Dame Denise Holt, Chair of Council
Dear colleague,
It has been fantastic to see so many students enjoying our beautiful campus as we return to full in-person teaching for the first time since the pandemic began. This time of year is all about the students – those who are joining us for the first time and those who are returning – and I’m told that we’ve heard from some that Welcome Week has been one of the best experiences of their lives so far. I would like to thank everyone, staff and students, for helping to make our return to campus such a success.
VC Recruitment Update
As I said when I wrote to you last week, I’m really keen to ensure that the entire University community has the opportunity to be a part of the global search for our next permanent Vice-Chancellor. You can complete an online feedback form and book your place at one of the engagement events now. This whole process is being overseen by a Vice-Chancellor Recruitment Oversight Group, with representation from Council, Senate, UEG, staff and students.
Governance Effectiveness Review
The main agenda item of the September meeting of Council was a discussion about the Governance Effectiveness Review. This independent report by experts in the sector (Halpin) looks at the effectiveness of Council and Senate, the interplay between the two bodies and clarifies roles and responsibilities. Normally, I would give you a detailed summary in this update but it is really important that Senate also has the opportunity to discuss the review before it is shared more widely. Senate meets in mid-October and full details will be shared with the wider staff community after that. I particularly want to thank the Vice-Chair of Council, Adrienne Fresko, for coordinating this review.
Size and Shape
We also received an update on the Size and Shape programme, which Council continues to see as a priority. All organisations need to respond to changing demand, and the University is no exception. Size and Shape will help to ensure that we invest in both staff and buildings where need is greatest, putting Sussex in the strongest position to grow areas of academic excellence and transform the experiences of our students and staff. Council was impressed with the quality of evidence and research that has gone into the draft proposals and reaffirmed its commitment to proceeding with the programme as planned. We were pleased to learn that the detail will be shared with staff in the coming weeks, and that all voluntary means will be explored to achieve any changes in shape.
Proposed West Slope Development
Council members also heard a useful update on the proposed West Slope development. This has been on hold since early 2020, due to the pandemic and the associated financial challenges. One benefit of being on campus was that we were able to tour the site in person and see for ourselves the proposed site of the development. While there is much still to work out before we can proceed, it is clear that the development would be transformative for our students and Council was grateful to all for the extensive engagement that has brought us to this place.
New Council Members
I was so pleased to be able to meet for the first time our newest Council members in person, rather than seeing them just on Zoom, including Professor Paul O’Prey, Dr Charlotte Skeet, Dr Paul Gilbert and Nehaal Bajwa. It was a real pleasure to hear from Nehaal and her fellow elected officers how the USSU support students, and their priorities for the year ahead. The student voice is absolutely key to our strategic aims as a University and this year’s officers are impressive advocates.
Sussex Fund Afghan Appeal
I wanted to end with an update on our Sussex Fund Afghan Appeal. I have been deeply heartened by the generous response from the Sussex community to the Sussex Fund Afghan Appeal launched last week, seeking support for our new and returning Afghan students. Thanks to the generous support of more than 500 donors, including members of staff and of our alumni community, the appeal has already raised over £35,000 and donations continue to come in. The Sussex community is once again living its values and exhibiting its characteristic kindness and humanity – coming together in force to offer a helping hand to those in greatest need and facing unimaginable loss and heartache. Naimat Zafary’s deeply moving personal story is a powerful reminder of the suffering and sacrifice that our Afghan students have endured in order to pursue their academic aspirations with us.
Denise
Dame Denise Holt
Chair of Council