Rosemary Martin, Chair of Council
Council, the University's governing body, met on Friday 24 November, and as its Chair, I am pleased to share this brief update on what we covered at the meeting. Council meets once a term to monitor the performance and effectiveness of the University and make key decisions.
The meeting was preceded by a fascinating visit on the Thursday evening to the Business School as part of our ongoing programme of engagement with Schools. Council members were taken on a tour of the Jubilee building, giving them the opportunity to view the Business School’s research centres as well as student facilities, such as the Bloomberg lab. Council members enjoyed a session with our Student Ambassadors and the School's Student Experience team. A question and answer session with the senior leadership of the School topped-off the visit. A huge thank you to everyone who hosted us there.
Following the Business School visit, we held a joint Council and Senate dinner with guests from the Business School, including staff and students. I was delighted that so many Senators were able to join the dinner.
Reports from the Vice-Chancellor and Senate
To start the meeting the Vice-Chancellor provided a summary of activity across the University since we last met. It was great to hear progress in the development of the new University Strategy, Sussex 2035. Council has responsibility for the University’s Strategy and we had a stimulating awayday in September to discuss how it will be developed.
A critical part of the discussion was around how the University community will be able to engage in the Strategy’s development and I look forward to hearing the feedback from staff and students. We discussed the University’s balanced approach to dealing with difficult issues around the conflict in Gaza/Palestine and Israel, and thanked the Vice-Chancellor for sensitively managing the impact the conflict is having on the Sussex community. You can see Sasha’s full report on Sussex Direct (login required), and I think you will find it a very helpful overview.
Sasha also talked us through the latest report from Senate - the Committee responsible for the academic standards and the direction and regulation of academic matters of the University. The report covers the most recent Senate meeting, including the impact of the marking and assessment boycott, and a new working group on the move to faculties (a decision which Council approved at our July meeting), amongst many other matters. Again, you can read the full report on Sussex Direct.
Focus on students
Having been a member of Council for five years before I became Chair, and as a Sussex alumna myself, I always enjoy hearing from our student members on Council. Rose Linehan (Students’ Union Council representative) and Josh Francis (who sits on Council as an ex officio member representing Postgraduate Researchers on Senate) updated us on how our student community are feeling, the ongoing impact of the cost-of-living crisis, how the Students’ Union is supporting students, and its policy and campaigning work. We also heard from Council’s Student Experience Committee, which is Chaired by Aleema Shivji, an independent member of Council and also an alumna of the University.
Focus on people
We were joined by Professor David Ruebain, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Culture, Equality and Inclusion) who shared the annual reports on Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, and Dignity and Respect. Council was delighted with the progress on both agendas, and was supportive of the plans for the upcoming year.
David reminded us of the good news that the University has received the Race Equality Charter Institutional Bronze award, acknowledging our commitment to a programme of work aimed at eliminating racial inequalities and developing an inclusive culture at Sussex.
Focus on finance and risk
At this time of year, Council must consider various annual financial and risk reports, many of which then need to be submitted elsewhere for compliance purposes. These included the:
- annual financial statement
- annual risk tolerance and appetite statement
- annual accountability return
- annual prevent return
- annual compliance reports.
Having reviewed and approved all the reports, Council expressed its gratitude to our sub-committees - the Financial and Resources Committee and the Audit and Risk Committee - for all their work keeping us fiscally sound and effectively managing our key risks.
Council membership
We welcomed three new members to Council: Pippa Robinson is the new representative for Professional Services staff; Josh Francis (the representing Research Postgraduate students as mentioned above) and Professor Miriam Zukas is a new independent member.
It was Allan Spencer’s last attendance at Council, as he steps down as Director of Finance at the end of January, and Council thanked him for his exceptional financial leadership of the University during his 18 year (and 60 Council meeting) tenure.
At this meeting Council agreed the appointment of Tony Bullman, an independent member of Council and Chair of our Finance and Resources Committee, as Deputy Chair of Council. I also updated the Committee on my intention to fill the upcoming vacant independent memberships on Council and we will go out to recruitment next year. You can see the full membership and attendance of Council on the website.
Finally, may I take the opportunity to thank staff across the University for all your hard work throughout 2023 and to wish you a wonderful winter break, when it comes.
Rosemary Martin
Chair of Council