Adam Tickell
Today, 26 February, the Vice-Chancellor wrote to all staff. You can read his email in full:
As I emailed you on Wednesday this week with information on how the University is responding to the latest government guidelines for emerging out of lockdown, this update will be briefer than usual.
First, I want to flag a number of engagement opportunities next week and to encourage you to get involved. On Monday, I am hosting a Q&A-based open forum for staff, where I will be joined by our Director of HR, Siobhan O'Reilly, specifically to answer any questions on the latest Covid developments and the University’s Size and Shape programme. We always have questions at the open forums that we don’t have time to answer on the day, so I’m keen to make sure we provide more opportunities for this. You can book your place online and submit questions in advance. There is also still time to sign up for one of two sessions (on 2 and 10 March) about the USS pension scheme, led by Rebecca Dodd, an independent pensions expert from Mercer.
Much of the rest of a busy week ahead will be taken up with getting ready to welcome back some of our students on practice-based courses from 8 March. We had of course already laid much of the groundwork when we were originally expecting them back in January. Nevertheless, it is vital that we get everything right to make sure the process runs safely and smoothly. Thank you to everyone involved.
Earlier this week, I took part in a panel discussion for the Higher Education Policy Institute (HEPI), during which I expressed my hope that we will be able to welcome back all other students before the end of the academic year. Also, I was asked about graduation ceremonies this summer to which I replied, in all honesty, that I cannot see the large-scale events we usually run taking place this year. But wouldn’t it be wonderful to have some form of celebration, even if these are in smaller subject groups? We’ll have to wait and see, of course, but it’s a sign of how much progress has been made that we can even consider this.
Graduations fall within the remit of our new Division of Communications, Marketing and Advancement and, as you may have seen from the staff news site, we have appointed an exceptional individual as the first Director of that division. As Group Director of Communications and Information Services at the Ministry of Justice, Emily Tofield is currently one of government’s most experienced directors of communication and oversees the Government Communication Service’s design, branding and animation agency. She will play a crucial role at Sussex as we re-energise our engagement with our many audiences.
One individual who, in my opinion, has done more than probably anybody to present a positive face of the University to the outside world by embodying all our values, is Chrissie Anthony, our Sussex House receptionist. It is with sadness, yet joy for Chrissie, that I have to tell you she is leaving the University after nearly 30 years to enjoy a well-earned retirement in Shropshire. Chrissie is one of the best-known, and very much adored, members of our community and I am certain that I speak for anyone who knows her in wishing her all the very best for the future.
She will leave a mark on Sussex that is as prominent as one could hope to leave.
With best wishes
Adam