17³Ô¹ÏÍø

The Chair welcomed members to the second meeting of the University Court for academic session 2023-24. Apologies were noted as having been received from members Dr Kavi Jagadamma, Melanie Moreland and Elizabeth Porter.

There was no Other Competent Business identified.

4.1 Minutes of the previous meeting

The Unconfirmed minutes of the meeting of the University Court held on 4 October 2023 (paper Court (23) MINS 04) were APPROVED as an accurate record.Ìý

4.2 Matters arising

There were no matters arising from the minutes.

The Chair reported that her internal engagements to advance the work of the University Court were largely covered elsewhere on the agenda under the following items: Strategic Report and Financial Statements (Minute 7 refers); Land Development Tender (Minute 8.2 refers); Scottish Funding Council Outcome Agreement 2023-24 (Minute 10 refers); Nominations Committee (Minute 16 refers); and Senior Management Remuneration Committee (Minute 17 refers).Ìý

The Chair reported on her participation in the recent alumni and donor event held at the Balmoral Hotel in Edinburgh on 29 November. The event had been well attended, and the Chair had welcomed the opportunity to meet with a wide range of stakeholders, including former Court members.Ìý

The most recent meeting of the Committee of Scottish Chairs (CSC) had taken place on 19 October 2023. Whilst the Chair had been unable to attend, the Principal had been present in his capacity of Universities Scotland’s Vice-Convener. At the meeting, the Scottish Chairs had considered sector priorities and developments, including possible financial scenarios following the forthcoming Scottish budget, and the work being undertaken by PWC on sector financial sustainability. Other important ongoing items of focus by the Chairs included the possible implications of the and the collective work of the sector in respect of equality, diversity, and inclusion. As part of a programme of such meetings, arrangements were in place for respective meetings of Chairs of Nominations and Remuneration Committees in Scotland, reports of which would come to future meetings of the Court.Ìý

Ìý

The Court RECEIVED a detailed report from the Principal (paper Court (23) 40).Ìý

Introducing his report, the Principal thanked the Chair for her ongoing work on behalf of the University, and for her attendance, along with other members, at the alumni event referenced in the Chair’s report.Ìý

In speaking to his report, the Principal highlighted the following matters in particular:Ìý
 
6.1 External Context

The operating environment remained largely unchanged from the previous report to Court.Ìý The public finance position remained highly constrained in advance of the imminent Scottish Government budget announcement. However, the fall in the headline inflation rate to its current level of 4.6% represented a more positive development. The consensus amongst commentators was that the headline rate of inflation would continue to fall, and this would ease one of the key pressures on University finances. Irrespective of the challenging financial context, the Principal emphasised that the University would continue to operate as a social enterprise, consistent with its purpose of delivering high quality teaching and research, engaging with business, promoting innovation, supporting students, and providing a community anchor.Ìý The previously approved plans for diversifying student recruitment within the Strategic Growth Plan remained appropriate and were aligned both with the institutional purpose and values and aspirations for financial growth.Ìý

6.2 Recruitment and Matriculated Student Numbers 2023-24

An update was provided on student numbers. Recruitment of full-time students for entry in Session 2023-24 had concluded largely, although several postgraduate degree programmes would admit students in semester two.Ìý

In terms of new entrants, undergraduate Scottish domiciled recruitment targets had not been met, but it was expected that Scottish domiciled numbers would be within the Scottish Funding Council’s funded number tolerance threshold. As reported to the Court previously, there had been a sharp fall in the number of college applications received, largely due to the significant decrease in college enrolments in the previous academic year. At postgraduate level, there was an overall increase in applications from the previous year, and the international target would be exceeded, taking into account the projected January 2024 intake.

Looking forward to entry in session 2024-25, the recruitment cycle was well underway, and the Principal extended his thanks to the student recruitment and widening participation teams for their engagement with applicants, and programmed visits to schools, colleges, UCAS and overseas events. The recently introduced conversion management tool, ‘Gecko’ had already been used to good effect, and had greatly enhanced early applicant engagement activity. Initial UCAS data suggested that applicants were not applying as early in this recruitment round year, but encouragingly, QMU had seen a small increase of Scottish applicants at this stage, against a nationwide drop in applications.Ìý It was expected that international markets would continue to be challenging over the coming year, compounded by the announcement on 4 December 2023 that the UK government intended to look at the Graduate Route as part of its pledge to reduce overall net migration. However, the Principal remained confident that QMU would continue to attract international students from key markets.Ìý

6.3 Financial Position 2023-24 and Forecast Position

It had not been possible to provide a suitably robust quarter one report at this stage of the financial year. Members were advised that, due in part to the extended timescale for the completion of the audited accounts, it had taken longer than anticipated to establish the budget position in terms of matriculated student numbers against budgeted student numbers, and in relation to fee and income levels. However, a shortfall was expected, particularly in relation to budgeted international postgraduates. Clearly, this was a matter of concern and would have a negative impact on the overall projected budget position for the year. The quarter one report would be concluded as early as possible in semester two, together with details of actions being taken to address the budget variance.Ìý

A full update on the Strategic Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 July 2023 was provided separately under agenda item 7 (Minute 7 below refers).

6.4 Operating Model

At the previous meeting, the Principal had discussed briefly a planned review of the University’s operating model (process and systems) which reflected the fact that the University’s business had changed over recent years, and the need to secure financial sustainability while supporting the implementation of the institutional vision and purpose.Ìý

This work was being undertaken in partnership with SUMS Consulting. As an experienced not-for-profit organisation focused purely on higher education, SUMS had a good understanding of the operating context, both domestically and internationally. The current priority for the Senior Leadership Team, in collaboration with SUMS, was to determine and prioritise the target actions to be progressed over a three-to-five-year period. Whilst there were expected to be some ‘quick wins’, it would be important to achieve a balance of short and longer-term actions for financial sustainability. While not part of the review process, the process underpinning the implementation of the new finance system represented key elements of such a process, the outcome of which was expected to positively impact many areas of the University.Ìý

As well as increasing efficiency and effectiveness, the project was expected to improve agility and responsiveness to community needs, enabling the University to take better advantage of opportunities, whilst ultimately reducing the risks associated with changes to the operating environment. As noted at the previous meeting, the project would require investment, which would be accommodated through the Strategic Investment Fund and release of funding from the university’s reserves. This would ensure continuation of business as usual in parallel with the agreed actions.Ìý

The project remained at an early stage, and there would be ongoing engagement with staff and students and with Trade Union colleagues. An update would be provided to staff at the earliest opportunity, and the Court Strategy Day in April 2024 would provide a good opportunity to explore further with Court members.Ìý

6.5 Land Development Project

A full update on the Land Development Project was provided under agenda item 8 (Minute 8 refers).

The Principal commended the Project Team on the successful appointment of the contractor to undertake the build (Minute 8.2 refers). He extended his particular thanks to the Chief Operations Officer and to Court member Elizabeth Porter for their important contributions to the Project. Importantly for the University and for the Joint Venture, the contracted cost was within the budgeted figure, meaning that the build phase would commence with a healthy client contingency sum. There also continued to be good progress with the wider development, in particular the Innovation Park and the Commercial Zone. The Principal reflected on the significant positive learning from the Project thus far, all of which would stand the University in good stead for further stages of the project development.Ìý

6.6 Palm Fat Alternative

At the previous meeting, the Principal had reported on the development by QMU researchers of a replacement for palm-based fat in baked goods. The team responsible had since been accepted onto the Scottish Enterprise High Growth Spin-Out programme (HGSP), which provides funding to support the commercialisation of advanced technologies with the potential to generate significant economic impact in Scotland.ÌýÌý

6.7 Lydia Plus Osteoporosis SymposiumÌý

On World Osteoporosis Day (20 October), QMU healthcare experts had hosted the Lydia Plus Osteoporosis Symposium at the University. The project, including PhD research, was generously funded by a private donor. The Principal drew to members’ attention the importance of the Project for men, noting that around a quarter of people with osteoporosis were male.Ìý

6.8 Institute for Global Health and Development (IGHD) 30-year Anniversary

November 2023 had marked the 30th anniversary of the University’s Institute for Global Health and Development (IGHD), a multidisciplinary centre celebrated for its postgraduate education and world-leading research on global health and development. Over the last three decades, IGHD’s global health experts had borne witness to numerous crises, conflicts, and exceptional events in low and middle-income countries, and their expertise had supported governments, international aid agencies, NGOs, and global institutions, such as the World Health Organisation (WHO), to create solutions to tackle these pressing problems.Ìý

The University had marked the occasion with an Anniversary Conference on campus followed by a high-profile Panel Discussion, ‘Where is the Global?’, at the Royal Society of Edinburgh.ÌýÌý

6.9 Generative Artificial Intelligence

Members were advised that the University had adopted an approach of working ‘with’ rather than ‘against’ generative Artificial Intelligence (AI). This approach sought to develop students’ critical understanding of the opportunities and threats presented by this disruptive technology in relation to their learning, and to prepare them for the world of work, while also protecting the academic standards of its awards and the integrity of its assessment. Detailed guidance had recently been issued to staff and students on the approach at the University, and discussions were ongoing under the auspices of the Student Experience Committee and associated Generative AI Working Group.

6.10 End of SemesterÌý

Teaching had largely finished for the current semester, and the assessment diet was underway. The Principal concluded his report by recording his thanks to all members of the University community for their contributions during another busy semester with many associated achievements as well as ongoing challenges. He extended his good wishes to staff, students and Court members for a well-deserved break and a peaceful and prosperous New Year.

7.1ÌýIn discussion of the Strategic Report and Financial Statements, members had been provided with papers as noted below:

• Draft letter of Representations to Ernst and Young (paper Court (23) 42)
• Draft external audit report from Ernst and Young (paper Court (23) 43)
• Annual internal audit report from Henderson Loggie (paper Court (23) 44).
• Annual report from the Finance and Estates Committee (paper Court (23) 45).
• Draft annual Report of the Audit and Risk Committee. (paper Court (23) 46).

Members were advised that it had not been possible to provide the finalised Strategic Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 July 2023 (paper Court (23) 41) due to detailed continuing discussion with the University’s external auditors, Ernst and Young, regarding specific wording in the report and statements and management representations letter. Importantly, Ernst and Young had proposed a revised form of wording subsequent to that discussed at the joint meeting of the Audit and Risk and Finance and Estates Committee held on 22 November (Minute 12.1 refers).Ìý Consequently, three of the Court papers circulated remained in draft form as indicated above i.e. papers Court (23) 42/43/46.

Members were advised that the strategic report and financial statements were almost complete. and that there had been constructive and detailed interaction with Ernst and Young throughout a rather protracted audit process. However, agreement had not yet been reached on the form of wording around the Management Assessment of Going Concern due to differences of perspective on the risks around the refinancing of the University’s existing loan with Barclays. The loan refinancing fell due during the period that was the subject of the assessment of Going Concern ie on 31 December 2024.Ìý ÌýIt was expected that discussions would conclude shortly, and this would provide for the statement of accounts being signed off by the end of December 2023 as required.Ìý

To accommodate the necessary Court approval of the Strategic Report and Financial Statements and associated draft papers, the Chair sought the agreement of the Court for an extraordinary meeting to be held in the week commencing 11 December 2023, recognising that it would be inappropriate for the Court to assign delegated authority to approve to the Chair in this important matter.Ìý ÌýMembers would be contacted with details of date and time of the meeting, which would be hosted on-line via Teams. Court AGREED that an extraordinary meeting would be held on a date and time to be agreed.

(Secretary’s note: An extraordinary meeting was held on Tuesday, 13 December at 10.30 am to approve the Strategic Report and Financial Statements and associated draft papers, minutes of which have been produced separately).Ìý

7.2 Internal Audit Report

Court NOTED the annual internal audit report from Henderson Loggie (paper Court (23) 44). The report confirmed that the Audit and Risk Committee had discharged its responsibilities in accordance with its terms of reference, as delegated by the University Court. Members welcomed the robust and comprehensive audit arrangements and associated outcomes reflected in the report, which was suggested as being reassuringly clear in its presentation. It was advised that Henderson Loggie would support the planned review of the University’s risk assessment process with a view to augmenting the current approach.Ìý

7.3 Annual Report of the Finance and Estates Committee

Court RECEIVED the annual report from the Finance and Estates Committee (paper Court (23) 45). The report confirmed that the Committee had discharged its responsibilities in accordance with its terms of reference, as delegated by the University Court. There were no particular matters brought to members’ attention.

The Chair thanked members of the Finance and Estates Committee and the Audit and Risk Committee for their detailed scrutiny of the Strategic Report and Financial Statements.Ìý Particular thanks was extended to both Conveners for their engagement with Ernst and Young to reach a form of words within the report and statements that reflected the position of both the University and the auditors in the matter of ‘going concern’.Ìý

8.1 Project update

Court RECEIVED an update on the Land Development Project (paper Court (23) 47).

Introducing the paper, the Chief Operations Officer highlighted the appointment of the contractor to undertake the Hub build (minute 8.2 refers) as the most significant development since the previous Court meeting. The site handover was scheduled for December 2023, with construction due to commence in January 2024 and conclude by August 2025, consistent with the project specification. Retained client risks identified by the contractor were in accordance with expectations for this form of contract, for example adverse weather, employee variations and utility connections.Ìý As a result of the contract sum being under budget, a contingency sum for the construction phase would be available for retained client risks and to enhance the building fit out.Ìý

A second important update related to the Local Authority’s Local Development Plan (LDP), which would establish the long-term vision for development in East Lothian based on needs and opportunities. As such, it represented a key consideration for the University in terms of enabling proposals for development of the land on and around the campus.ÌýÌý

Consultation with senior planners was ongoing in collaboration with representatives of the EIP Joint Venture and supported by specialist planning consultants as required. Consideration of the LDP included the University’s ambitions for the Commercial Zone, including the possible addition of a Health and Wellbeing Clinical facility within the current proposals. Once the LDP consultation had concluded in March 2024, the on and off campus Masterplan would be updated to reflect any changes.Ìý

The website for the Hub development was reported as being substantively complete, and the launch would be coordinated to align with the commencement of Hub construction. The website would demonstrate good progress with this important first phase, whilst also providing an indication of the future development of the wider park and opportunities for occupiers at different price points. It was noted that the market was complex at present, but that the University was in a strong position with the benefit of funding and a fixed price contract. Further detail on the marketing of the development would be provided to Court members, along with an indication of expected occupancy ‘price point’.Ìý

The Principal provided an update on the work of the University Innovation Steering Group, which had been established to identify opportunities to align the work of the University with the Hub and wider Innovation Park. The Group was exploring a wide range of activities related to Research, Knowledge Exchange and Innovation, taking into consideration external funding opportunities and the current review of the University’s Business Gateway and Business Innovation Zone. As part of its wider considerations, it was confirmed that the Group would also review opportunities for student internships.

Responding to a specific question about generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the implications for the Project, the Deputy Principal reiterated the key points covered previously in the Principal’s report (minute 6.9 refers), most importantly that the University had adopted a position of working with, rather than against, generative AI. The Student Experience Committee had developed guidance for staff and students on assessment and the use of generative AI chatbots to support positive engagement and prepare students for future employment. Given the rapid pace of change in generative AI functionality, there would continue to be implications for the University, including the work of the Court in relation to the land development project and governance more broadly. Further updates would be provided to members at future meetings, as appropriate.

8.2 Design and construction works’ tender

Court HOMOLOGATED Chair’s action taken to approve a recommendation from the extraordinary meeting of the Finance and Estates Committee held on 27 November 2023 concerning the tender for a principal contractor to complete the design and construction works for the Edinburgh Innovation Hub (EIH) (Minute 12.2 refers). The recommendation and the report had subsequently been put to the Joint Venture Board at its meeting on 28 November 2023, at which meeting the appointment of the contractor was approved.

Court RECEIVED and DISCUSSED draft outline proposals for a Performance Report and a supporting revised suite of Key Performance Indicators (paper Court (23) 48).

As set out in the paper and advised previously, the review of the KPIs and performance reporting arrangements was intended to ensure an appropriate level of information, sufficient to allow the Court to form a view on the University’s performance against its strategic goals and priorities, but without including too much operational detail.Ìý

The refreshed approach would build upon and supersede the current quarterly presentation of KPIs. It was intended to present the report twice a year to the Court - in April to inform the Strategy Day discussions, and in December to enable an early review of the academic year. The draft performance measures within the report included KPIs contributing to the University’s performance against National Measures, as well as KPIs determined to measure progress in other areas.Ìý

In discussion, members were advised that the Scottish Funding Council was reviewing its approach to the Outcome Agreement and Self-Evaluation, one possible outcome of this being a requirement for universities to provide outcomes against the . Any such changes, and indeed other changes to the external operating context, would inform updates to the format.

Members provided feedback on the revised approach, noting that the report was at an early stage of development and that efforts were ongoing to consolidate the number of KPIs. The Chair emphasised that consideration of performance against agreed KPIs was a matter for the full Court, and that, as such, it was important that the agreement of the full Court was secured in terms of the form and detail of that reporting.

Overall, there was general support for the proposed arrangements which were suggested as offering good potential to improve alignment between the institutional strategy and performance reporting, subject to a shared understanding of success indicators against each of the five strategic goals and clarity on which aspects of performance the University and the Court had determined would be most important to measure. Related to this, it was suggested that there might scope for minor adjustments to the wording within the strategy to further strengthen the relationship with the performance measures.Ìý

Members were supportive of the efforts to present a more manageable suite of indicators, confirming their agreement that oversight of a more nuanced underpinning set of KPIs be delegated to the Senior Leadership Team. There was strong support for the presentation of the KPIs under the five strategic goals, whilst acknowledging that some KPIs spanned two or more of the goals.Ìý

An important feature of the revised approach was that it provided increased scope for narrative, and members requested that further consideration be given to the presentation of any accompanying qualitative evaluation, noting that this would be beneficial across all indicators and especially where proxy measures were adopted. In preparing the next iteration of the paper, it was suggested that consideration also be given to the inclusion of baseline and milestone KPIs, as well as benchmarking data (where available) and trend analysis.Ìý

Other more specific feedback related to the following:

• Under strategic goal 3, it would be helpful to provide supporting narrative against the measures, which currently were suggested as being related to the number of partnerships but without further context.
• Under strategic goal 5, the performance measures were concerned with environmental sustainability only. It was suggested that additional measures might be included, covering, for example, human, economic and social sustainability.

The Chair thanked members for their contributions. A further iteration, informed by the discussion and feedback from other committees, would come to the February meeting.Ìý The Strategy Day in April would provide the first opportunity to engage in depth with the report in the new format and to consider whether there might be opportunities to improve alignment between the refreshed KPIs and strategic goals.

Court RECEIVED the Queen Margaret University Outcome Agreement 2023-24 as submitted to the Scottish Funding Council under powers delegated to the Chair of Court by the Court at its meeting on 4 October 2023 (minute 11.2 refers) (paper Court (23) 49).

Members were reminded that this would be the final iteration of the Outcome Agreement and accompanying Self-Evaluation in this format, as the SFC was reviewing its overall assurance reporting arrangements. Sector representatives were engaged in discussion with the SFC regarding the timing of the new reporting arrangements. It was hoped that the deadline would fall at a point in the academic cycle that would allow for consideration of the full dataset on student recruitment, retention, and progression, as well as scrutiny through key committees, including the Senate and the Court.Ìý

The Chair thanked the Vice Principal & University Secretary for her leadership of the Outcome Agreement reporting arrangements. The link to the Outcome Agreement and accompanying case studies demonstrating impact would be circulated to members following publication on the SFC website.

Court NOTED a report on formal complaints dealt with under the University’s Model Complaints Handling procedure during Session 2022-23 (paper Court (23) 50).

12.1 Joint meeting held on 22 November 2023

Court RECEIVED the minutes of the Joint meeting of the Audit and Risk Committee and Finance and Estates Committee held on 22 November 2023 (paper Audit (23) MINS 04). Matters for members’ attention had been covered elsewhere on the agenda (Minutes 7.1 – 7.3 refer).

12.2 Extraordinary FEC meeting held on 27 November 2023

Court RECEIVED the minutes of an Extraordinary meeting of the Finance and Estates Committee held on 27 November 2023 (paper FEC (23) MINS 06). Matters for members’ attention are reported elsewhere in the minutes (Minute 8.2 above refers).

COURT RECEIVED the unconfirmed minutes of the meeting of the Senate held on 25 October 2023 (paper SEN (23) MINS 04). There were no matters brought to members’ attention.

COURT RECEIVED the unconfirmed minutes of the meeting of the Health and Safety Committee held on 10 October 2023 (paper HSC (23) MINS 02). There were no matters brought to members’ attention.

COURT RECEIVED the unconfirmed minutes of the meeting of the Equality and Diversity Committee held on 10 October 2023 (paper EDC (23) MINS 03). The Principal updated members on a change to the Convenership of the Committee. The Vice Principal & University Secretary had stepped down from this role, but would remain on the Committee as the Senior Leadership Team Champion. Going forward, the Committee would be co-convened by the Head of Human Resources and the Student President – Academic Life. The Principal thanked the Vice Principal & University Secretary for her leadership of the Committee during her tenure as Convener, and extended his good wishes to the incoming Co-Conveners.

Court RECEIVED a report on Lay Member candidates being recommended for approval by the Committee, interviews having been conducted on 24 November 2023 (paper Court (23) 51).Ìý

Seven candidates had presented for interview, three of whom had been recommended for appointment and would formally take up post early in 2024, subject to Court approval. There was one remaining vacancy, arising from Melanie Moreland’s retiral from the Court. A second vacancy would arise in April 2024 at the conclusion of Robert Patullo’s tenure. Whilst all seven interviewees from the most recent round had been strong candidates, the balance of skills had been such that not all seven could be appointed as this would have impacted disproportionately on some of the areas of expertise and experience within the skills and diversity matrix.

Court APPROVED the appointment of the following candidates: Patrick Bartlet; Ellenore Hobkirk; and Andrew Watson.Ìý

The Chair looked forward to welcoming the new Lay Members to the meeting in February 2024, prior to which an induction would take place.

Court RECEIVED an oral report from the Vice-Chair, in his capacity as Convener of the Senior Management Remuneration Committee (SMRC), on the meeting of the Committee held on the morning of 6 December 2023.Ìý The Committee had considered two substantive items of business for consideration by the University Court, namely, proposed revision to the Senior Management Remuneration Policy, and remuneration of the Senior Leadership Team under the terms of the remuneration policy.

17.1 Senior Management Remuneration Review PolicyÌý

Members were advised that the Senior Management Remuneration Review Policy Update 2023 (paper Court (23) 52), had been circulated to members with the Court papers, and in advance of its consideration by SMRC.Ìý No substantive amendment had been proposed by SMRC to the version circulated to members.

The SMRC Convener advised that the Policy had been subject to an editorial refresh, the primary aim of which was to present the key policy content in a more streamlined format, minimising repetition and addressing some inconsistencies. An example of the former was the relocation of the SMRC Terms of Reference (ToRs) from the main text to the Appendix. The ToRs had been extended to include the Committee’s role in the determination and review of the arrangements for the remuneration of the Chair of Court, in line with the previously agreed policy statement.

Having been discussed by the SRMC at its meeting earlier in the day, the policy was now presented to the Court with a recommendation for approval.Ìý Having noted the nature of the revisions and discussed briefly, the Court APPROVED the Senior Management Remuneration Review Policy 2023.ÌýÌý

17.2 Senior Leadership Team RemunerationÌý

Under the provisions of the Senior Management Remuneration Review Policy, the SMRC had considered whether, on the basis of the achievement of objectives over the previous academic year, the national pay award for academic year 2023-24 should be applied to the Senior Leadership Team salary scales, in line with the arrangements for staff within the university.Ìý

In line with the Committee’s Terms of Reference, the Committee made recommendation concerning the remuneration of the Principal and Vice-Chancellor, and members of the Senior Leadership Team on the basis of a detailed review of the achievement of objectives established for individuals included in the SLT membership. Such review incorporated views reported by the elected and nominated staff and student representatives on the Court with whom the Vice-Chair had met.Ìý

Having considered the matter, the University Court agreed to APPROVE the following:

• That the national pay award for 2023-24 be applied to the established salary scales for the Principal and Vice-Chancellor, and each member of the Senior Leadership Team (such pay award having been applied to the salary scales of all staff with effect from 1 August 2023), on the grounds that objectives established for the period under review had been assessed as having been met.
• Additionally, as provided for by the Senior Management Remuneration Review policy, an incremental increase be provided to one member on the basis of performance.

17.3 Remuneration of the Chair

The University Court APPROVED the recommendation that the Chair’s remuneration be increased in line with the national pay award, subject to confirmation of a satisfactory performance appraisal to be conducted in accordance with the process agreed by the University Court.Ìý

The Court marked the retiral of Melanie Moreland, who was demitting office, having served six years as a Lay Court Member. Regrettably, Melanie was unable to attend the meeting due to illness. The Chair advised that she would write formally to Melanie to thank her on behalf of the Court for her outstanding contribution to the work of the Court, and to the work of the Equality and Diversity Committee. Arrangements would be put in place also to present Melanie with her retiral gifts, which recognised in a small way her valuable contribution.

The University Court will meet on the following dates in Academic Session 2023-24:

Wednesday, 21 February 2024 at 3.00 pm
Wednesday, 17 April 2024: Strategy Day (full day)
Wednesday, 19 June 2024 at 3.00 pm

Members were invited to note that there would be an AGM of the company at 2.45 pm on 21 February, and that the annual Stakeholder Engagement event would take place on 17 April 2024 between 4.30 pm and 7.00 pm.

There were no items for information.