has been accredited with the Customer First Standard in
recognition of its excellent customer service.
(ii)
Opening of the new University Reception - The University’s new reception was opened
by our Chancellor, Baroness Floella Benjamin, on Friday 28 October, attended by staff,
students, local residents and special guests.
(iii) Launch of Food Security and Land Use Alliance - The Universities of Exeter and
Bristol, in partnership with Rothamsted Research have launched a major new initiative
on food security research, combining the strengths of the three institutions across a
range of disciplines, from biosciences to economics.
(iv) International Trip - Last month the Vice-Chancellor travelled with a University
delegation to India, Hong Kong and China. It was an exceptionally successful trip,
where five Memoranda of Understanding were signed with partner institutions – Indian
Institute of Management, Indian Institute of Science, National Institute of Advanced
Studies (India), Hong Kong University of Science and Technology and East China
Normal University.
(v) Research Income - The 2010/11 target for research income (including the University of
Plymouth’s projected PCMD income – last year c.£2.5m) was set at £44m (i.e. £41.5m
for Exeter). In 2010-11 we achieved record Research Income of £46.3m, which is
almost £5m more than the target.
(b)
In addition to the written report, the Vice-Chancellor drew attention to the following:
 The Chair of Council and Council members congratulated the Vice-Chancellor for a
prestigious ‘Global Leadership’ award from University of South Florida.
 The Vice-Chancellor REPORTED that issues surrounding Exeter’s admissions will be the
most complicated that the institution will face in the year ahead and importantly it is
complicated at a national and local level.
 The Sector is splitting enormously with regards to what is happening with applications for
2012/13. Exeter is 3.2% down this week, comparators 7% down, sector 10% down
alongside a 4% reduction in cohort size. The complication is that 3 or 4 different
admissions markets are emerging, and the current rules do not apply. The Vice-Chancellor
REPORTED that we are dealing with it well at Exeter and we are as prepared as we can
be for the 2012/13 intake.
 The Director of Academic Services will take over from Jeremy Lindley as Deputy Registrar
to support the Registrar from 1st January 2012 with the title Deputy Registrar and Director
of Academic Services on a range of projects, particularly so that we optimise resources for
improving the student experience. Council members congratulated Michele Shoebridge on
her new appointment.
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 VCEG APPROVED the recommendation from the Task and Finish group looking at
academic progression and career development for education. This initiative establishes
Exeter as the only research intensive institution with a fully integrated system of reward for
staff working on scholarship.
 The inaugural Exeter impact awards event took place last week, it was an excellent event.
Winners for the following categories were:
 Outstanding social and cultural impact: ‘Let’s talk about sex’ by Dr Kate Fisher and Dr
Rebecca Langlands.
 Outstanding impact in commerce and industry: ‘Winds of change: insurance risk pricing
for clusters of natural catastrophes’ by Professor David Stephenson.
 Outstanding International Impact: ‘Transforming the lives of children with diabetes’
Professor Andrew Hattersley, Professor Sian Ellard, Dr Maggie Sheppard, Dr Sarah
Flanagan.
 Outstanding Regional Impact: ’Unchartered waters, leading the world in renewable
energy’ by Professor George Smith and team.
 Outstanding impact in public policy & services: ‘Cleaning up our act: the hormonal
impact of chemical discharges on fish’ by Professor Charles Tyler and team.
 The Bright Future Award: ‘Shedding new light on dementia’ by Dr David Llewellyn.
 Student impact: ‘The Heart of Borneo Project: conservation, sustainability and
community empowerment’ by Tim van Berkel & Martin Holland.
The event demonstrated that impact is incredibly important for our research. Sir Robin
Nicholson REPORTED that external visitors had described the evening as uplifting and
inspirational, the evening had done the University immense credit. Sir Robin congratulated
all involved in the evening.
 The Registrar REPORTED that a new Director of Strategic Planning and Change had
recently been appointed to replace Patrick Kennedy. Dr Steve Chadwick from Durham will
join Exeter on 1 April 2012.
11.111 Campaign and Campaign Feasibility
Susie Hills attended for discussion on this item
Council RECEIVED a report on a Campaign to secure a more Independent Future for the
University of Exeter (CNL/11/106).
Chair of Council noted that the external report provided excellent context and advice, and
congratulated Susie Hills, Sean Fielding and their teams on an impressive report.
Susie Hills introduced the paper, and made the following points:
Working targets have been developed and are being tested for the next campaign, following the
successful first serious campaign for the University which raised £25.7m a year earlier than
planned. Planning is geared around a philanthropic income target of at least £60m, which, if
deployed strategically could deliver additional research income of up to £100m by 2018. This will
have a significant impact on the student experience with at least 50% delivering direct benefits for
students.
We have learnt that we need to prioritise our research on prospects, focus on themes and that
building stronger relationships with donors and the next campaign should build on benefit for the
whole university and look further than just philanthropic giving.
The paper outlines a two phase process for developing the next campaign, this proposal outlines
phase one of feasibility that is necessary to shape the campaign. To test what has been
successful elsewhere, UK and US campaign research has been used. The paper outlined a series
of recommendations that Council was invited to comment on and approve.
There has been a considerable level of internal and external consultation which will support the
constant process of iteration for this report.
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Susie Hills REPORTED that the report looks at how we can become more independent, taking a
more strategic approach to how we deploy philanthropic funds and go beyond philanthropy. It has
been very useful to work with Sean Fielding and his team in Research & Knowledge Transfer to
explore how the campaign can benefit both areas.
Excellent feedback has been received from supporters and they are keen to see an account
management approach develop so that their relationship with Exeter, whether it is funding
research or a gift is managed as one piece. Efficiencies would need to be explored in RKT and
DARO to achieve the account management model before additional investment is considered. It
took approximately 15% of the campaign total last time to fund the overall campaign. The sector
average is 25%.
Council members DISCUSSED an endowment and how large a percentage could form a
contribution to an endowment from each gift received during the next campaign.
The Registrar REPORTED that the paper reflects discussions and work that has emerged from the
earned income report that was brought to Council last year. The Registrar REPORTED that we
have all of the key pieces in place for the next campaign. The timing of the Diamond Jubilee gives
us a really positive framework to work with.
The Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research REPORTED that the Research & Knowledge
Management Group strongly supported this proposal and were keen to see themes that would
allow for and lever funding for new discovery and new technology alongside broader themes such
as the environment and sustainability.
The Chair of Council REPORTED that the process has evolved and DARO has moved from being
on the side of operations to something that is central to how we operate. The Chair of Council
congratulated Susie Hills and colleagues on an outstanding report. Council APPROVED the
recommendations and asked to see Phase 2 of the feasibility report in due course.
11.112 Financial Forecast 2011/12
Council RECEIVED the financial forecast 2011/12 (CNL/11/107).
The Deputy Director of Finance REPORTED a small movement on the bottom line, made up of
one or two large movements such as tuition fee income being down by £3.5m and the student
residences shortfall which has masked an increase of £11m.
The forecast historic cost position of the University for 2011/12 is now a surplus of £1.0m,
compared to the budget surplus approved by Council on 14 July 2011 of £1.2m, as shown in
Appendix 1. The forecast surplus represents 0.4% of University total income. The historic cost
position and the operating surplus are currently the same as there are no exceptional items
included in the forecast. A target of £5.0m operating surplus was set by Council. The current
forecast position is below the target set and therefore there is no bonus provision in the forecast. It
is still early on in the year, colleagues in Finance are confident that the situation will improve.
The budget for 2011/12 included a total central contingency of £3.0m. The release of £1.5m
teaching contingency outlined above leaves £1.5m in the reforecast comprising £1.0m research
and £0.5m general contingency. At this stage in the year not all risks have been reviewed and
therefore the £1.5m central contingency will be retained. In addition a £0.6m contingency is still
held against the impact of reductions in funding of research grants by the Research Councils.
Colleges are reviewing staffing plans and applying realistic appointment dates which has released
£2.6m favourable to the budget as a result. Colleges are being encouraged to advertise posts to
appoint staff in time for the start of the academic year. The University is forecasting to meet all
bank covenants and financial parameters at the year-end.
The Director of Campus Services REPORTED on the residences situation, there is a dynamic
student residential market in the city and the University’s stock has increased at the same time.
There is a significant number of empty beds in the city and the University has mothballed 200 beds
at St Luke’s campus this year. 120 bed spaces at Streatham have subsequently been taken up by
INTO. Rents as a result will come down which is a positive thing for returning students. In year, the
team leading on residences communications strategy are developing new marketing approaches
to attract students to our accommodation.
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11.113 Bio-systems Engineering Proposal
Council RECEIVED a presentation on the Bio-systems Engineering (BSE) building proposal from
Professor Nick Talbot, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Knowledge Transfer).
Professor Nick Talbot presented the academic vision for the BSE building. The building will be
adjacent to the Geoffrey Pope building which already houses Biosciences activity. It will also have
a physical link to the Physics building and provide a means for linking a lot of activity in the
physical and natural sciences.
Academic activity is inherently cross disciplinary including a broad spectrum of staff, the proposal
importantly encourages engineers linking with the other sciences around areas such as
manipulating organisms to bring about beneficial products and outcomes. The building will allow
us to look beyond the current horizons of systems biology.
This cross-fertilisation could lead to positive developments such as biomarker development, a
better understanding of infectious disease and medically focussed work. It will fundamentally be a
science building but have a strong biomedical component.
There will be space for 25 independent research groups and also support a large number of PGR
students. The building and additional laboratory space also provides an opportunity for developing
and improving STEMM undergraduate courses for the AAB market.
The building concept has received Infrastructure Strategy Group approval, alongside approval of
the option of building as large a building as possible with the shell concept where we equip half of
the building and challenge the academics to raise the rest of the funding. It provides an interesting
way to lever additional external income, and has the potential to bring in more funding from PCMD.
Senior members of staff involved in recruitment have been talking to potential candidates on this
basis and candidates so far have agreed that the investment and potential for additional
investment is an attractive offer. The building sets a benchmark for an interdisciplinary rather than
single subject building, which is likely to be the wave of the future.
This building provides a strong opportunity to build up EPSRC, BBSRC and particularly MRC
funding which is essential for achieving Exeter’s Top 100 international objective.
Sir Robin Nicholson REPORTED his strong support for the initiative, for all of the reasons
Professor Talbot had stated. It is groundbreaking the way in which various scientists and
engineers will come together to look at complex systems and supports the HASS and Science
Strategy direction already in motion. It is revolutionary the idea that one can use engineering
processes to study and understand something which is living. This approach, particularly the
interdisciplinary nature will help us to retain and attract new staff. Interviews for Chairs today prove
that Exeter’s investment in interdisciplinary research is an attractive offer and a distinctive one.
Council members noted that some investigators might require biomedical facilities and this would
require debate at the appropriate time.
The Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Education REPORTED that locating biomedical activity alongside
our other sciences provided a route to integrate the medical school activity and provide excellent
project placements for medical students.
The Pro-Chancellor for Infrastructure encouraged the project team to look at every opportunity to
maximise space and look at the largest option in the first instance, particularly if the ‘shell’ building
option provides an opportunity to lever additional external funding. The Chair of Council thanked
Professor Talbot for an excellent presentation; the full investment proposal will come to Council in
July 2012 for approval.
11.114 Admissions 2011/12 (STRICTLY PRIVATE AND CONFIDENTIAL)
Ian Blenkharn attended for discussion on this item
11.115 Health and Safety
Dr Paul Adams attended for discussion on this item
Council RECEIVED the Annual Report for 2010/11 on Health and Safety (CNL/11/109).
Paul Adams REPORTED that we would like to have more ‘near misses’ reported to us as we have
had only 5 this year and last year. We promote near miss reporting but it is a difficult issue faced
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by HEIs as the culture of reporting has not yet become embedded. Key issues for safety over the
last four years have included the weather, which is due to be milder this year. Swine flu was dealt
with effectively last year and there has been a case of meningitis recently. The formation of the
Colleges has helped us to get Health and Safety policy information updated and disseminated.
The Director of Human Resources REPORTED that it is a full extensive report and recorded
thanks to Dr Paul Adams who will be retiring next September 2012.
Council members asked colleagues in Human Resources to look at why we are adrift from the
comparator group and identified that further embedding Health & Safety within Colleges is also a
task ahead that requires prioritisation. Members also raised the issue of high stress levels and the
need to incorporate stress management at a more strategic level in the report. Everyone has a
part to pay in alleviating stress.
Paul Adams REPORTED that the Cornwall campus mirrors Streatham campus issues and has
learnt from Exeter’s progress with construction project Health and Safety and have appointed a
campus mitigation officer. Lighting on both campuses is still an issue that is being taken forward
with Campus Services.
Council members were concerned by resources holding back fire-related response. 95% of fire
alarms are false but building checks that signal any signs of fire are immediately reported to the
fire service and does not result in a 5 minute delay. All AGREED that this needs to be made
clearer in the report.
The Chair of Council thanked Dr Adams for a full report, and NOTED that last year we minuted the
need for Health and Safety risks to be reported and monitored particularly as it is a core
responsibility for Council. Dr Adams AGREED to provide a separate note for Council on Health
and Safety risks in the New Year.
11.116 Sustainability
Council RECEIVED the Annual Report for 2010/11 on Sustainability (CNL/11/110).
The Chair of Council commended the report, which has helped to galvanise the impressive
achievements made during this year.
Professor Mark Overton introduced the report and endorsed thanks to Karen Gallagher who leads
a team of five to support this important area. There is a broad spectrum of activity, originally the
sustainability team had a carbon reduction focus but it is now looking at biodiversity and
embedding sustainability in curriculum. The team has also been involved in and endorsed external
sustainability campaigns.
A core concern for the team is carbon reduction and meeting the current plan of a 2% reduction
per year. This was not achieved last year which is a worry, despite having ‘banked’ carbon
reduction from previous years to offset it. It is a challenging target but possible and needs to be
championed in Colleges and Services by management.
The Pro-Chancellor for infrastructure REPORTED and commended the team and progress, we are
in a very different place today compared with a few years ago and this is due to the hard work of
the core team and leadership. It is proving to be difficult to integrate enthusiasm at the team level
within Colleges and Professional Services, the awards were providing a competitive way to do this
but more needed to be done. Our inability to meet the carbon reduction target is largely due to the
new buildings coming on stream which will be the case for a few more years to come, and we
cannot rely on credit banked from previous years when we have scored well to meet our target.
The Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Education REPORTED that Harriet Sjerps-Jones has made
impressive progress with embedding sustainability in the curriculum and has achieved HEFCE
funding alongside building up Exeter’s reputation in this area.
Council members DISCUSSED looking at sustainable drinking water sources, behavioural change,
waste minimisation and tangible benefits for campus users.
11.117 Council Away Day: November 2011 (COMMERCIAL IN CONFIDENCE)
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11.118 Strategic Delivery Plan (Brought Forward from Part II)
The Chair of Council REPORTED that this item (CNL/11/126) was brought forward for discussion
because looking at the tables of actions, actions are placed entirely on Professional Services and
representatives at VCEG when we now have a strong management structure within Colleges who
are responsible for these issues.
Sir Robin Nicholson REPORTED that the report failed to recognise a huge step we had taken
moving from Schools to Colleges. Colleges have professional management structures, if you look
at our excellent strategic vision document the substance of delivery is largely in the hands of
Colleges. If they perform we will deliver, if they do not we will not. The degree of granularity of
owners on delivery of the strategy should be one degree finer and go to Colleges not just reported
on an institutional basis. Presentations from Colleges were succinct and clear at the away day in
November and it is worth building on that going forward.
The Registrar REPORTED that the Strategic Delivery Plan is work in progress, we have not had
this exact form of strategy delivery plan before so it is all up for discussion. In future years we
should put more time into the process so Dual Assurance can comment. We plan to come back to
Council after Christmas with a refined report. The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (DVC) lead as far as
VCEG is concerned is accountable and those listed in the facilitator column are those that enable
the VCEG lead to achieve the objectives. The intention is that DVCs responsibility lines in
particular encapsulate the Colleges as well. The Registrar suggested that he bring an additional
paper to Council alongside the refined Strategic Delivery Plan outlining the responsibility and
accountability matrix to ensure that everyone was comfortable and aware of how VCEG manages
the vertical and horizontal lines of responsibility. Council members SUPPORTED this approach.
11.119 Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 July 2011
It was REPORTED that Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 July 2011 had been
APPROVED (CNL/11/98 - CNL/11/102).
11.120 Convocation
Council CONSIDERED a paper on convocation (CNL/11/113).
11.121 QAA Institutional Review
Council RECEIVED a briefing on the QAA Institutional Review (CNL/11/114).
11.122 Standing Committee of Council (COMMERCIAL IN CONFIDENCE)
11.123 Remuneration Committee
Council RECEIVED a report on Remuneration Committee (CNL/11/116).
11.124 Audit Committee
(a) It was REPORTED that the Annual Report for 2010/11 had been APPROVED (CNL/11/102).
(b) Council RECEIVED the Annual Audit Return to HEFCE (CNL/11/100).
(c) Council RECEIVED for information only, the minutes of the meeting held on 6 October 2011
(an oral report having been received from the Chair of Audit Committee at the Council
meeting held on 13 October 2011) (CNL/11/117).
(d) Council RECEIVED the minutes of the meeting held on 1 November 2011 (CNL/11/101).
11.125 Senate
A report from the meeting held on 2 December 2011 was CONSIDERED (CNL/11/118) and
matters APPROVED/NOTED as follows:
(a) Progression & Career Development through Education and Leadership was APPROVED by
Council.
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11.126 Joint Committee on Honorary Degrees
(Strictly Confidential until Public Announcement)
Council RECEIVED a report from the meeting held on 7 October 2011 (CNL/11/119) and
APPROVED the recommendations for the awarding of Honorary Degrees. Members were
reminded that these names remained strictly confidential and would be notified when the press
release went out.
11.127 Staff Liaison Committee
Council RECEIVED a report from the meeting held on 1 November 2011 (CNL/11/120).
11.128 Joint Selection Committees for Chairs (STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL)
Council RECEIVED a report from the Joint Selection Committees for Chairs (CNL/11/121).
11.129 Academic Promotions (STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL)
Council RECEIVED a report of promotions agreed between 1 July and 5 December 2011
(CNL/11/122).
11.130 Committee of Lazenby Trust: Dissolution of Holding Trustee and Change in Managing
Trustees
Council APPROVED, subject to the approval of the Committee of the Lazenby Trust, the
dissolution of holding trustee and change in managing trustees in respect of the Committee of
Lazenby Trust (CNL/11/123).
11.131 Update/Progress Report on the HR Strategy
Council RECEIVED an update/progress report on the HR Strategy (CNL/11/124).
11.132 Risk Management
Council RECEIVED an update on risk management (CNL/11/125).
11.133 Investment Policy Review
Council CONSIDERED a paper on the investment policy review (CNL/11/127).
11.134 Tremough Campus Services Group
Council APPROVED the recommendation that Geoff Pringle, Director of Campus Services,
replace Jeremy Lindley, Director of Finance and Deputy Registrar, as an Exeter Director for the
Tremough Campus Services Group with effect from 1 January 2012.
11.135 Exeter Enterprises Limited
Council RECEIVED the Annual Report for 2010/11 for Exeter Enterprises Limited (CNL/11/128).
11.136 Affixing the Seal
Council AUTHORISED the fixing of the University seal to the documents listed in CNL/11/129.
11.137 Chair’s closing remarks
Issues such as PCMD and the new Higher Education environment have rightly taken up a
considerable amount of time this year. Financial issues are arising at the same time and
colleagues in Finance are working hard to look at how the 2012/13 budget will settle down. The
proper level of operating surplus discussions are starting and we need to look at this more closely
if we aim to invest at the same level and pace as we have managed to achieve over the past few
years.
The Cornwall review was very good and provides us with a strong way forward. We have made an
excellent Head of Marketing appointment in David Miller who has made a big impact on the
institution already.
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Staff/Student ratios (SSRs) is an issue that we will come back to next year when we look at the
Guild’s priorities for investment.
It is Jeremy Lindley’s last meeting today before he joins INTO as their UK and Europe Managing
Director. Council has seen an awful lot of him, and I cannot emphasise enough that the refinancing and our ability to extend our loans was an outstanding contribution to this University on
Jeremy’s part. Without this excellent underpinning we would not have had the confidence to go
forward and invest as we have done. Jeremy’s ability to manage large transactions and persuade
people to put large amounts of capital in our campus has demonstrated that we can trust the
numbers given to us. Council joined the Chair in thanking Jeremy for his outstanding service to
Exeter and wished him every success in the future.
At the next meeting on 23rd February 2012 we will consider the ambitions for Tranche 3 of the
infrastructure programme, review the policy on IP and start to look at developments between
University and the Guild.
Finally, best wishes to all for Christmas and thank you on behalf of all Council members to VCEG
for their tremendous achievements this term.
EMJ/JAL
9 January 2012
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