Rosemary Martin
I am pleased to provide this update following the meeting of Council on 22 March 2024. Since the Council meeting in November 2023, we have been delighted to welcome Jacinda Humphry, our new Chief Financial Officer, and Emma Potts as Interim Chief Operating Officer and University Secretary.
I am happy to announce that the annual meeting of the University’s Court will be reinstated for the first time post-pandemic. Court’s meeting in June will be an opportunity for Council members and the University leadership to engage with key representatives of the local community, in line with our civic engagement mission.
On Thursday 21 March, I took part in the Ground-Breaking Ceremony for the West Slope Development, which will provide much needed additional student accommodation on campus, including accessible rooms and family flats, as well as a new Health and Wellbeing Centre, a supermarket, and café. More information on the progress of the works on campus can be found on the Campus development pages.
At our meeting, Council received the Vice-Chancellor's report, and considered a range of updates, highlighting progress in key areas of University business.
Student recruitment and finances
It has become clear that volatility around student numbers is the most pressing issue the University must address. Understandably, Council is monitoring this year’s decrease in student numbers and the state of applications for 2024/5. Council is pleased with the proactive and comprehensive steps being taken to ensure the best possible levels of conversion and to ensure that we maximise student recruitment in 2025. We would like to thank staff from across the University who are working together to ensure that applicant-facing events and outreach activities are as inspirational and effective as possible.
Council discussed our approach to our finances in light of this year’s reduced student numbers and projections for 2024 entry. Looking ahead, the 2024/5 financial year will require careful cost management across the University, and we will need to use our resources strategically to support longer-term success while continuing to ensure high-quality provision for our students. We need to attract more students and to provide an excellent student experience, so that our students can flourish both while they are with us and in their lives after Sussex.
Sussex 2035
Council was very pleased to see the breadth and depth of community engagement with the Sussex 2035 strategy development. We specifically noted the excitement and positivity coming through in student feedback. It is apparent that the proposed new vision for Sussex is capturing students’ imaginations and encouraging us all to be courageous in how we plan for the future. Council looks forward to considering the final draft of the Sussex 2035 strategy at our July 2024 meeting.
Faculties implementation
Council noted that the new faculty structure will be in place from 1 August 2024, and we were pleased to hear that the recruitment of the Executive Dean roles is progressing well. We are confident that the new structure will support growth and innovation across the University.
Focus on students
Council received an update from the Student Experience Committee and noted the Committee’s discussion of three priority areas for student experience: student retention, awareness of mental health services, and community relations on campus – including how to support difficult conversations about highly contested matters. We have had positive engagement from students who worked with the Committee, and I would like to extend my thanks to the student representatives for their invaluable feedback and for providing the opportunity for Council members to understand the issues in the student community more fully.
Pay gap reports
It was noted that the University would publish its pay gap reports at the end of March. Council noted progress in the reduction of the gender pay gap and also that gaps in other areas had, regrettably, increased. You are invited to read the full reports, which include how the University is addressing the pay gaps. You can also read an update on the Staff Hub.
At the meeting, Council approved a number of updated policies, including the updated Donations Policy and the University Health, Safety and Wellbeing Policy. Furthermore, the recruitment of three new independent Council members is in progress.
Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the University community on a number of important recent successes:
- Sussex’s significant rise in the QS World University Sustainability Rankings, from 55 to =26 globally. Sussex is also now 16th in the world for Equality, which is a fantastic marker of how Sussex is seen globally.
- Retaining Silver in the 2023 Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF), which is a testament to the dedication and hard work of all teaching and support staff, including through the difficult years of the pandemic.
- Brighton and Sussex Medical School (BSMS) achieving an Athena SWAN Gold award, which recognises the Medical School’s long-term commitment to gender equality.
As the Spring term draws to a close, I end by expressing my gratitude to each of you for your commitment to Sussex and for all your hard work over recent months, and I extend my wishes for a restful break.
Rosemary Martin
Chair of Council