This week (22 November) the Vice-Chancellor David Maguire wrote to all staff. You can read the email in full below:
Dear colleague,
I hope you have had a chance to read the results from the latest staff survey, which we published on Friday.
While there are a great many positive things to take from the data, it is clear that 2021 has been a challenging year for many staff with the change in university leadership, size and shape programme and now planned industrial action. As the University’s leadership, we are fully committed to listening to what staff are saying about their experiences and continuing to make the improvements you want where we can.
One aspect of the analysis produced for us by People Insight that particularly resonates with me is the importance of ensuring people feel valued and are treated with dignity and respect.
Last week we were proud to fly the trans flag on Sussex House to mark transgender day of remembrance, in memory of those who tragically lost their lives to violence. On Thursday this week, we will be marking the Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and, for the next month, will be flying the Disability Awareness Month flag.
Furthermore, I am pleased to let you know that we have decided to give as many staff as possible a much-needed extended break over Christmas this year. The final working day before Christmas for the majority of staff will now be 21 December, instead of 23 December – giving an additional two days. Pay day will remain on the 23rd as planned. I hope you enjoy these two additional rest days.
We wanted to recognise the excellent, and very welcome, work that has been put into the return to in-person teaching and on-campus delivery of services, alongside, of course, the equally valuable activity that colleagues continue to carry out remotely.
I extend my gratitude particularly to those colleagues who will be continuing to provide essential services during the extended closure period. If you are in one of these essential roles, thank you and please be assured that you will be able to take the additional leave at another time to be agreed with your manager.
There’s still a good deal to do before the end of term. This Friday, I will be attending my first meeting of Council as Vice-Chancellor. The agenda is packed and, after, we hope to have the authority to progress with a number of vital transformational programmes of activity, including Size & Shape and major investments in our education and research.
I also want to draw your attention to some other key pieces of news.
On research, it was gratifying to see that Sussex continues to punch above its weight for research citations. This year’s global list of highly cited researchers, compiled by Clarivate Analytics, features nine Sussex academics, the 12th highest number in the UK. I’d particularly like to congratulate Paula Kivimaa and Karoline Rogge from the Science Policy Research Unit (SPRU) in the Business School, who are listed for the first time. All academics listed have produced multiple papers in the top 1% by citations – a remarkable achievement.
Staff may also find it useful to see what we sent to students last week about the support we offer to anyone in our community who has experienced sexual harassment or any other form of misconduct. This is something the University takes incredibly seriously and it is worth making yourself familiar with the support available so that you can signpost appropriately.
Finally, I want to share this touching obituary to Professor Jonathan Bacon, who died earlier this month. For those, like me, who did not know Jonathan personally, this tribute paints a vivid picture of a dedicated educator and family man. For those more familiar, what a wonderful way to remember him.
I’ve been self-isolating this week after a positive Covid test. While it was good to be able to catch up on the backlog of work, I am looking forward to being back in the office next week and seeing people face-to-face.
Warm regards,
David