NEWCASTLE UNIVERSITY
COUNCIL
16 September 2013
Present: Mr Mark I’Anson (in the Chair), the Vice-Chancellor, Dr John Appleby, Ms Eve Berwin
(Education Officer, Students’ Union), Mr Neil Braithwaite, Mr Mike Davison, Mr Jonathan
Glass, Professor Deborah Henderson, Mrs Jacqui Henderson, Mr Robert Hull, Mr
Stephen Lightley, 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), and Mrs Lizzie Taylor (Executive Officer (Governance)).
Apologies: Dr Peter Andras, Professor Alan Boddy, Professor Vicki Bruce, Mrs Veryan Johnston
(Executive Director of Human Resources), Mrs Heidi Mottram, and Mr Paul Walker.
Mrs Sam Taylor (Executive Officer, Governance), attended the meeting as an observer.
Professor Phil Taylor, Director of NIReS, attended for Minute 12.
M I N U T E S
1. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
No declarations of interest were received.
2. WELCOME
The Chair welcomed Ms Eve Berwin, Mr Jonathan Glass, Mr Stephen Lightley and Mr Calum
Mackenzie to their first meeting of Council.
3. MINUTES
The minutes of the meeting of Council held on 17 June 2013 were approved as a correct record and signed.
4. MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES
1. 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.
2. Noted that Mr Richard Dale, Executive Director of Finance, would provide a report to Council on the University Cash Balance Sheet and the growth strategy, and this would be presented to the meeting of Council 28 October 2013.
5. HEALTH AND SAFETY
Noted that there were no matters to report.

Council 16 September 2013
6. CHAIR’S BUSINESS
1. Register of Interest Forms
Lay members and student members of Council were reminded to return their completed register of interest forms to Lizzie Taylor/Sam Taylor, and academic members of Council were asked to ensure that declarations of interest were updated on the MyImpact website.
2. Council Briefing Sessions
Council members were reminded of the forthcoming Council Briefing sessions:

9 October 2013, 9am12 noon, L5.15 King’s Gate – Meeting of Audit Committee

28 October 2013, 11:30am12:15pm, L5.18 King’s Gate – Deputy Vice-Chancellor,
‘General overview of the University’s Engagement and Internationalisation activities’
Council members were reminded to inform Lizzie Taylor/Sam Taylor if they planned to attend these sessions.
3. Council Representative on Senate
Mike Davison has agreed to act as the Council representative on Senate from 1 August
2013 to 31 July 2016.
7. VICECHANCELLOR’S BUSINESS
Received the ViceChancellor’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. Missing Student
The Vice-Chancellor reported that Council had received an oral report on 17 June regarding a missing student, Jason Fyles (Stage 1, BA (Hons) Town Planning) who went missing on
16 May 2013. A body was recovered from the river Tyne on 26 June 2013 which police later confirmed was that of Jason, following DNA testing and the examination of personal effects. An inquest into the death has taken place although no formal notification has since been received.
On 3 July, the ViceChancellor wrote to Jason’s family to express his condolences on behalf of the University, and Jason’s funeral took place on 12 July at which the University was represented.
3. Undergraduate Admissions
The Vice-Chancellor reported that the national figures released on 23 August 2013 suggested that until 2010 the student figures appeared to be increasing steadily, but there had been a spike in the numbers for 2011 as a result of the impending rise in student fees.
Following the introduction of higher fees in 2012 there was a decline in the student
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Council 16 September 2013 numbers. The figures released for 2013 suggest that the numbers have recovered to a more normal position, similar to that of 2010.
4. NSS 2013
The ViceChancellor’s business paper made reference to the first release of the NSS 2013 outcomes and that Newcastle University achieved an overall satisfaction score of 90%
(based on a 71% response rate), this is a rise of 1% on the score from 2012.
5. INTO
The INTO Newcastle Centre is continuing to perform well and it is expected that the teaching centre will exceed its capacity. Discussions with INTO are on-going with a view to leasing or selling the Line East building and the Crow’s Nest Hotel to enable them to be refurbished and used as additional teaching accommodation.
Council were reminded that there is no planned cost effective use for these buildings and a refurbishment by INTO would be a worthwhile contribution to the improvement of the estate.
Independent professional valuations for the buildings are being obtained prior to a discussion of commercial terms.
Resolved that Council approved the delegation of authority to the Chair and the
Treasurer to approve terms for either a long term lease of a leasehold sale.
6. British Science Festival
The University hosted the British Science Festival from 7-12 September 2013. This event is the largest and longest running public celebration of science, engineering and technology in Europe, and provided an opportunity to showcase the University’s world class science to thousands of visitors. In addition to the main Festival, the Young
People’s Programme welcomed 1100 young people to the campus each day, which is the highest amount achieved in its 174 year history.
Council recorded its thanks to Professor Ella Ritchie, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Mrs Abi
Kelly, Director of Public Relations, the Public Relations and Events team, the Marketing team, the Student Ambassadors and all academic members of staff who took part in this event.
7. Research Grants and Income
The University has crossed the threshold of £100m for research grant awards value for the first time with a 28% increase since 2011-12. Council congratulated Professor Nick
Wright, Pro-Vice-Chancellor Research and Innovation, on the particularly strong research income performance.
8. Core IT Network
The University has signed a contract with Huawei Technologies (UK) Co.Ltd to replace the University’s network and to supply wireless equipment to support wi-fi deployment in
Castle Leazes student residences. The project was approved by FMBSG and the Digital
Campus Steering Group.
Council felt that the right decision had been made, however it was noted that some concerns had been raised at Audit Committee with regard to the potential loss of intellectual property although it was agreed that it would be difficult to quantify the reputational risk.
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Council 16 September 2013
9. Hyperbaric (high pressure) chamber system
An opportunity has arisen for Newcastle University to partner with British Engines
Limited (BEL), to construct a hyperbaric chamber system to test subsea equipment on a
BEL site near to the Neptune National Centre. The proposed expenditure is part of the overall Neptune Nation Centre plans already approved by Council.
Following discussions with BEL, it is proposed that a limited company will be created to own and operate the equipment. Although the capital expenditure is within the delegated authority for the Vice-Chancellor to approve, the proposed mechanism to contribute this as equity in the proposed company will require the approval of Council.
Resolved that Council approved the delegation of authority to the Chair and the
Treasurer to approve the final transaction prior to execution.
10. Times Higher Education Awards 2013
Newcastle University has been shortlisted for ‘University of the year’ at this year’s Times
Higher Education awards. The University has also been shortlisted for ‘Outstanding contribution to Innovation and Technology ’ for E-Therapeutics and ‘Excellence and
Innovation in the Arts ’ for the Latin arts festival ¡VAMOS!. The winners will be announced at the award ceremony on 28 November 2013.
11. Late News
(i) The QS World University Rankings published on 10 September indicate that
Newcastle University has slipped from 126 th to 129 th in the QS rankings, despite the fact that the absolute scores in all categories except one have improved.
The academic reputation score has increased significantly.
(ii) Professor Tony Stevenson, Pro-Vice-Chancellor Planning and Resources, has been seconded to the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) for 2 days per week, for 3 months.
(iii) On 17 June 2013, Council were advised that Remuneration Committee had considered the issue of fair pay and had agreed that whilst the University is committed to the concept of fair pay it does not agree that pay should be determined by external bodies such as the Living Wage Campaign. It had been agreed that the University would review this matter and the following has now been confirmed:

The University will no longer use the first point of the 51-point common pay spine, for all regular staff (excluding trainees, interns and apprentices).

Staff previously on point 1 of the pay scale have now progressed to point 2 from 1 August 2013.

The Annual Pay Review exercise has now been revised to enable the inclusion of team-based awards.
 Plans are in place for the payment of a discretionary supplement of £300 for around 580 of our lowest paid staff (on points 2-6 of the common pay spine).
Many of these staff are part-time employees who will receive a pro-rata supplement). This will be paid with November salaries.
The University will continue to monitor the issue of fair pay.
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Council 16 September 2013
12. Early Warnings
(i) USS and FRS102 – From 2015 universities are required to recognise a liability for any deficit reduction plan in USS.
(ii) Mr Richard Dale, Executive Director of Finance, reported that subject to audit the
University would report a turnover of £405m which represents growth of 7% year on year. The highlighted details were:

Research grant award value increased significantly;

The current surplus is estimated at £18m which is £5m better than the forecasted figure;

The local pension scheme is healthy;

The healthy cash figure is driven by the surplus position and the fact that the
University is a lead collaborator on a number of European research projects.
8. 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 University has a limited ability to influence the national position of the USS, this is reflected in the rating of this particular risk.
2. The student recruitment controls are in place and target numbers for recruitment have been achieved.
3. The University is performing well in terms of its environmental performance and this has resulted in a reduction in the net score for this risk.
4. The risk of loss of staff to other institutions has reduced due to the position of the Research
Excellence Framework cycle.
9. COMMITTEE OF UNIVERS ITY CHAIRS’ CODE OF GOVERNANCE AND ASSOCIATED
GUIDANCE SURVEY
Received a report from Dr John Hogan, Registrar, on behalf of Executive Board.
[Circulated with the agenda as Document D. Copy filed in the Minute Book.]
The Committee of University Chairs (CUC) has commissioned a review of its Code of
Governance and associated guidance in order to assist those responsible for governance in
Higher Education in the development of their governance arrangements in response to the changing context of UK Higher Education.
Resolved that the submission prepared by the Chair be approved.
10. 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 E. Copy filed in the Minute Book.]
Noted that:
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Council 16 September 2013
1. The Institutional Strategic Objectives and KPIs are presented at specific meetings of Council throughout the year. Document E provides the full set of institutional KPIs for 2012-13, which were presented at individual meetings of Council throughout the last academic year.
2. The financial indicators are all rated as green which was not an indication of complacency. It was explained that the University has built up strong cash balances as a precautionary measure, in anticipation of the new fees regime. As student recruitment has remained in a strong position the University can now consider how it intends to use the cash balances it has as its disposal. This will be considered as part of the growth discussions.
11. FACULTY OF MEDICAL SCIENCES STRATEGIC PROGRESS REPORT
Received a PowerPoint presentation from Professor Chris Day, Pro-Vice-Chancellor Faculty of
Medical Sciences, on behalf of Executive Board.
[Circulated with the agenda as Document F. Copy filed in the Minute Book.]
[Copy of the slides filed in the Minute Book.]
Noted that:
1. The Faculty is considering opportunities in the area of sports sciences as a potential growth area for undergraduate degree programmes. This would build on existing links and expertise and is a popular subject amongst applicants.
2. The Faculty has an active program of performance management and where necessary has taken steps to address underperformance in both teaching and research staff.
3. In national examinations, the Universit y’s medical graduates perform on a par with those from Oxford and Cambridge universities which is thought to be a result of the strong teaching provision.
Resolved that Professor Day be thanked for an informative presentation.
12. SCIENCE CENTRAL ACTIVITY PLAN
Received 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 G. Copy filed in the Minute Book.]
Minute classified as ‘Commercial in Confidence’.
13. REPORT FROM AUDIT COMMITTEE
Received a report from the meeting of Audit Committee, held on 17 July 2013.
[Circulated with the agenda as Document H. Copy filed in the Minute Book.]
14. REPORT FROM UNIVERSI TY/STUDENTS’ UNION PARTNERSHIP COMMITTEE
Received a report from the meeting of the University/Students’ Union Partnership Committee held on 17 June 2013.
[Circulated with the agenda as Document J. Copy filed in the Minute Book.]
15. HEADLINES FOLLOWING THE FIRST RELEASE OF NATIONAL STUDENT SURVEY 2013
OUTCOMES
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Council 16 September 2013
Received a report from Professor Suzanne Cholerton, Pro Vice-Chancellor Learning and
Teaching, on behalf of Executive Board.
[Circulated with the agenda as Document K. Copy filed in the Minute Book.]
Noted that:
1. Newcastle University achieved an overall satisfaction score of 90% (based on a 71% response rate), which is a rise of 1% from the result from 2012. The scores for Newcastle have improved or remained static since 2012 in all but one of the 23 questions within the survey.
2. Comparator data from HEFCE revealed that Newcastle University ranked joint 10 among ‘full service’ universities on the basis of overall satisfaction. th place
3. Newcastle University scored higher that the HEI average across the majority of questions in the NSS, and achieved results within the upper quartile for 14 of the 23 questions. Overall section scores were within the upper quartile in four of the six areas: Academic support,
Organisation and Management, Learning Resources and Personal Development.
4. As in previous years, Schools are asked to respond to the NSS through the Annual
Monitoring and Review reports. A more in depth course of action will be taken for those subject areas at 86% or below with particular emphasis placed on subject areas with low scores and large numbers of students. The Pro-Vice-Chancellor Learning and Teaching with the Head of QuILT will meet with these subject areas to discuss action plans and suggest sources of assistance for enhancement.
16. UNDERGRADUATE ADMISSIONS FOR 2013 ENTRY AND STRATEGY FOR 2014
Received a report from Professor Suzanne Cholerton, Pro Vice-Chancellor Learning and
Teaching, on behalf of Executive Board.
[Circulated with the agenda as Document L. Copy filed in the Minute Book.]
Noted that:
1. The latest figures available suggest that 4427 Undergraduate students have accepted offers which is 319 ahead of the budget target, and is 20% higher than the intake for 2012.
2. Some concern was expressed about the strain on residential accommodation by the high level of recruitment and the support for students searching for accommodation.
3. The University had been able to honour its guarantee to provide accommodation to students who held ‘conditional firm’ offers, however this had proven to be challenging. It was necessary for some accommodation which had been due to be taken out of service for 2013-
14 to be reinstated, and University accommodation staff had been working with landlords from the private sector to ensure students had support with accommodation arrangements.
4. A further 450 rooms will be available for 2014-15 with the completion of Park Terrace student accommodation.
5. The SIG for the Estate had been invited to view student accommodation and our accommodation strategy will need to be revised in light of emerging growth plans which will be reported to Council at a future meeting.
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Council 16 September 2013
6. There were thought to be approximately 150-200 students who were still looking for student accommodation. The University is taking steps to assist these students to find accommodation within the private sector.
Council thanked all members of staff involved for the exemplary results achieved.
17. RAISING THE BAR: RECRUITMENT AND SELECTION OF HEADS OF ACADEMIC UNITS
Received a report from Dr John Hogan, Registrar, on behalf of Executive Board.
[Circulated with the agenda as Document M. Copy filed in the Minute Book.]
Noted that:
As part of the Raising the Bar project the job summary and person specification for the recruitment of Heads of Academic Unit were revised and agreed by Senate and Council in July
2013. The following changes have been included in the revised process which Council are asked to consider:
1. For reasons of confidentiality it will not be possible to consult academic colleagues on the shortlisted candidates. It is the norm however to consult academic staff prior to advertisement on the desired direction of the academic unit and possible candidates for the
Headship.
2. The revised process envisages a more proactive and targeted search campaign ahead of any advertisement.
3. The job summary and person specification agreed by Council and Senate focus on academic leadership and the selection process needs to assess leadership abilities and experience.
Resolved that:
(i) Resolved that Council approve the recommendations in the report.
(ii) Resolved that Council approve the disestablishment of the Faculty Appointment
Boards, subject to the approval of Senate at its meeting on 26 November 2013.
18. SCHEDULE OF COUNCIL BUSINESS 2013-14
Received a report outlining the schedule of business of Council for 2013-14
[Circulated with the agenda as Document N. Copy filed in the Minute Book.]
19. CHAIR’S CIRCULAR
C hair’s circulars of routine business were sent to members on 29 July and 23 August 2013.
29 July 2013
Approved business:
(i) Third Party Occupancy Policy
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Council 16 September 2013
Items for information:
(i) Singapore Governance Structures
(ii) Head of Academic Unit Job Description and Person Specification
(iii) Widening Participation Statement
(iv) Employee Opinion Survey 2013
(v) BUCS Table 2012-13
(vi) Reported Business
23 August 2013
Approved business:
There were no items for approval.
Items for information:
(i) Membership of Council 2013-14
(ii) Statement of Primary Responsibilities
(iii) Delegation of Powers and Authority
(iv) Principles of Council
(v) Council Schedule for 2013-14
(vi) Statutory Returns
(vii) Reported Business
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