NEWCASTLE UNIVERSITY
COUNCIL
28 October 2013
Present:
Mr Mark I’Anson (in the Chair), the Vice-Chancellor, Dr Peter Andras, Ms Eve Berwin
(Education Officer, Students’ Union), Mr Neil Braithwaite, Professor Vicki Bruce, Mr Mike
Davison, Professor Deborah Henderson, Mrs Jacqui Henderson, Mr Robert Hull, Mr Jeff
McIntosh, Mr Calum Mackenzie (President, Students’ Union), Mr Simon Pleydell, and
Professor Ella Ritchie.
In attendance: Professor Suzanne Cholerton, Professor Chris Day, Professor Charles Harvey,
Professor Steve Homans, Professor Tony Stevenson and Professor Nick Wright
(Pro-Vice-Chancellors), Dr John Hogan (Registrar), Mr Richard Dale (Executive
Director of Finance), Mrs Veryan Johnston (Executive Director of Human
Resources), and Mrs Sam Taylor (Executive Officer (Governance)).
Apologies:
Dr John Appleby, Professor Alan Boddy, Mr Jonathan Glass, Mr Stephen Lightley,
Mrs Heidi Mottram, and Mr Paul Walker.
Ms Abi Kelly, Director of Public Relations, attended for Minute 29-31
Professor Phil Taylor, Director of NIReS, attended for Minute 32.
MINUTES
20.
DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
No declarations of interest were received.
21.
MINUTES
Noted that:
Subject to an amendment to Minute 12, item 4, the minutes of the meeting of Council held
on 16 September 2013 were approved as a correct record and signed.
22.
MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES
It was noted that the Chair of Council had asked Professor Charles Harvey, Pro-Vice-Chancellor
Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, to provide a report on the University’s sports provision
and facilities, and that this would be presented to the meeting of Council 24 February 2014.
23.
HEALTH AND SAFETY
Received an oral report from Mrs Veryan Johnston, Executive Director of Human Resources, on
the current health and safety issues affecting the University.
Noted:
1. Strike action by the Fire Brigade is scheduled to take place on the evening of 1 November
and the morning of 4 November. The Safety team are working with the Estates team to
ensure precautionary safety measures are in place.
Council 28 October 2013
2. The Health and Safety Executive will visit the University on 5 December to review the
transportation of radioactive materials.
24.
CHAIR’S BUSINESS
1.
Council Briefing Sessions
Council members were reminded of the forthcoming Council Briefing sessions:

9 December 2013, 11:30am-12:15pm, L5.18 King’s Gate – Pro-Vice-Chancellor
Learning and Teaching, ‘The Learning, Teaching and Student Experience Strategy: an
overview of the key issues relating to the University’.

19 December 2013, 11:00am-11:45am, L5.18 King’s Gate – Pro-Vice-Chancellor
Faculty of Science, Agriculture and Engineering, ‘The role of the Faculty Pro-ViceChancellor within the Faculty and at a University-wide level – the structure and
operation of the faculties, schools and research institutes’.
Council members were reminded to inform Sam Taylor (sam.taylor1@ncl.ac.uk) if they
planned to attend these sessions.
2.
Claremont Place
Council at its meeting 9 July 2012 approved the sale of 19-26 Claremont Place and
delegated the Chair the final authority to approve the sale.
The property is in the process of being sold to the highest bidder who intends to convert the
properties for the use of student accommodation. The sale price is lower than the initial
offer due to incremental costs incurred.
Chair’s action has been taken to approve this decision following consultation with the
Treasurer.
3. Committee of University Chairs (CUC) meeting
The Chair reported that there was an increased level of concern with regard to pensions
raised by the committee at its last meeting.
25.
VICE-CHANCELLOR’S BUSINESS
Received the Vice-Chancellor’s report. Highlights of this report are discussed below.
[Circulated with the agenda as Document B. Copy filed in the Minute Book.]
1.
Deaths
Received a report on deaths recently announced by the University.
Resolved that Council record its deep regret and sympathy for the relatives
concerned.
2.
Director of Science City
Fiona Standfield has been appointed as the Director of Science City and will take up the
post from November, for a three year term.
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Council 28 October 2013
As Science City Director, she will take on the lead role in delivering Newcastle Science
City’s aims to advance the cause of the city and the wider region as a driving force for
science excellence and industry, including the successful delivery of Science Central.
3.
Massive Open Online courses (MOOCs)
From September 2014, Newcastle University will begin to offer Massive Open Online
Courses (MOOCs). An agreement has been signed to team up with FutureLearn, the UK’s
first multi-institution provider of open higher education courses.
The partnership with FutureLearn will allow Newcastle University to expand the existing
suite of online programmes with the launch of two MOOCs in 2014.
4.
Major investment in Arts and Humanities Postgraduate Research at Newcastle University,
Durham University and Queen’s University Belfast
Newcastle University, Durham University and Queen’s University Belfast are to receive a
total of £11.2m from the Arts and Humanities Research Council to establish the Northern
Bridge Doctoral Training Partnership to develop the next generation of doctoral
researchers. The partnership, co-ordinated by Newcastle University, has been awarded 157
fully funded PhD studentships, which represents over 6% of the total number of AHRC
studentships that are awarded nationally.
Council wished to thank Professor Charles Harvey, Pro-Vice-Chancellor Faculty of
Humanities and Social Sciences, Professor Neill Marshall, Dean of Postgraduate Studies,
Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences and to Dr Michael Rossington, Senior Lecturer
from the School of English Literature, Language and Linguistics for the work undertaken.
5.
Partnership with Monash re-launch
As part of the Internationalisation Strategy, the partnership with Monash University has
been re-launched. Important opportunities have been identified where strategic links could
provide substantial added value to both organisations.
Four areas for collaborative working have been identified based on existing links, the
priorities of the two universities and an assessment of areas of joint working, currently
focussed within Medical Sciences.
6.
Political Party Conferences
The University hosted events at all three mainstream political party conferences, seizing
the opportunity to engage senior politicians in a dialogue about the work Newcastle
University undertakes to address global problems through the societal challenge themes
of Ageing, Social Renewal and Sustainability.
7.
Late News
(i)
Times Higher League Table
‘Commercial in confidence’ Minute, filed in the Minute Book.
(ii)
Industrial Action
UNISON, UCU and Unite recently balloted their members for industrial action in response
to the final pay offer of 1% plus joint work on gender pay and casual work. All three unions
voted in favour of strike action, UCU have also voted in favour of action short of strike.
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Council 28 October 2013
The University has been notified that a joint strike day will be held on 31 October. UCU
have advised that its members will ‘work to contract’ from 1 November.
It was noted that it would be difficult to predict how many staff members will be involved
with the strike action, but preparations are being made to minimise disruption and
communication with the Sabbatical Officers has taken place.
(iii)
Research Excellence Framework (REF)
Submission of the REF is due by 29 November 2013, and up until the submission date
work is being undertaken to review the quality and quantity of submissions for each Unit
of Assessment (UoA). It was noted that the University had recruited more staff for the
REF submission that it had lost to other universities.
It was suggested that a review of subject disciplines should be made to focus how they
can drive Societal Challenge Themes within the University.
8.
Early Warnings
(i)
In recognition of the various success of the University including the National
Student Survey results, the graduate employment figures, the student enrolment
numbers and the amount of research income achieved, Council were asked to
approve an additional day of annual leave to be awarded to all members of staff to
be taken on Monday 23 December 2013.
Resolved that Council approve the award of the additional annual leave to be
taken Monday 23 December 2013.
26.
STRATEGIC RISK REGISTER SUMMARY
Received the Strategic Risk Register Summary.
[Circulated with the agenda as Document C. Copy filed in the Minute Book.]
Noted that:
1. The full Institutional Risk Register was reported to Audit Committee at its meeting on 9
October 2013.
2. Recent disruption at the Team Valley stored records facility had an impact on the service
provision to the University for a period of one week, this was attributed to travellers who had
moved into the car park and prevented access. Legal proceedings commenced to resolve
the issue. Barriers will be erected around the facility to prevent a repeated occurrence.
27.
VISION 2021: INSTITUTIONAL KPI REPORT
Received a report on the Institutional Strategic Objectives and KPIs from Professor Tony
Stevenson, Pro-Vice-Chancellor Planning and Resources, on behalf of Executive Board.
[Circulated with the agenda as Document D. Copy filed in the Minute Book.]
Noted that:
1.
The Institutional Strategic Objectives and KPIs are presented at specific meetings of
Council throughout the year.
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Council 28 October 2013
2.
28.
Focus on the KPI statistics is to be given to ensure the correct KPIs are being
monitored, taking into account delivery of improvement and length of time to deliver.
COUNCIL EFFECTIVENESS QUESTIONNAIRE 2012-13
Received:
(i) The annual effectiveness report from Dr John Hogan, Registrar.
[Circulated with the agenda as Document E. Copy filed in the Minute Book.]
(ii) The comment from Audit Committee
[Circulated with the agenda as Document F. Copy filed in the Minute Book.]
Noted that:
1. Council agreed that a shorter questionnaire than that used in previous years should be
prepared, based on a series of questions presented by an organisation called
TheBoard.co to a meeting of the Committee of University Chairs’ Northern Group.
2. The Effectiveness Report was reviewed by Audit Committee at its meeting on 9 October
2013.
3. There are a number of issues of concern to be addressed, particularly related to risk
management, how assurance can be sought that the controls are effective, and the
relationship between Executive Board and Council in decision-making.
4. 62.5% of respondents agreed that away-day sessions should be continued; however free
text comments suggest that these should only take place when a suitable topic which
warrants a more in depth discussion has been identified. The need to involve Council in
discussions at an early stage of strategy development was highlighted.
5. A reference was made to the Audit Committee having sub-committees but after
consideration, Audit Committee did not think this was necessary.
6. The comments raised in the questionnaire were broadly supportive, and included some
suggestions on how to do things differently and some critical issues of the style of reports
will be reviewed.
7. It was noted that four members of Council didn’t complete the questionnaire, and it was
agreed that a 100% completion rate should be achievable.
8. Any member of Council who feels that they have any concern about the effectiveness of
review process is invited to speak to the Chair confidentially.
29.
INTERNATIONALISATION STRATEGY
Received a progress report including KPIs from Professor Ella Ritchie, Deputy Vice-Chancellor,
on behalf of Executive Board.
[Circulated with the agenda as Document G. Copy filed in the Minute Book.]
Noted that:
1. The aims of the Internationalisation Strategy are to diversify and enhance the student
experience; raise the quality of research; strengthen the financial sustainability through
buoyant recruitment and programme delivery; and underpin and enhance the profile and
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Council 28 October 2013
reputation of the University.
2. It was noted that the idea of using Malaysia and Singapore campuses as a conference
location was a way of raising the research and profile of the University.
3. An implementation plan is in the process of being prepared. It was the intention to do more
work with members of the alumni based overseas.
30.
ENGAGEMENT STRATEGY
Received a progress report including KPIs from Professor Ella Ritchie, Deputy Vice-Chancellor,
on behalf of Executive Board.
[Circulated with the agenda as Document H. Copy filed in the Minute Book.]
Noted that:
1. The focus remains on the necessary culture change for engagement in how teaching,
research and other professional activities are undertaken.
2. There has been an increase in communication with members of the alumni to improve
relations in areas of strategic interest and build links to reinforce other areas.
31.
PUBLIC RELATIONS STRATEGY
Received A report from Professor Ella Ritchie, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, with Ms Abi Kelly,
Director of Public Relations on behalf of Executive Board.
[Circulated with the agenda as Document J. Copy filed in the Minute Book.]
[Copy of the PowerPoint slides filed in the Minute Book.]
Noted that Council members are key stakeholders within the University and should be used as
a resource tool to support the strategies.
Resolved that Professor Ritchie be thanked for an informative presentation.
32.
SCIENCE CENTRAL BUSINESS PLAN
Considered a report from Professor Steve Homans, Pro-Vice-Chancellor Faculty of Science,
Agriculture and Engineering with Professor Phil Taylor, Director of NIReS, on behalf of
Executive Board.
[Circulated with the agenda as Document K. Copy filed in the Minute Book.]
‘Commercial in confidence’ Minute, filed in the Minute Book.
33.
GOING FOR GROWTH
Received a report from the Mr Richard Dale, Executive Director on behalf of Executive Board.
[Circulated with the agenda as Document L. Copy filed in the Minute Book.]
[Copy of PowerPoint slides filed in the Minute Book.]
‘Commercial in confidence’ Minute, filed in the Minute Book.
34.
REPORT FROM AUDIT COMMITTEE
Considered a report from the meeting of Audit Committee, held on 9 October 2013.
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Council 28 October 2013
[Circulated with the agenda as Document M. Copy filed in the Minute Book.]
35.
ANNUAL REPORT FROM AUDIT COMMITTEE
Considered the Annual Report of Audit Committee to Council for 2012-13.
[Circulated with the agenda as Document N. Copy filed in the Minute Book.]
‘Commercial in confidence’ Minute, filed in the Minute Book.
36.
VALUE FOR MONEY ANNUAL REPORT 2012-13
Considered a report on Value for Money 2012-13, prepared by Dr John Hogan, Registrar.
[Circulated with the Agenda as Document O. Copy filed in the Minute Book.]
Noted that following the successful implementation of the Smartworking in Estates Support
Service within the Agriculture Building, members of Council were invited to see the facility if they
wished to do so.
Resolved that the Value for Money Annual Report be endorsed for submission to HEFCE.
37.
ANNUAL REPORTS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Received a report from Mr Richard Dale, Executive Director of Finance.
[Circulated with the agenda as Document P. Copy filed in the Minute Book.]
38.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2012-13
(i)
Going Concern
Received a report from the Executive Director of Finance.
[Circulated with the agenda as Document Q. Copy filed in the Minute Book.]
Resolved that Council approve the following recommendation from Executive Board
that:
1.
“Council confirms that it has reasonable expectation that the University has
adequate resources to continue in operation for the foreseeable future. For this
reason, it continues to adopt the going concern basis for preparing the
accounts.”
2.
The Annual Sustainability Assurance Report to HEFCE will not be submitted.
(ii) Financial Statements
Considered:
(a)
The audited consolidated Financial Statements of the University for the financial
year ended 31 July 2013.
(b)
The commentary to the accounts.
[Circulated with the agenda as Documents R and S. Copies filed in the Minute Book.]
‘Commercial in confidence’ Minute, filed in the Minute Book.
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Council 28 October 2013
39.
REPORT FROM FINANCE COMMITTEE
Received a report from the meeting of the Finance Committee held on 8 October 2013.
[Circulated with the agenda as Document T. Copy filed in the Minute Book.]
‘Commercial in confidence’ Minute, filed in the Minute Book.
40.
STUDENT RECRUITMENT
Received a report from Professor Suzanne Cholerton, Pro-Vice-Chancellor Learning and
Teaching on behalf of Executive Board.
[Circulated with the agenda as Document U. Copy filed in the Minute Book.]
‘Commercial in confidence’ Minute, filed in the Minute Book.
41.
HEFCE SINGLE CONVERSATION
Reported that Audit Committee has considered the Internal Audit Annual report 2012-13
prepared by Mrs Juliet Simpson, Head of Internal Audit, and has resolved that the Report be
reported to Council.
Received:
(i) Internal Audit Annual Report.
(ii) The Annual Assurance Return 2013.
[Circulated with the agenda as Documents V and W. Copies filed in the Minute Book.]
42.
FINANCIAL REGULATIONS
Received a paper from the Executive Director of Finance.
[Circulated with the agenda as Document X. Copy filed in the Minute Book.]
Resolved that Council approve the update to the Financial Regulations.
43.
ANNUAL REPORT ON CHARITABLE STATUS 2012-13
Received a report on, prepared by Dr John Hogan, Registrar.
[Circulated with the Agenda as Document Y. Copy filed in the Minute Book.]
44.
CHAIR’S CIRCULAR
Chair’s circulars of routine business were sent to members on 8 October 2013.
Approved business:
(i)
Charitable Status report
Items for information:
(i)
Reported Business
8