Minutes of Council 2 May 2008
Present: Mr Foulds (Chair), Mr John Bailey, Mrs Alison Bernays, Mr John Bramhall (session 1 only), Mr Denis Burn, Mr Chris Curling, Professor David Clarke, Councillor Terry Cook, Professor Rosemary Deem, Mr Stuart Goldsmith, Mr Colin Green, Professor Len Hall, Ms Hannah Isaacs, Professor Selby Knox, Dr Stephen Lyne, Mr Tony Macdonald, Mr Robert Massie, Mrs Dinah Moore, Mr Bob Morton, Mr George Morton, Mr David Ord, Mrs Cindy Peck, Mr Tim Ross, Professor Eric Thomas, Mr James Wadsworth, Mrs Cathy Waithe, Professor Avril Waterman-Pearson, and Mr Tobin Webb.
In Attendance: Professor Malcolm Anderson, Mr Derek Pretty, Sir James Tidmarsh, Mr Simon Britton, Ms Alison Allden, Mr Ian Crawford, Ms Helen Galbraith, Ms Kelly Archer, Mr Guy Gregory, Ms Sue Paterson, Professor Malcolm Evans (for the discussion on the Faculty of Social Sciences and Law Annual Report).
Apologies: Mr Robert Dufton, Mr Tim Stevenson and Ms Sarah Weeks.
Session 1
Council received a number of presentations. The first was given by Mr Ian Crawford, Finance Director, on the University’s Budget for 2008/09. Mr Crawford set out in detail the proposed budget and financial strategy.
The second set of presentations focussed on the issue of ‘Sustainability’. This session was chaired by Professor Malcolm Anderson, Pro Vice-Chancellor and presentations were delivered by the following individuals: Dr Paul Valdes (Climate Change); Professor Nick Lieven (Sustainability Developments in Engineering); and Dr Neil Bradshaw (Business Relationships). The presentation session was followed by a question and answer session and a debate. Key points raised during the debate included:
(i) Further development of a partnership-focussed culture across the University would be vital if the University wished to become more involved in large-scale collaborations.
(ii) It was important and necessary to maintain the alignment of research and education goals in this area. Strong discipline-based teaching programmes tended to provide a better base for research than more general cross-discipline programmes.
(iii) Critical factors for enabling success in interdisciplinary and thematic research were that the research must add value intellectually, there must be financial headroom to allow new initiatives to be pump-primed and that there must be intellectual leaders and champions.
(iv) The University was already delivering high quality interdisciplinary and thematic research, for example, in nanotechnology which involved collaborations between the Faculties of Science and Engineering.
The Chair thanked the presenters for an informative account of the University’s achievements, objectives and challenges, and asked them to take back Council’s congratulations and thanks to relevant colleagues.
Session 2
1. Apologies for Absence / Announcements
1.1 The Chair welcomed colleagues to the meeting and noted the apologies received. The Chair welcomed Sir James Tidmarsh, Pro-Chancellor to his first Council meeting.
1.2 The Chair informed Council of the sad news that Sir Derek Higgs, Pro-Chancellor had died on 28 April 2008. The Chair had passed on Council’s condolences to Sir Derek’s family.
2. Minutes of the Last Meeting
2.1 A query was raised about the wording of minute 4.2 which stated that “An appointment panel consisting largely of members of the Nominations Committee of Court” would be convened to shortlist and interview candidates to fill vacancies for lay members of Council. The query related to the appropriateness of including non-members of the Nominations Committee of Court on this panel, given that the University Statutes stipulated that it was the sole responsibility of the Nominations Committee of Court to recommend to Court the appointment of lay members of Council. The Chair explained that the word “largely” had been used because it might have been beneficial to include members of staff with specific HR experience, for example, on the panel. He agreed that the word ‘largely’ was misleading and suggested that it be amended to read ‘entirely’, instead.
2.2 CONFIRMED: The minutes of the meeting held on 14 March 2008, subject to the following amendment:
4.2 …An appointment panel, consisting largely entirely of members of the Nominations Committee of Court, would be convened to shortlist and interview candidates. A final recommendation would then be made to Court for approval at its meeting in December 2008. Council was supportive of the proposal outlined within the report.
3. Matters Arising and Actions Register
Matters Arising
3.1 There were no matters arising which would not be covered elsewhere on the Agenda.
Action Register
3.2 Members had previously received a copy of the Action Register which had been updated to incorporate actions agreed at the Council meeting on 14 March 2008.
3.3 NOTED: That the Action Register items marked with an asterisk had either already been completed or were being dealt with accordingly. There were no outstanding items that were not being satisfactorily pursued.
3.4 NOTED: The following progress updates in relation to the Action Register:
(i) 9th October 2007, Minute 5.1.32 – Council will receive a report on how the University is progressing against the ten national health & safety benchmarks at its July meeting, as part of the Health & Safety Annual Report.
(ii) 9 October 2007, Minute 6.8.1 - Report on review of staff grievances and appeals to be made to Council once completed.
It was anticipated that proposed revisions to Ordinance 32 (Staff Grievance Procedure) would be placed before Council at the beginning of the next academic year.
(iii) Members were informed that following agreement of key principles, a paper setting out draft procedures to apply to student grievances and appeals, had now been discussed by UPARC and Education Committee. This paper had also been sent for comment to those Council members who had volunteered to help with the review process (Dinah Moore, Cindy Peck, John Bramhall and Chris Curling). The procedures would be revised in the light of feedback received, and a final draft would go to the next meetings of UPARC, Education Committee and Senate, with a view to discussion and approval by Council on 4th July.
(iv) 9 October 2007, Minute 6.8.2 – This action had asked the University to consider how it could put in place a formal system to enable assessment of an individual’s teaching quality, including scope for refining current systems and improving consistency. Clear formal systems were in place and were embedded in the University’s Teaching and Learning in Higher Education Programme, and in the progression system that covered teaching. Council AGREED that this action be removed from the Register as it was not a matter requiring further Council input.
(v) 9 October 2007, Minute 6.9.2 – Development and dissemination of guidance for members of student appeal panels on how to deal appropriately with ‘fitness to practice’ related issues.
The University had not produced written guidance on the fitness to practice issues as, on reflection, the Secretary’s Office felt it would be inappropriate to do so. It had, however, ensured that individual committees had guidance on these issues for the cases before them and ensured that that the relevant Faculty covered these issues in its submissions. It was, therefore, AGREED that this action be removed from the Register.
(vi) 23rd November 2007, Minute 4.2 –Pro-Chancellor Moger Woolley had now agreed to chair a sub-committee of the Remuneration Committee to consider the issue of payment for Council members. The Registrar would act as Secretary to the group, and Pro-Chancellor Jay Tidmarsh had agreed to be a member. Further membership was still to be confirmed.
(vii) 23rd November 2007, Minute 7.5.4 – Review of committees’ terms of reference. All Council committees had now either reviewed these, or were scheduled to do so at their next meeting. The revised terms of reference would be taken to the Nominations Committee of Council for comment before being brought to Council.
4. Chairman’s Report, Council Matters and Correspondence
Recruiting a new lay member of Council
4.1 NOTED: That the Nominations Committee of Court would meet on 12 May 2008 to consider the appointment process for new lay member(s) of Council and those who had completed their terms of service. The Nominations Committee would present its final recommendation to Council for information in November 2008 before asking Court to formally approve this in December 2008.
July 2008 Council meeting
4.2 NOTED: That Council, at its July 2008 meeting, would receive presentations on: the development of the University’s estate; and on the Centenary Campaign.
5. Matters for Discussion
Vice-Chancellor’s Report
5.1 CONSIDERED: The Vice-Chancellor’s Report, reference CN/08/297 (previously circulated, copy in the minute book).
5.1.1 The Vice-Chancellor updated Council on the following issues:
(i) Science Park
The Vice-Chancellor had recently attended the launch of the new £300 million Science Park initiative for Bristol and Bath. The 10 year project, which was being championed by Lord Sainsbury, would provide upwards of 6,000 highly skilled jobs for the area. The University of Bristol would be a key partner in this collaboration.
(ii) Dean, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry
NOTED: That Professor Gareth Williams, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry would be standing down from the position of Dean in 2009. A formal recruitment process for Professor Williams’ successor would commence shortly, in line with the process stipulated in the relevant Statute and Ordinance.
(iii) Academic Health Centres Advisory Board
NOTED: That the Vice-Chancellor had been invited to sit on a Board that had been established to consider systems and structures that would enable the NHS and universities to work together more effectively. The Vice-Chancellor commented, however, that as the plans for clinical service provision in Bristol were not currently clear, it would be difficult to advise, plan or integrate any new systems or structures in relation to Academic Health Centres in Bristol. The Vice-Chancellor would keep Council informed of progress in this area.
(iv) Universities UK (UUK) Board
NOTED: The Vice-Chancellor had been re-elected as Chair of the UUK Research Committee for a further two years.
(v) New Supercomputer Facility
NOTED: The Vice-Chancellor had attended the opening of the University’s new £7 million supercomputing facility on 1 May 2008. The event had been well attended and well received. This project had been a very positive step for the University.
(vi) Report on International Visits
The Vice-Chancellor had recently visited Thailand, Australia and the United States. The trip had included visits to a number of universities, alumni events and fundraising/networking meetings with a number of charitable foundations. The trip had been very positive and successful in terms of both raising the University’s profile and developing relationships with potential donors.
(vii) HEFCE Assessment of Institutional Risk
NOTED: That the University had received the outcome of HEFCE’s annual assessment of institutional risk. HEFCE had judged the University to be ‘not at higher risk’, which was in line with the vast majority of other institutions.
(viii) National Pay Negotiation Framework
Following rejection of revised negotiating arrangements, talks between University and College Union (UCU) and the Universities and Colleges Employers Association (UCEA) were continuing. The issues to be clarified were considered to be: single table bargaining; and the timetable for bargaining.
Negotiations on these two issues had been exhausted in the previous talks and there appeared now to be little or no room for compromise. It was, however, considered unlikely that this matter would threaten the October 2008 pay award although the situation after this date was unclear at present.
(ix)The Charities Act 2006: Charities and Public Benefit
NOTED: That changes to the definition of charitable purposes introduced in the Charities Act 2006 had come into effect in April 2008. Under these provisions, there was no longer a legal presumption that education institutions were for the public benefit. Every institution would have to show not only that its purposes fell within one of the charitable purpose headings set out in the Act but also that its purposes were for the public benefit.
While it was expected that universities would continue to qualify as charitable under the Act, a potential difficulty could arise in respect of organisations that carry out a mixture of charitable and non-charitable activities, largely because of changes to the way in which charities are taxed, as introduced by the Finance Act 2006. Concern had been raised within the HE sector over the impact of these changes, particularly on the way in which universities conducted industrially-sponsored research and other non-primary purpose activities.
The Registrar was setting up a small working group to monitor and respond to developments in this area and to consider how best to ensure compliance whilst protecting the University’s activities from additional tax liability or administrative burdens.
(x) Scheme of Delegation
NOTED: That the Registrar and Head of Planning had initiated work to prepare a University Scheme of Delegation, in order to make clear the responsibilities and delegated authorities for making key decisions in the name of, or on behalf of, the University of Bristol. The Scheme would be developed in accordance with guidance from the Committee of University Chairmen. An operational working group would be established in the first instance, led by the Registrar and Professor Clarke, with a view to bringing a draft paper to Council for comment in due course.
(xi) Recent Grants/Awards
NOTED: That since Council’s last meeting in March 2008, the University and its staff had secured a number of high-profile grants and awards. A selection of recent successes were:
(a) Professor Robert Bickers of the Department of Historical Studies and Dr Siobhan Shilton of the Department of French had been awarded grants of £35k and £24k respectively by the Arts & Humanities Research Council (AHRC).
(b) Dr Cressida Beeching of the Bristol Heart Institute won first prize in the Young Investigators competition run by the British Atherosclerosis Society in Spring 2008, for her work on a potential strategy to reduce atherosclerosis. This prestigious prize was sponsored by the British Heart Foundation.
(c) Both the University’s women’s and men’s water polo teams had been winners in their sport at the inaugural British Universities Sports Association (BUSA) Championship in Sheffield in March 2008. Joel Thomas of the men’s team also won the award for BUSA Player of the Finals.
(d) The Leverhulme Trust had awarded three research grants, totalling over £375k over three years, to Professor Steven Phillipps in the Department of Physics; Dr Derek Vance and colleagues in the Department of Earth Sciences; and Dr Ian Bull in the School of Chemistry.
(xii) Director of Estates
NOTED: The recruitment consultants had identified further potential candidates for the post of Director of Estates. It was hoped that a shortlist of candidates would be drawn up shortly.
(xiii) Director of Finance
NOTED: That Ian Crawford, Finance Director, would be retiring in 2009. The recruitment process for appointing Mr Crawford’s successor would commence in due course. A small appointment panel would be established and it was expected that this panel would seek input from both the Finance and Audit Committees. If Council members knew of any potential candidates for the post, they were asked to forward details on to the search firm, Heidrick & Struggles, in the first instance. Contact details for the firm could be obtained from the Clerk to Council.
Financial Report
Operating Position
5.2 RECEIVED: The financial results for the half year to February 2008 and the full year forecast, reference CN/08/319 (previously circulated, copy in the minute book).
5.2.1 NOT AVAILABLE
5.2.2 NOT AVAILABLE
5.2.3 NOT AVAILABLE
Confidentiality Level of Finance Committee Papers
5.2.4 Following a recommendation made by HEFCE in its Assurance Review of the University in June 2007, the Finance Committee had reviewed the classification of its minutes and opted to retain the status of Strictly Confidential. It had been felt that the Committee’s report to Council should remain categorised as Confidential as this met the current sector good practice for openness without compromising commercial sensitivity.
6. Matters for Discussion or Approval
University Budget 2008-09
6.1 RECEIVED: The proposed University Budget for 2008-09, reference CN/08/320 (previously circulated, copy in the minute book).
6.1.1 The proposed budget had been considered and approved by UPARC on 15 April 2008 and Finance Committee on 16 April 2008.
6.1.2 NOT AVAILABLE
6.1.3 Members noted that the University was planning to develop and implement a more strategic system for reviewing academic plans and objectives. This would be led by Professor David Clarke, Pro Vice-Chancellor.
6.1.4 The Chair of Budget Committee asked that his thanks to Julie Wallis, Assistant Finance Director, be formally recorded. Julie had played a key role in constructing the budget and her efforts and expertise had been much valued.
6.1.5 The Chair of Finance Committee commented that it had been Finance Committee’s opinion that the budget had been thoroughly researched and that it was robust, deliverable and appropriately challenging.
6.1.6 APPROVED: The University Budget for 2008-09, as outlined in Document CN/08/320.
Capital Priorities
6.2 RECEIVED: The report on capital priorities, reference CN/08/321 (previously circulated, copy in the minute book).
6.2.1 The cases outlined and the capital programme had been considered by Sifting Group on 21 February 2008, by UPARC on 18 March 2008, and by Finance Committee on 16 April 2008.
6.2.2 NOTED: That item 4 of the report, the Site Infrastructure bid, had been withdrawn as Finance and Estates Committees wished to have a more detailed and better informed discussion about the bid.
Clinical Research and Imaging Centre
6.2.3 NOTED: That Finance Committee had approved funding of £4.903 million to co-locate a high-field 3T magnetic resonance imaging scanner, with an adjacent dedicated clinical investigation suite and associated laboratory space, at St Michael’s Hospital (UBHT). A £1.5 million grant from the Wolfson Foundation had been obtained for the equipment. An Executive Summary for the project was attached at CN/08/321 Annex A.
6.2.4 NOTED: That the following cases had been approved by the Vice-Chancellor on the advice of UPARC:
(i) Lifezone
6.2.5 Further funding of £472.5k had been approved to provide “zoned space” in the Lifezone Library development. This finding was in addition to the existing University contribution of £1.4 million and the £350k grant from the Wolfson Foundation [It had previously been incorrectly reported that UPARC had approved funding of £1.35 million. UPARC had subsequently noted the correction and confirmed that the full University contribution of £1.4 million had been approved by the Vice-Chancellor on UPARC’s advice].
6.2.6 This additional work would provide a significantly enhanced outcome for the extra investment and it would be cost effective to undertake the work as one project rather than in a phased way.
(ii) ERC Advanced Grant application: CONPHORDS: Condensed phase photochemistry, reaction dynamics and synthesis
6.2.7 Funding of £250k had been approved to support this strategically important research project in its bid for Euro 2.5 million of external funding. The University contribution of £250k towards equipment would only be required if the grant application were successful, and in this event the grant would bring significant amounts of indirect income to the University.
6.2.8 NOTED: That the following cases had been considered by Sifting Group and were being reported to Council for information at this stage:
(i) Implementation of Common University Timetabling/Space Management Platform
6.2.9 Sifting Group had agreed to endorse an allocation of funding from the Information Processes and Systems (IPS) budget to support the implementation of a Common University Timetabling/Space Management Platform. Sifting Group had noted that it was imperative for the success of the project that the entire University supported it and that all faculties adopted the common platform. The Deans had confirmed their support for the project at UPARC. Further information about the project was attached at CN/08/321 Annex B.
(ii) The University of Bristol Integrated Information and Financial Management Systems Programme (UOB-INFORMS)
6.2.10This programme brought together a collection of projects that aimed to put in place systems and processes to more efficiently and easily collect, share, integrate and analyse the information and data required to manage the University's activities effectively. An information paper which provided key messages about the UOB-INFORMS programme was attached at CN/08/321 Annex C
6.2.11NOTED: That the following cases had been considered but were not at a stage where a positive recommendation could be made:
(i) Graduate School of Education: Creative Learning Spaces
6.2.12UPARC and Finance Committee had previously approved funding of £4.82m to refurbish 35 Berkeley Square for the Graduate School of Education. The School had now presented a case for additional funding, for works beyond the scope of the currently agreed project. The Group agreed that the new proposal represented a significant change from the scope and budget of the original bid and that it would be best to invite a new Stage 1 case for the entire project, to cover library relocation and level 2 works, and to include standard and ‘vision’ scenarios.
(ii) Modernising the Surgery and Imaging Facilities in the School of Clinical and Veterinary Sciences, Langford
6.2.13The Sifting Group had considered the case for the construction of a new building to house small animal surgery and imaging facilities. This would be a phased project to provide an upgrade that is essential to release the sanction on the BVSc programme imposed by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, following criticisms of the current facilities in its visit of March 2007. It is also an essential component of the plans (which include establishment of Langford Clinical Veterinary Services) to ensure the sustainability of the clinics, which provided the case load that was essential for undergraduate teaching.
6.2.14The case had been strongly supported by the Sifting Group and a formal recommendation was brought to UPARC following the meeting of Sifting Group on 10 April 2008, where the recently appointed CEO of LCVS, Lynne Hill, would present the business plan.
(iii) Clinical and Laboratory Facilities upgrade for the Centre for Hearing and Balance Studies (CHBS)
6.2.15The clinical facilities of CHBS, currently in ALSPAC on the Children’s Hospital site, would cease to be available in April 2008 when a start was made on clearing the site for the new Maths/Biological Sciences buildings. A temporary solution was in hand. This bid was for new, permanent space for the whole Centre, appropriate to their needs and plans for expansion.
6.2.16Sifting Group had not been able to take a decision on this case without first seeking clarity on how this proposal fitted with the Faculty’s plans and priorities.
Capital Programme Review
6.2.17NOTED: That the Bursar had been asked to analyse the likely cash flow implications of the slow progress on the Mathematics and Biological Sciences project for the next meeting of Sifting Group.
Ordinance 24: The University of Bristol Union (UBU)
6.3 RECEIVED: A report from the Deputy Secretary, Director of Legal Services, outlining proposed changes to Ordinance 24 in light of changes made to UBU’s Constitution, reference CN/08/322 (previously circulated, copy in the minute book).
6.3.1 At the last meeting of Council, the Union President had presented a report on the Union’s Governance Review (reference CN/08/299) including a copy of the revised Union Constitution, approved at the Union AGM on 7 February 2008. The AGM decision conferred delegated powers on Student Council to make any further amendments to the Constitution necessary to achieve consistency with changes approved by Council to Ordinance 24. Amendments to the Constitution not made under the delegated powers require to be approved by an Extraordinary General Meeting or Referendum before being implemented.
6.3.2 Council members had raised a number of points on the Constitution (Minutes 6.1 – 6.1.7 of the meeting on 14 March 2008 refer) and it had been agreed that the Union Governance Review Group would reconsider the wording of the relevant Articles of the Constitution in light of their comments, and of other comments raised at Student Affairs Committee and elsewhere.
6.3.3 Document CN/08/322 listed the further changes to the Constitution proposed by the Governance Review Group and indicated those that could be implemented by Student Council under the delegated powers and those requiring an EGM or referendum . It also included the proposed amendments to Ordinance 24 which, if agreed, would take effect from the first day of the next academic year.
6.3.4 The proposed Ordinance amendments had been developed by the Union President and the Secretary’s Office, in consultation with the Deputy Registrar, Professor Julian Rivers, the Chair of the Student Affairs Committee and Mrs Cindy Peck, a lay member of Council.
6.3.5 A concern was expressed that if Council did approve the changes to Ordinance 24 at this stage, it might compromise its ability to ensure that its previous comments regarding the UBU Constitution were incorporated into the final version. The Vice-Chancellor allayed the concern raised by explaining that Council could approve the proposed changes to Ordinance 24 on the understanding that if its comments regarding the Constitution were not taken into account, further consideration of the Ordinance could be undertaken at a later stage. The Registrar noted that University and Union officers were committed to achieving a mutually-acceptable outcome through the process outlined.
6.3.6 APPROVED: The following amendments to Ordinance 24:
Ordinance 24
University of Bristol Union
Objectives of the Union1. Pursuant to the Provisions of the Charter of the University of Bristol, there shall be a University of Bristol Union (hereinafter called the Union). The objects of the Union shall be:
(a) to promote the academic and social education of its members while allowing for the expression of all views;
(b) to provide, in the interests of the social welfare of its student members, facilities for recreation or other leisure time occupation, being facilities which will improve their conditions of life by enabling them to participate in the intellectual, social and other activities of or connected with the University of Bristol Union;
(c) to promote and protect the general welfare of its members during their period as students of the University and incidentally to relieve poverty and distress amongst particular members;
(d) in furtherance of the objects herein specified, to act as a channel of communication between its members and the University of Bristol and other bodies, of whatsoever nature;
(e) to promote good relations between the members of the Union and those of other educational establishments and members of the general public; provided always that sub-clause 1(a) shall be construedas the main object of the Union and all other objects shall be construed as ancillary thereto.
1. Pursuant to the provisions of the Charter of the University of Bristol, there shall be a University of Bristol Union (hereinafter called the Union). The objects of the Union shall be to advance the education of the students of the University of Bristol by:
(a) promoting the academic and social education of the students and providing social, cultural, sporting and other beneficial opportunities for the students in furtherance of their education at the University;
(b) protecting and promoting the interests of the students, their welfare, development, well-being and conditions of study;
(c) acting as the official channel of communication between the students and the University and other bodies; and
(d) promoting good relations between the students and those of other educational establishments and the general public;
and by any ancillary or incidental charitable activities for the benefit of the community.
Membership
2. Every full-time and part-time student of the University shall be entitled to be a member of the Union, such members to be known as full members. The University shall contribute each session to the funds of the Union the sum which has been allocated for the use of the Union, such sum to be determined by the University Council on the recommendations of the Student CouncilBoard of Trustees. The Union shall not make any pecuniary levy on its full members and such members shall not by reason of their membership be under any financial liability. Nothing herein contained shall preclude the imposition of a fee for membership of any club or society affiliated to or recognised by the Union as recommended by Union Management Committee and approved by Student Council..
Major UnionPrincipalOofficers
3. (a) There shall be Major Union Officers as follows:
The President (Education and Representation)
The Vice President (Welfare &Equality)
The Finance and Commercial Services OfficerTreasurer (Finance and Services)
The Communications and Campaigns Officer
The Societies & Student Development OfficerThe Chair of the Athletic UnionThe Athletic Union Chair
The Student Community Action Co-ordinator
The Rag RAG Chair
(b) All Major Union Officers shall be elected by full members of the Union and shall be, at the time of their election, full-time students of the Universityfull members of the Union. They shall hold office for not more than twenty-four months consecutivelyin total.
(c) The Major Union officers Officers may, if they wish, withdraw from their course during their period of office.
The General Mmanager and permanent staff
4. (a) There shall be a General Manager of the Union who shall be appointed by the University Council. The appointment and contract of employment of the General Manager shall be established jointly by the University Council and the Student Council.Board of Trustees, with a contract of employment from the University.
(b) The permanent staff of the Union shall be appointed by the University on the recommendation of the Board of Trustees. The Board of Trustees is required to protect the interests and welfare of the staff.
The Student Affairs Committee
5. There shall be a joint committee of the University Council and the Student Council called the Student Affairs Committee. The membership and terms of reference of the Student Affairs Committee shall be laid down by the University Council. All Major Union Officers shall be members of this committee.
The Board of Trustees and the Executive Committee
6. (a) There shall be a Board of Trustees of the Union which shall be responsible for directing the affairs of the Union and ensuring that it delivers its charitable objectives, and for the management, operations and administration of the Union. Its functions and membership shall be set out in the Union’s Constitution.
(b) The Board of Trustees may delegate the day-to-day management, operations and administration of the Union to an Executive Committee, whose membership, powers and terms of reference shall be decided by the Board of Trustees. The General Manager shall be a member of the Executive Committee.
The Student council57. There shall be a Student Council which shall be responsible for specific functions as governed by the General Union Functionsthe principal representative body of the full members. The Constitution and Byelaws shall specify the rights, duties and powers of the Student Council. It shall consist of the Major Union Officers and a number of elected full members (not less than thirty) as set out in the main body of the ConstitutionByelaws. In the event of the Student Council being out of office, the responsibilities of the Student Council and the Union Management Committee shall be transferred to the General Manager of the UnionBoard of Trustees until such time as a new Student Council is elected. Student Council shall be the only body with the power to make policy between quorate General Meetings. Student Council shall not have the power to overturn policy decided at a quorate General Meeting, or by a valid referendum.
Union funds68. The financial obligations of the Union and its constituent parts shall be met entirely from Union funds and such funds from whatever source arising shall be wholly under the control of and administered by the Student CouncilBoard of Trustees. The financial management of the Union shall be monitored on behalf of the University Council by the Student Affairs Committee, to which the Board of Trustees will report on financial and other material matters,on behalf of the University Council, and the Management Committee, and no expenditure of such funds shall be made except with the approval of both such bodies. In the event of a dispute between Student Council and Management Committee, Student Council shall be empowered to override the Management Committee, but the President of the Union shall report any such instances to University Council. Student Council is required to protect the fabric of the building and the interests and welfare of the employed staff. The Management Committee shall consist of the Major Union Officers and other representatives as laid out in the main body of the Constitution. The and the audited accounts of the Union shall be presented to the University Council in the Spring Term each year. Officers, Trustees, appointees or members of staff of the Union shall be entitled to be indemnified out of the assets of the Union against all losses or liability which they may sustain or incur in or about the execution of their office or otherwise in relation thereto and no officers, appointees or members of staff shall be liable for any loss, damage or misfortune which may happen to be incurred by the Union in execution of the duties in their office or in relation thereto, provided that nothing in this Clause shall affect their liability for the consequences of any wilful, reckless or negligent act or omission on their part.
Union advisers79. There shall be an Adviser (Financial) and an Adviser (Legal) to Student Council and Management Committeethe Board of Trustees appointed jointly by the University Council and the Student CouncilBoard of Trustees. They shall be entitled to attend meetings of Student CouncilBoard of Trustees and of any of its their committees. It shall be the responsibility of the General Manager of the Union to report to the Financial Adviser any matter relating to the use of Union funds which the General Manager considers should be so reported and to report to the Legal Adviser any matter relating to the Constitution of the Union or any legal or compliance issue which the General Manager considers should be so reported. The Financial Adviser shall report to the University Treasurer any matter relating to the use of Union funds which the Financial Adviser considers should be so reported. The Legal Adviser shall report to the University Council any matter relating to the Constitution of the Union or any legal or compliance issue which the Legal Adviser considers should be so reported.
Use of property810. The Union may use or occupy such part or parts of the property of the University as the University Council may from time to time assign to it under such conditions as the University Council may agree with the Student CouncilBoard of Trustees. In particular, the full members of the Union shall have the use for athletics of the University’s Athletic facilities and shall have the use of the Union building during such time and upon such conditions in relation thereto respectively as the University Council may agree with the Student CouncilBoard of Trustees from time to time. In particular, the Union building shall be under the control of a joint Standing Committee of University Council and Student Council to be known as the Joint Committee of Council with the University Union.The Board of Trustees is required to protect the fabric of any property that it occupies.
Suspension or removal of members911. The Student Council may suspend or remove any member of the Union from any of the privileges they would otherwise enjoy as a member thereof provided always that they shall have the right of appeal as laid down in the General Union Functions.set out in the Constitution.
General meetings10. Subject to the Charter, Statutes and Ordinances of the University, the General Meeting of full members shall be advisory to the Student Council. Business will be discussed only when over one hundred full Union members are present. If the number present rises above four hundred, the General Meeting shall assume policy-making powers over and above those of the Student Council, including the power to pass motions of censure and no-confidence in Major Union Officers and Union Officers.
12. There shall be an Annual General Meeting on the afternoon of the Thursday of Week 14 of the teaching year set aside in the University calendar to be free of teaching. Any other General Meeting may be convened by the Student Council or by a petition of at least 100 Full Members delivered to the President in such form as the Board of Trustees may from time to time require. The quorum shall be not less than four hundred full Union members. Business will be discussed only when one hundred full Union members are present. A General Meeting shall, provided it is at quorum, have authority over and above the Student Council including the power to make, amend or repeal policy, pass motions of censure and no-confidence in Officers and Trustees, to affiliate the Union to external bodies and to amend the Constitution. Any decisions taken by a General Meeting that is not at quorum are advisory only, but may be ratified at a subsequent meeting of Student Council or by a subsequent quorate General Meeting (except that any decision to amend the Constitution or to pass motions of no-confidence cannot be so ratified)..
Annual general meeting
11. There shall be an Annual General Meeting on the afternoon of the Thursday of Week 14 of the teaching year set aside in the University calendar to be free of teaching. The quorum shall be not less than four hundred full Union members. This meeting shall, provided it is quorate, have full legislative authority over and above that of the Student Council, including the power to pass motions of censure on Major Union Officers and Union Officers and to pass Constitutional changes.
ReferendaReferenda
12. A referendum may be called by Student Council, a General Meeting at which more than one hundred members are present, or a petition signed by two hundred full members of the Union. The result of a referendum shall, if at least one thousand students take part, be deemed to be policy of the Union for at least the remainder of that academic year.
13. A referendum may be called by Student Council, a General Meeting, or a petition signed by three hundred full members of the Union. Only full members of the Union may vote. The result of a referendum shall only be valid if at least one thousand full members vote. A referendum may make, amend or repeal policy, pass motions of censure and no-confidence in Officers and Trustees, affiliate the Union to external bodies and amend the Constitution.
The constitutionConstitution1314. Except as otherwise provided by the Charter, Statutes and Ordinances of the University and subject always to the same, the affairs of the Union shall be governed by a Constitution laid down by the Annual General Meeting or Student Council. .The Constitution may only be altered, amended or abrogated by a quorate Annual General Meeting or by a valid referendumand such changes shall take effect from the first day of the following academic year. The Constitution shall provide for General Meetings of the Union, for the election of officers, for the Appointment of a Student Council and such other Executive Committees as may be necessary, for the admission of Associate Members and for the admission of students of certain other institutions as Reciprocal Members and election of Honorary Members, and for the affiliation of other clubs and societies. Any provision in the Constitution relating to the Student Affairs Committee shall only be altered with the agreement of the University Council and Student Council. The Constitution relating to the Joint Committee of Council with the University Union shall only be altered with the agreement of the University Council and Student Council. All alterations or additions to the Constitution shall be notified annually to the University Council.
Alteration of ordinances
1 54. Proposals for alteration of Ordinance 24 by the Union may be made to the University Council only after approval by two thirds of the full members present and voting at a quorate Annual General Meeting or by a simple majority of full members voting in a valid referendum and such alterations, if approved by the University Council, shall take effect on such date (not later than the first day of the following academic year) as is specified by the University Council when giving its approval.. and such changes shall take effect from the first day of the following academic year.’
7.0 Matters for Formal Decision or Approval
7.1 NOT AVAILABLE
7.2 NOT AVAILABLE
7.2.1 NOT AVAILABLE
7.3 NOT AVAILABLE
7.3.1 NOT AVAILABLE
7.3.2 NOT AVAILABLE
7.3.3 NOT AVAILABLE
7.3.4 NOT AVAILABLE
7.3.5 NOT AVAILABLE
7.3.7 NOT AVAILABLE
7.3.8 NOT AVAILABLE
7.3.9 NOT AVAILABLE
7.3.10NOT AVAILABLE
8. Committee Reports
Estates Committee Report to Council
8.1 RECEIVED: A report of the Estates Committee following its meeting on 4 April 2008, reference CN/08/326 (previously circulated, copy in the minute book). The Committee had considered the following matters:
(i) Format of agenda for future meetings.
(ii) Review of Estates Committee Terms of Reference.
(iii) A presentation from the architect working on the BioSciences and Mathematics Complex.
(iv) Review of the Residential Estate. An options appraisal report prepared by consultants covering the entire residential estate would be available to the Residential Strategy Board and lay members of the Estates Committee at a meeting in June 2008.
Audit Committee Report to Council
8.2 RECEIVED: The Audit Committee’s report of its last meeting on 2 April 2008, reference CN/08/237 (previously circulated, copy in the minute book). The Committee had:
(i) Considered the University’s treasury management processes.
(ii) Reviewed its terms of reference.
(iii) Considered various amendments to the University’s Financial Regulations.
(iv) Reviewed the Internal Audit Progress Report.
(v) Reviewed the External Audit Plan for 2007/08.
9. Reports for Information Only
Faculty of Social Sciences and Law, Dean’s Report to Council
9.1 RECEIVED: The Dean’s Report for the Faculty of Social Sciences and Law, March 2008, reference CN/08/328 (previously circulated, copy in the minute book). The report set out an overview of the Faculty and its organisation, a summary of its key achievements and progress over the past year, its financial performance, its goals and challenges (past and future).
9.1.2 The Vice-Chancellor congratulated the Dean on his and the Faculty’s success over the past year. The Faculty and its staff had gone from strength to strength. The report was considered to be extremely positive and Council had appreciated the opportunity to hear the Dean introduce his report.
Chair Appointments Update Report*
9.2 NOTED: That since the last report to Council in March 2008, the following Chair appointment activity had taken place:
(i) Chair in Molecular Cell Biology (Exceptional Talent)
Professor Neil Perkins had been appointed (with effect from 1 July 2008). Professor Perkins wass currently Principal Investigator and Professor in the Wellcome Centre for Gene Regulation and Expression, College of Life Sciences, University of Dundee.
(ii) Chair in East Asian Studies and Centre Director
This post had been offered and was awaiting acceptance.
(iii) Chair in Statistics
This position had been advertised alongside several posts spanning several Profile Levels. Two chair level candidates had been longlisted and shortlisting had been planned for late April 2008.
(iv) Chair in Cell Biology
This post had been offered and was awaiting acceptance.
(v) Chair in Management
Recruitment to this position had been recently authorised and a joint appointment committee was being established.
10. Any Other Business
League Tables
10.1 NOTED: That The Guardian and The Independent newspapers had recently published University League Tables. The University of Bristol had fallen from 14th to 32nd position in the Guardian’s Table and was ranked as 16th in the Independent’s new Table. The Vice-Chancellor emphasised the importance of keeping League Tables in perspective, noting that movement within them was often the result of methodological changes than changes in performance.
11. Dates of Next Meetings
11.1 The remaining Council meeting in the 2007/08 session had been scheduled to take place on Friday, 4 July 2008.