UNCONFIRMED
Faculty of Engineering & Science
Faculty Board
Minutes of the Inaugural meeting of the FACULTY BOARD in the
2012-13 academic session, held on Thursday, 4 July 2013, at 14:00,
in Room 134, Pembroke Building, Medway Campus
Present:
Martin Snowden (Chair)
Amir Alani
Bruce Alexander
David Armour-Chelu
Alasdair Grant
Peter Griffiths
Veronica Habgood (External)
Emma Loughrill
John Orchard
Ruth Quinn
Elinor Thompson
Andrew Westby
Steve Wicks
Steve Woodhead
Pro Vice-Chancellor, Engineering & Science
Head of Department, Civil Engineering, Engineering
Programme Leader, Science
Head of Department, Electrical, Electronic & Computer Engineering,
Engineering
Faculty Operating Officer, Engineering & Science
Faculty Administrative Officer, Engineering & Science
Head of Department, Food & Markets, NRI
Director of Learning & Quality, Science
Health and Safety Manager and Support Services Manager,
Engineering
Head of Department for Chemical, Pharmaceutical & Environmental
Sciences, Science
Director of Learning & Quality, Engineering
Acting Dean, Science
Health & Social Care
Student Representative, Science
Director of Research & Enterprise, NRI
Student Representative, Engineering
Early Career Researcher, Science
Director, NRI
Director of Research & Enterprise (Research), Science
Director of Research & Enterprise, Engineering
In attendance:
Lynne Spencer
Pauline McFarlane
Jodie Cole
Heather Bell
Student Centre Service Head, OSA
Student Wellbeing Service Head, OSA
Project Manager, Programme Management & Quality Office
Retail Manager (University of Greenwich), John Smith’s Bookshop
Stuart Ashenden
Lorraine Barrett (Secretary)
Ben Bennett
Richard Blackburn
Ian Cakebread
Jeremy Everett
Apologies:
Richard Anthony
Tim Barry
Raj Bhatti
Peter Callaghan
Tim Chancellor
Samer El-Daher
Jeremy Hagar
John Linton
Adrienne Martin
John Morton
Dave Wray
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Health and Safety Manager and Laboratory Manager, Science
Head of Department, Technology Management & Enterprise,
Engineering
Acting Head of Department, Mechanical, Manufacturing & Design
Engineering, Engineering
Programme Leader, Engineering
Director of Capacity Strengthening & Learning, NRI
Head of Department for Life & Sports Science, Science
Head of Department, Agriculture, Health & Environment, NRI
Commercial Director, NRI
Director of Programme Development, NRI
Head of Department, Livelihoods & Institutions, NRI
Director of Research & Enterprise (Enterprise), Science
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FBES/12/1
Items from Chair
1.1 Welcome and introductions
The Chair welcomed members to the inaugural meeting of the Faculty Board.
Particular thanks given to the external Board member from the Faculty of
Education & Health for agreeing to take up the role, as well as colleagues in
attendance, and student representatives.
1.2 Report from the Pro Vice-Chancellor
The Pro Vice-Chancellor provided an update on the implementation of the
Faculty structure. It was reported that the Vice-Chancellor has requested that
each faculty appoints four key faculty-wide roles in the areas of Research and
Enterprise, Learning and Quality, Student Experience and Partnership and
International. The job descriptions for these roles are currently being drawn
up and will be advertised internally during the summer. It is hoped that by
September the Faculty will have all of the roles that are required by the
Vice-Chancellor filled to enable it to proceed.
All Pro Vice-Chancellors were requested to produce a Faculty Strategic Plan by
the Vice-Chancellor by 31 July. A draft is currently with the Vice-Chancellor for
comment, following which it will be circulated to colleagues for comment before
the final Plan is submitted.
FBES/12/2
Minutes of the Previous Meeting
2.1
Engineering
The Board received the minutes of the final School Board meeting held on
27 March 2013 (FBES/12/P1). The School has approved a Research and
Enterprise Strategic Plan, and it was noted that the School Board meetings
had also considered the School’s restructuring. The minutes were agreed to
be an accurate record.
2.2
Science
The Board received the minutes of the final School Board meeting held on
22 February 2013 (FBES/12/P2). Members were advised that although there
were no outstanding matters, there are some ongoing items. The minutes of
the meeting were agreed an accurate record.
FBES/12/3
Consideration of the Terms of Reference and Membership of the Faculty
Board
Members received the Terms of Reference and Membership of the Faculty
Board (FBES/12/P3).
The Chair reported that within the proposed Faculty structure, the Faculty
Leader for Learning and Teaching will take Chair’s action and report at Faculty
Board and will also represent the Faculty’s Quality Officers. The Head of
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Student Experience and the Head of Partnerships will also become members
of the Faculty Board.
As the School of Science are working with EDU on student experience issues,
the Chair suggested that it would be helpful to invite the Faculty Leader of
Student Experience to future Board meetings as appropriate, but that it would
not be expected that they would become a member.
In terms of communication between the Faculty Board and colleagues in the
Faculty, the Chair confirmed that it would be the responsibility of Heads of
Department to cascade information to colleagues in Schools, as well as
forward items of discussion to the Chair for discussion at Board meetings.
FBES/12/4
Consideration of a standing agenda for the Faculty Board
The Board received a draft Standing Agenda (FBES/12/P4). It was agreed
that student recruitment matters would be discussed under the Student
Experience agenda item, and following discussion, the Board agreed the
agenda.
FBES/12/5
Update from the Office of Student Affairs
The Board received details of the new structure of the Office of Student
Affairs, and the new Student Centre Service Head provided an overview. The
Chair commented that there is a significant reduction in the number of staff
based at Medway.
It was noted that with regards to the counselling service available to students,
that the university is has operated with circa 2.2 counsellors on the campus for
the last few years, but that the system in place ensures considers students on
a case by case basis, so that students with severe problems are seen more
quickly. It was noted that partner college students are supported within their
college.
The Faculty Operating Officer reported that effective September 2013 the
university has appointed an additional chaplaincy at Medway which will be
jointly funded by the three institutions and Rochester Cathedral. The current
chaplain will also remain in post, and they will support Greenwich students.
Action: The OSA organisational structure to be circulated to the Board.
FBES/12/6
Update on Aspire@greenwich scheme
The Programme Manager, Quality Office, ILS provided an overview of the
scheme, reporting that it is new for 2013/14 academic year, and run in
partnership with John Smith’s bookstore based in Greenwich. The scheme is
aimed at new, home, full time undergraduate students, who are paying £9,000
a year fees for their programme of study, and provides a cashless system
whereby students are able to purchase learning resources from
John Smith’s bookshops. The total amount students will receive is £200 per
year, with one half paid at registration and the balance paid to students still at
the university the following February.
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It is proposed that John Smith’s will have a presence at Medway during
registration to gauge the demand by students and to investigate what can be
done during the year. Board members were asked to forward suggestions and
specific information, such as reading lists and any additional learning resources
that might be beneficial to students. It is also proposed that an on-line service,
including e-books, will be available in due course.
John Smith’s are also in discussions with the Drill Hall Library and post room
about the feasibility of books being delivered to the Medway campus as well as
to students’ residencies.
However, the Chair remarked concern that students based at Medway are
disadvantaged as they have no access to the bookstores, and agreed to raise
this with the Vice-Chancellor.
Action: The Chair agreed to discuss the possibility of having a presence
by John Smith’s bookstore at Medway.
FBES/12/7
Partnerships and collaboration
7.1
School of Engineering
Members were advised that the School currently has four full cost
collaborations, two UK based and two overseas. With regards to the two UK
partners, Bromley College has circa 20 students and Canterbury College are
now a partner college of the University of Kent. Additionally, the School has
students from the RSME studying four foundation degrees and three top-up
degrees. In terms of overseas partners, the School has articulation
agreements with Yangcheng Institute of Technology and Taizou University in
China.
7.2
School of Science
The School is in discussion with two Chinese universities who are looking at
establishing 3 + 1 model agreements. There is also potentially Masters
degrees with NRI in development in Plant Sciences and Food Technology
disciplines.
FBES/12/8 Learning and quality
8.1
School of Engineering
The Board received the minutes of the School Learning and Quality Committee
held on 27 February (FBES/12/P6). At the meeting committee members had
discussion around signing off of programmes. A later meeting had been held on
15 May when more generic topics had been discussed, including KIS data. It
was noted that it will be for the Faculty Board to decide how decisions and
actions previously made at School level Committee will be decided in the future.
8.2
School of Science
The Board received the minutes of the School Learning and Quality Committee
held on 15 May 2013 (FBES/12/P6). Members were informed that the School
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has received notification from the professional body that the BSc Chemistry
programme had successfully received accreditation, and this has been added to
the KIS data. A number of reviews are upcoming and a process has been put in
place with EDU for an adviser to work with programme leaders to ensure they
conform with the university procedures to see who is best placed for the review
process.
Discussions have taken place regarding the HEA TESTA project (Transforming
the Experience of Students through Assessment), and a sub committee has
been established to consider enhancing assessment across the School. In
addition, the Directors of Learning and Quality from both Schools are working
with EDU to investigate how TESTA can be embedded into the faculty, and the
Chair requested that a training session is delivered for staff
Action: The Directors of Learning and Quality agreed to arrange a training
session on the TESTA process with EDU.
8.3
NRI
The Board received Notes on Learning and Teaching meeting held on
7 June 2013 (FBES/12/P7a), Notes on Learning and Teaching meeting held on
20 March 2013 (FBES/12/7b), NRI Management Team meeting held on 19 June
2013 (FBES/12/8) and NRI Business Pipieline dated 19 June 2013. NRI have a
staff committee comprising programme leaders and their deputies and the
Director of Teaching and Learning and which discusses issues around
programmes. In addition, it has a staff and student committee which provides a
platform for students to air their issues about programmes. Both committees
feed into the School of Science Learning and Quality Committee.
FBES/12/9
Departmental reports
9.1
School of Engineering
Computer and Communications Engineering had undergone an
accreditation visit by the IET in May, the results of which are to be received.
Although the report from IET had largely been positive, it had highlighted issues
with technical resource and technical support staff. It was noted that
professional accreditation would be crucial to both Engineering and Science
disciplines in terms of being competitive in the marketplace. Discussions have
also focused on the School’s restructuring and individuals’ preferences to
concentrate on outreach or research activities. A cohort of students from MSA
Cairo will be coming to Medway to use the engineering facilities and register for
two weeks during August.
Civil Engineering comprises 12 members of academic staff, four technical
staff and one support staff. Recently a member of academic staff and
consultant were recruited, but they had sadly lost a colleague unexpectedly.
According to the Guardian league tables, the department is thirteenth in the
country of civil engineering departments. Recruitment is a challenge. The
department has nine programmes, all of which have professional accreditation,
and the HND Civil Engineering programme has been discontinued. The Head
of Department noted that there had been some issues with the Marketing
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Department, to which in response the Chair agreed to meet with the Head of
Marketing.
Action: The Chair to meet with Head of Marketing to discuss issues
highlighted
Engineering Systems, along with Computer and Communications
Engineering, have had the most changes following the School’s restructure.
The programmes within the department are up for reaccreditation in 2014, and
in terms of research, they have nine PhD completions and one MPhil this year.
One significant development is Ford Motor Company who would like to send
15 apprenticeships to the School from September to undertake a
part time foundation degree as well as 10 students undertaking a HNC. It was
noted that this could be the start of a new style of delivery, with 18 year old
students studying part time mode.
Business Information Technology and Enterprise (BITE) has, as part of
the School restructure, changed to Technical Management and Enterprise,
and will be exploring technology management. This will include Science
Management with the School of Science as well as the broader management
requirements of the Faculty.
9.2
School of Science
Life and Sports Sciences has seen an increased level of achievement from
students in examinations, with the target of 65% achieving 2:1 grades, and
fewer students failing at the first attempt. A new MBiol programme is currently
being developed in collaboration with NRI.
Pharmaceutical, Chemical and Environmental Sciences has seen a strong
growth in the number of students achieving First and 2:1 grades. The recent
accreditation of BSc Chemistry had been successful, as had the accreditation
of BSc Forensic Science. There are currently various programmes in
Formulation Science and Pharmaceutical Science disciplines, and it is
anticipated to include some environmental elements in consideration of
student employability.
The Chair requested that for the next Faculty Board each Head of Department
provides a report on the perceived First and 2:1 grades attainted next year as
well as marks awarded for students in years one to two and two to three.
Action: Heads of Department
9.3
NRI
The business plan for this year is to turn over £10.7 million. The funds have
been awarded, but have to be delivered. The Institute is currently over
performing in terms of cash turnover, however, it is under performing in terms
of teaching. In the context of the Faculty Strategic Plan, 25% of the NRI
income will come from teaching and learning. In terms of research, £1 million
has been won, and staff are working hard in reviewing how work is presented
worldwide. Programmes have been restructured into development and
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academic programmes. In terms of recruitment, three professors have been
appointed and five new job offers have also been made. NRI’s collaboration
with East Malling Research Centre is going well.
The Director of NRI informed members that in terms of KPIs, there is an issue
with the performance of PhD students as they are struggling to pass English
language tests. Currently we cannot offer places if applicants fail the test,
however, they cannot enter the country if the university does not make them
an offer. It was suggested that the university could potentially deliver presessional English language classes in the summer similar to those delivered
for other international students and it was agreed that the School of
Humanities and Social Sciences would be contacted in this respect.
Action: Director of NRI and Faculty Operating Officer to contact the
School of Humanities and Social Sciences.
FBES/12/10 Student Experience
The Faculty Operating Officer reported that following request by Campus
Management Board, a Campus Student Experience Working Group had been
set up and was asked to investigate students’ views on what social space they
would want to have on the campus, as well as to find out how students use
social space available. A survey was devised and completed by circa
1,400 students from the three institutions. The Board received the results of the
survey, along with a report from the Working Group which was reported to
Campus Management Board (FBES/12/P9). It was however noted that
consideration should be given to how students use the campus and whether
they live on campus, in London or in Medway as this will make a difference to
any response given as to what facilities would they would find most beneficial.
Members were advised that UMSA will cease to exist effective 31 July,
however, SUUG and Kent Union will then operate a Students’ Union
collaboratively. A new sabbatical officer has recently been appointed and it
was agreed to invite him to the next meeting.
Action: Faculty Operating Officer
The student representative asked members to consider the high cost of living
in the Halls of Residence which leads students to live in private
accommodation. In addition, consideration should be given to the last bus
leaving the campus for London.
In terms of activities on the campus, there is a lack of sporting activities
however could the university speak with local sporting facilities.
The Chair thanked the student representatives for their helpful contribution to
the discussion.
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FBES/12/11 Health and safety
11.1
School of Engineering
The School’s Health and Safety Committee meet three times a year and
submitted its annual safety statement prior to the deadline this year. The
Committee comprises named persons with given responsibilities. No incidents
or issues had been reported during the last year.
11.2
School of Science
Members were advised that there were no items of substance to report.
11.3
NRI
NRI have a Health and Safety Coordinator and each department has a Health
and Safety Officer. The Health and Safety Committee meet every three
months, and its annual statement is circulated to staff to promote discussion
with senior management, and this year the annual safety statement had been
submitted in good time. Within the last year eight minor accidents and issues
had been reported. Due to the nature of work, NRI have to consider staff
travelling overseas. Therefore all staff who travel overseas are required to
undertake a two day training programme on how to manage incidents when
overseas.
The Faculty Operating Officer noted that it would be necessary to work out the
relationship between the Campus Health and Safety Committee, School
Health and Safety Committee and Faculty Board, and that other Schools who
deliver at Medway should be included. It was noted that the Health and Safety
Committees are to be chaired by the Faculty Operating Officers.
FBES/12/12 Research and Enterprise
12.1
School of Engineering
Research and enterprise activity in the School has increased during the past
five years, and there has also been an increase in postgraduate students from
30 to 66, and this has led to an increase in income. Six months’ ago the
School developed a Research and Enterprise Strategy which devolves
responsibility for this activity to the departments, including setting REF targets
and activities, and this is being implemented gradually. It was noted that
sources of funding to fund research students is changing, with more students
applying with company funding, including overseas students.
12.2
School of Science
The School reported a good level of research activity, with the REF process
divided into four areas: Chemistry, Biological Science, Sports Science and
Pharmaceutical Science. Levels of income and the number of new contracts
however are generally down about £1.2 – 1.5 million. Revenue activity
equates to around 40% of staff participating but just 10% are generating
revenue for PhD students. The School is dropping 19 partnerships to
concentrate on a lower number of partnerships but with a higher value.
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The School is putting more effort into business management, with GRE
assisting to identify programmes and encouraging staff to increase their
bidding but lowering levels of attrition. In terms of the Faculty Strategic Plan,
the School’s target for this activity is 12%.
12.3
NRI
NRI set a business plan target for staff of £8.9 million, however, to date
£9.1 million has been reached. Nonetheless, the challenges for staff are that
the high level of income needs to be managed and sustained against the high
level of work that is needed to ensure successful project outcomes. A
proposal has been submitted to Gates for £5-6 million on Wf-fi which was in
competition, which a successful outcome is expected. A bid has also been
submitted with DFID.
In terms of REF, it is hoped to submit 65% of staff from NRI as well as
Science. The issue of English language for research and overseas students
requires addressing, taking into consideration they are paying students.
FBES/12/13 External examiners
Members received paper FBES/12/10 which provided an update on the
external examiners appointed to Schools of Engineering and Science and
NRI.
FBES/11.6
Date and Time of Next Meeting
Meetings of the Faculty Board for the academic year 2013/14 are to be
circulated by the Secretary of the Board.
For last page only:
Secretary:
L Barrett
Tel:
01634 883 026
Email:
L.P.Barrett@gre.ac.uk
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