Campus News
USS Pensions — University supports JEP recommendations
October 29th, 2018
The University has responded to the UUK employer consultation to confirm it supports the Joint Expert Panel recommendations on the USS 2017 valuation, and would accept an increase in employer contributions from 18% to 20.1% of salary.
In preparing its response, the University has sought the views of our staff, our Executive Board and our Council. The full response is published below and at USS Pension Valuation:
Consultation by Universities UK with USS’ participating employers on the Joint Expert Panel recommendations
University of Nottingham Response
I am writing in response to the questions posed in the consultation by Universities UK with USS’ participating employers on the Joint Expert Panel recommendations.
In preparing this response, the University has sought the views of our staff, our Executive Board and our Council. Taking each question in turn:
1. Would your institution support the JEP recommendations regarding the 2017 valuation (see Table 2 – page 10), in overall terms, subject to the acceptance of such a position from the USS Trustee (and TPR as appropriate)?
Yes, because the proposal has been developed jointly by the employee and employer representatives as a pragmatic approach to resolve the 2017 valuation.
2. What further information would you need to provide a final view for question 1?
The University would need further information on the level of risk inherent in the recommendations and confirmation that the USS Trustee would not seek any conditions to their acceptance
3. Employers currently pay 18% towards the USS scheme, and the mandate agreed immediately following the Acas discussions was 19.3%. If the recommendations of the JEP were accepted in full by all parties, the outcome would be that existing benefits – minus the employer match of 1% – could be provided at an indicative employer contribution of 20.1% of salary (with a member contribution of 9.1%).
(a) Would you accept employer contributions at that level?
(b) If not, what balance of additional risk, higher contributions and/or benefit change would you prefer to see as an outcome?
Yes, the University would accept an employer contribution of 20.1% of salary through to the conclusion of the next valuation if the recommendations of the JEP were accepted in full by all parties.
Margaret Monckton
Chief Finance Officer
University of Nottingham
Tags: Universities Superannuation Scheme, Universities UK, USS, UUK
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Engineering’s new APVC for research
October 26th, 2018
Professor Christopher Tuck has been appointed as Associate Pro-Vice Chancellor for Research and Knowledge Exchange, Faculty of Engineering.
Chris Tuck is Professor of Materials Engineering and Deputy Director of the EPSRC Centre Of Innovative Manufacturing in Additive Manufacturing He is also Director of the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Additive Manufacturing and 3D Printing, a training and research programme for PhD students co-sponsored by industry.
He said: “I am delighted to take up the role of APVC for Research and Knowledge Exchange in Engineering and working with university and engineering colleagues to enable and build upon our already world-leading research portfolio to gain further reach and impact for our staff and university.”
Professor Sam Kingman, Pro-Vice Chancellor for Engineering, said: “Chris is a world-class researcher, with superb track record for forging partnerships with industry and our stakeholders. As Associate Pro-Vice Chancellor for Research and Knowledge Exchange, Chris will further drive our commitment as a Faculty to deliver exceptional research with real impact to society.”
The most recent Research Excellence Framework rated more than 98% of the Faculty of Engineering’s research as of international quality and 89% as ‘world-leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’ and its research awards for 2016-17 totalled £47m.
Nottingham University Engineering portraits. Photos by Alex Wilkinson Media
Tags: engineering, Professor Christopher Tuck, Research and Knowledge Exchange
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Making a difference to adult education
October 26th, 2018
As the Civic University Commission publishes its first progress report which focusses on the civic purpose of universities in providing adult education, we explore the experiences of two of our mature students.
Tracy Young is 44 and lives in Arnold, Nottingham. She is in her final year of a Midwifery degree.
She was inspired to become a midwife after the birth of her third child, who has just turned 15, but felt she had left it too late.
Instead she got a job as a hearing screener for new-borns within midwifery services. It wasn’t until, in an annual appraisal, she was asked about her ambitions and encouraged to pursue her dream that she decided to go back and study for her GCSEs, an Access Course and then a BSc in Midwifery.
In her first year of study Tracy’s tutors identified she had dyslexia and dyspraxia – something she had previously been unaware of and possibly the reason for her struggles at school.
She fits her studies around being a wife and a mum to her son and two daughters.
She says: “I was awful at school and just thought I was thick. I concentrated on my family and I got a job as a receptionist but when I was 30 I felt I wanted to do more. I got a job within maternity services, I really wanted to be a midwife but I didn’t have the qualifications. I’d almost given up on the idea – I thought I was too old – but my employer pushed me to make objectives towards getting qualifications and it really just snowballed.
“I now know that no one has left it too late. There is such a diverse age group at the University that I’ve never felt out of place. We’ll all there for the same purpose. It hasn’t been easy but it wasn’t as a bad as I thought it would be. I just wish I’d done it sooner.”
Janine Furr had a similar experience but said the unique support at the University of Nottingham had encouraged her to keep going.
Janine is 33-years-old and a single mum to three. She is in the final year of a degree.
She said: “I have always wanted to be a nurse and have spent much of my life in education or working as a care assistant in a brain injury unit. My plan was always to go to university. I have never felt overly academic and I have surprised myself with my grades. I’m a firm believer that hard work and learning from areas that need improvement are key to progression in higher education.
“I have found it very challenging doing the degree, especially being a busy mum too. I have thoroughly enjoyed the challenge. Having needed extra support this year with home problems I really cannot fault the University and they have supported me beyond what I thought was possible. Without that support I would have had no choice but to quit.”
Chaired by Lord Kerslake, the former Head of the Civil Service, and including eminent figures from the world of HE, business and civil society, the Commission is a major, nationwide and independent inquiry into how universities should serve their civic role in the 21st century.
Find out more about becoming a mature student at the University of Nottingham.
Tags: Adult education, Mature student
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New Teaching and Learning Building — staff training sessions (facilities)
October 26th, 2018
The new Teaching and Learning Building (TLB) located on University Park opened its doors at the start of the new academic session. The building has over 20 flexible learning spaces with new AV/IT facilities that provide greater opportunity for collaboration and interactive learning.
New rooms, new technology, come and find out more…
The teaching spaces within the new building offer a range of technologies designed to enhance the classroom experience. The larger rooms feature a standard lectern and screen, complemented by touch-screen Microsoft Surface Hubs.
Bookable spaces for students can be reserved via interactive screens and there are a range of flexibly designed seminar rooms.
We realise that many staff did not have the opportunity to familiarise themselves with the facilities provided in the TLB prior to the start of teaching and so we are planning further training sessions to address this.
On Wednesday 7 November we’ll be hosting a whole day of events to showcase the new technology within the TLB – come and join us to find out more…
All day we’ll have an 84” Surface Hub in the building atrium, staffed by Microsoft, who will run mini showcases for staff to come and find out more about the Hub. There’s no need to book – just turn up in the atrium anytime between 10am and 4pm.
In the afternoon, aimed at teaching staff, we’re offering a choice of two formal training sessions. Each session will start with a 30 minute equipment/room overview led by IT Support staff, followed by an in-depth demonstration of the Surface Hub from Microsoft. There will then be an opportunity to experiment with the IT equipment in rooms B02, D04, D05 and D09 under the guidance of our expert staff. Please book your place at one of the training sessions using the links below (only one session required).
- 1pm-3pm, Wednesday 7 November: A03, Teaching and Learning Building.
Book here. - 3pm-5pm, Wednesday 7 November: A03, Teaching and Learning Building.
Book here.
We are also working with Microsoft to plan sessions on using the Surface Hubs for particular teaching and learning scenarios. Faculty Digital Learning Directors will be taking a lead on this to ensure that the training support offered has a strong focus on pedagogy. You are welcome to feed in your own suggestions via your DLDs or directly to myself.
The TLB offers us great potential for enriching our teaching and learning environment. We look forward to seeing many of you on Wednesday 7 November.
Tags: Teaching and Learning Building, TLB
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Develop your operational leadership skills
October 26th, 2018
The new Operational Leaders Programme from the Leadership and Management Academy is now open for applications.
If you lead a team of people focussed on delivering a service, to students or staff, the Operational Leaders Programme has been designed to give you the opportunity to develop your skills both in day to day leadership and the specifics of delivering an excellent service.
Piloted with supervisors from Estates, Catering, Halls Management, Security, Grounds and Libraries last year, this year we are opening the programme up to all departments at the University.
Staff from all job families are invited to apply. Applications are open until Tuesday 13 November.
Further programmes and development tools
A number of our other leadership programmes are also currently open for applications;
- If you’re thinking about taking on their first leadership role, the Aspiring Leaders programme is a great opportunity to develop your leadership skills and deepen your understanding of what leadership means for the University. Open for applications until Tuesday 30 October. Find out more/apply.
- If you’re in your first leadership role, Stepping into Leadership will help you develop your foundational leadership skills and improve the way you lead. Equally, if you’ve been a leader for a while, but haven’t had an opportunity for formal leadership development, this is a great place to start. Find out more/apply. Open for applications until Tuesday 30 October. Find out more/apply.
- Our Future Leaders Programme is ideal if you’re moving from an operational leadership role to a more strategic leadership role. You might have ambitions to become a head of a school or a professional service team, or perhaps wish to take on more responsibility across the University. The deadline for applications is Saturday 10 November 2018. Find out more/apply.
- The Strategic Leaders Programme is aimed at leaders with University wide responsibility looking to develop their leadership skills is also open for applications until Tuesday 30 October. Find out more/apply.
You can also find out more about all of these programmes as well as our coaching and mentoring offers by visiting the LMA Hub on Moodle, or by contacting a member of the Leadership and Management Team.
There’s also a huge range of on-line learning resources available for all staff to access on the Learning and Resources page of the LMA Hub. From performance management and emotional intelligence to personal impact and managing stress, there’s a range of topics to choose from, so even if you’re not looking to come on a programme you can find something to help you develop today.
Tags: Leadership and Management Academy, LMA, Operational Leaders Programme
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Brighten Up – be safe when cycling
October 26th, 2018
The University of Nottingham is running its annual ‘Brighten Up’ campaign to remind staff and students to be safe and be seen when cycling in the autumn and winter months.
The clocks go back one hour on Sunday 28th October 2018 so be prepared for darker evenings next week. Take a look at the Brighten Up page or watch Ridewise’s safe winter cycling video for advice on staying visible.
Bike lights must be used on campus, public roads and cycle paths between sunset and sunrise. Fines of up to £150 can be issued if this is not observed. See what lights are required by law.
If you need lights for your bike, you can pick up a set from the SU shop for £5.50 or take part in the Facebook competition to be in with the chance of winning some.
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Testing Campus Solutions
October 25th, 2018
A number of teams are working together to ensure that Campus Solutions is ready to be rolled out across the University from the end of December.
Visit the Campus Solutions Implementation blog to read a new article providing more details of the intensive testing process.
Tags: campus solutions
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University of Nottingham honours inspirational volunteers
October 25th, 2018
The University of Nottingham has recognised the outstanding voluntary efforts of a number of alumni and residents at its annual Supporter Reception this week.
From increasing awareness about the impacts of slavery at local heritage sites to raising thousands of pounds for the University’s breast cancer research programme, the activities the volunteers support are wide-ranging.
Over 360 alumni and community volunteers contributed time over the last academic year, with 19 different individuals or groups recognised in the volunteer awards — including seven from Nottingham — which were introduced by the University Vice Chancellor Shearer West.
Lisa Johnson won the ‘Exceptional Contribution Award’ for her tireless fundraising for the University’s new Breast Cancer Research Centre. Lisa, who has battled breast cancer herself, has already raised over £4,000 by holding a ‘Boobie Ball’ and is planning a second, for which tickets have already sold out.
The University’s Volunteer of the Year is Natalie Haydon-Yeung, a solicitor at Geldard’s, who since graduation has provided hundreds of students with advice and guidance, helping break down some of the barriers preventing disadvantaged young people from attending university.
Rachael Green, University of Nottingham Head of Volunteering said: “Our volunteers are the lifeblood of so much of the University’s activity, giving their time, energy and inspiration for the benefit of others.
“Our alumni in particular are incredibly generous with their time, it is a truly global community and their support helps both current students and each other be the best they can.”
The overall Alumni Volunteer of the Year is Hugh Jaques, who has been recognised for his work to help transform the operation of the University’s Students Union since joining as a Trustee in 2015.
Other local winners include:
- John Charles-Jones, a volunteer for over 10 years, inspiring countless students and helping the University’s Rural Business Research Unit become a beacon of excellence in farming research.
- The Nottingham Slave Trade Legacies Group, consisting of mainly African Caribbean heritage volunteers, who have raised awareness of the implications of the Transatlantic Slave Trade on the development of modern Britain and helped make the contributions of their enslaved ancestors clear at popular heritage sites, including Newstead Abbey.
- Mel Berry, Tom Preece and Ed Wright from the University’s Ingenuity Lab, who have helped mentor business students.
- Kate Sartain, who volunteers in the University’s Dementia, Older People and Palliative Care patient and public involvement group which supports those working in the field of research concerning frailty and dementia.
- MacJay Makinde-Ojo, an alumnus who continuously gives his time across a huge number of activities, including raising awareness of Black History Month
- Laura Outhwaite, who whilst studying her undergraduate, postgraduate and PhD at Nottingham volunteered in schools and created a revolutionary American Football training programme.
The University of Nottingham has a number of volunteer programmes, which are open to both alumni and non-alumni, for more information visit: www.nottingham.ac.uk/alumni/giveyourtime.
Tags: volunteer, volunteering
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Nottingham takes a stand against hate
October 23rd, 2018
Nottingham leaders united to take a stand against hate crime at a special event on Monday 15 October at the University of Nottingham.
Timed to coincide with the start of National Hate Crime Awareness Week 2018, the event emphasised the partnership approach being taken to tackle hate crime.
The ‘No to Hate’ event was organised to reaffirm the partnership’s commitment to tackling prejudice and hatred in all forms, and to send a clear message that there is ‘no place for hate’ in Nottingham.
Leaders from the community, education and public sectors got together to symbolise their commitment to the hate crime agenda.
The following leaders took part in the event:
- Professor Sarah Sharples, Pro Vice Chancellor for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion at the University of Nottingham
- Jess Lendon, President, University of Nottingham Students’ Union
- Professor Eunice Simmons, Deputy Vice Chancellor for Nottingham Trent University
- Bradley Fox, President, Nottingham Trent Students’ Union
- Police and Crime Commissioner, Paddy Tipping
- Cllr Toby Neal, Portfolio Holder for Community Protection, Nottingham City Council
- Cllr Linda Woodings, Assistant Portfolio Holder for Community Protection, Nottingham City Council
- Janine Smith, Chief Crown Prosecutor, Crown Prosecution Service East Midlands
- Nick Murphy, Chief Executive, Nottingham City Homes
- Assistant Chief Constable Kate Meynell, Nottinghamshire Police
- Supt Matt McFarlane, Hate Crime lead for Nottinghamshire Police
- Andy Macey, Group Manager at Nottinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service
- Ruth Hyde, Chief Executive of Broxtowe Borough Council and hate crime lead for the Safer Nottinghamshire Board
- Catherine Conchar, Associate Director Equality and Diversity, Nottinghamshire Healthcare Trust
- Andy Hedgecock, Training and Development Manager, Nottingham City Transport Ltd
Nottingham is home to some ground breaking projects on hate crime, making valuable contributions to making Nottingham a city that is safe for all citizens. The following leaders were present from the voluntary and community sector:
- Wasim Amin, Chair, Nottingham Licensed Taxi Owners and Drivers Association
- Karen Aspley, Nottinghamshire Mencap
- Zaynab Asghar, Nottingham Muslim Women’s Network
- Katherine Cant, Head of Service for Victim CARE, Catch 22
- Michael Henry, Director, Communities Inc.
- Imran Hussain, Hackney Carriage Trade Representative for Unite the Union
- Jabraan Jalil, United Private Hire Drivers’ Union
- Alice Kelk, Fan Engagement Executive at Notts County FC
- Sajid Mohammed, CEO of Himmah and leader at Nottingham Citizens
- Shamas Mohammed, Workforce Development Manager Notts County FITC
- Helen Voce, Nottingham Women’s Centre
Professor Sarah Sharples, Pro Vice Chancellor for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion at the University of Nottingham, said: “Diverse communities are strong communities and hate crime of any sort has no place in society. Our University community celebrates tolerance, respect and diversity in all its forms and is pleased to back this campaign to ensure there is ‘No Place for Hate’ in the city we are proud to call home.”
Tags: hate crime, National Hate Crime Awareness Week
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Survival Mandarin – free language course
October 19th, 2018
The Survival Mandarin course is open to all staff and students at the University of Nottingham and is ideal if you’re considering working or studying in China and are unable to speak any Mandarin.
Visiting a country on the other side of the world without being able to speak the language can be a very daunting experience. Survival Mandarin will provide you with a taste of Chinese language and culture, helping you to settle in to your new work or study environment.
Delivered by the Nottingham Confucius Institute, this course runs at lunchtimes, so you can fit it around your studies. Lessons take place every Tuesday, 12-1pm, commencing on Tuesday 20 November and running for five weeks.
The course aims to provide practical knowledge on living in China, as well as some useful phrases.
Tags: Chinese, langauge lessons, Mandarin, Nottingham Confucius Institute
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