the
COURT
MINUTES of the second meeting of the 2012/2013 academic year held on
Monday, 26 November, 2012, in the Council Room, Queen Anne Court,
Greenwich Campus, Park Row, Greenwich, SE10 9LS, commencing at 5.30 pm.
Present:
Sir Stuart Etherington (in the Chair)
Mr J Barnes
Dr J Cullinane
Mr S H Davie
Mr L Devlin
Mr N Eastwell
Mr K Haque
Ms M Hay
Mr S Howlett
Mr P F Hazell
Mr A L Holmes
Mr W Leech
Professor D Maguire
Professor P Maras
Ms S Patel
Professor M Snowden
Mr J Stoker
Mrs H Wyatt
In attendance:
Ms Z Ashmore (Learning & Development Manager) (for item 12/28)
Professor T Barnes (Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research & Enterprise))
Mrs T A Brighton (Minutes Clerk)
Mrs L Cording (Secretary and Registrar)
Mr R Daly (Director of Finance)
Mr K Ellis (University Safety Adviser) (for item 12/23)
Mr P Fotheringham (Head of Estates)(for item 12/31)
Professor S Jarvis (Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic Development))
Apologies for Absence:
CRT 12/22
Mr A Albert
DECLARATION OF CONFLICT OF INTERESTS
There were no declarations of conflicts of interests.
CRT 12/23
ITEMS FROM THE CHAIR
23.1
Welcome
The Chair welcomed Jo Cullinane and Wilson Leech to their first meeting.
23.2
Retirement of Secretary & Registrar
The Chair reported that the Secretary & Registrar would be retiring at the end of
March 2013. He noted her successful career spanning many years in the higher
education sector and, on behalf of Court, thanked her for her considerable
CRT 12 M-2 26 November 2012
page 1
contribution to the work of the University during the past ten years. The ViceChancellor was considering the options for her successor.
CRT 12/24
APPOINTMENT OF CHAIR OF COURT
The Chair reported on the recent election conducted to identify his successor as
Chair of Court. He thanked the three candidates for putting themselves forward and
congratulated Stephen Howlett, currently Vice-Chair of Court, on being elected.
The Chair was pleased to announce that Stephen Howlett would be the first
graduate of the University to assume chairmanship of the Court. The Court:
ratified the appointment of Stephen Howlett as Chair of Court for the
period 1 August 2013 to 31 July 2016.
CRT 12/25
MEMBERSHIP (CRT 12/P20)
The Court noted the following appointments of Members under Article 7(2)(d):
CRT 12/26
i
following a ballot from and by teaching and research staff and a subsequent
postal ballot of eligible Members of Court, Dr Joanna Cullinane for the
period 1 November 2012 to 31 August 2014
ii
following a postal ballot of all Members of Court except Co-opted
Members, Mr Wilson Leech for the period 16 November 2012 to 31
August 2015.
MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING (CRT 12/P21)
The minutes of the meeting held on 22 October 2012 were taken as read and signed
as a true record.
CRT 12/27
MATTERS ARISING
There were no Matters Arising.
CRT 12/28
PRESENTATION ON THE BRIBERY ACT (CRT 12/P22)
The Court received a presentation from the Learning & Development Manager on
the 2010 Bribery Act which came into force in July 2011. Members were briefed
on the corporate requirements of the Act as well as on their personal statutory
duties in relation to the prevention of bribery and corruption. They also received an
explanation of the steps being taken by the University towards compliance and the
ways in which bribery prevention activities would be monitored in the future. As
part of the University’s compliance arrangements, all Members of Court would
need to complete on-line bribery prevention training.
CRT 12 M-2 26 November 2012
page 2
CRT 12/29
HEALTH AND SAFETY ANNUAL REPORT (CRT 12/P23)
Mr Kevin Ellis, University Safety Adviser, attended for this item.
The Court considered the 2012 annual report setting out significant activities and
developments relating to health and safety at the University. It was reported that
that the health and safety committees, established to monitor and address matters of
health, safety and welfare, were effective and well attended. The Safety Unit
assessed compliance with health and safety legislation and University policy
through the annual submission by Schools and Offices of Safety Statements and
through its programme of health and safety audits. The University’s favourable
accident/injury levels for students and staff continued to be maintained with nothing
of concern identified through analysis of five year trends. On the basis of the
information provided, the Court was reassured that a satisfactory level of health and
safety management existed throughout the University.
The Chairman reported that the University Safety Adviser would be retiring in
April 2013. On behalf of the Court he thanked him for the improvements made to
the health and safety framework during the past five years. The search for his
replacement was under way.
CRT 12/30
HEFCE COMPLIANCE: REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE
YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2012 (CRT 12/P24)
30.1
Report and Financial Statements
The Court received the reports of the Finance and Audit Committee discussions on
the draft report and financial statements for 2011-2012 held on 5th and 12th
November respectively. It was noted that the University had posted a final yearend surplus of £3.8m. This was above original year-end projections after
accounting for the £3.7m costs associated with the recent voluntary severance
programme. Overall, the University’s financial health had strengthened.
30.2
Internal Audit Annual Report 2011-2012
The Court was pleased to note that, in their annual report, the Internal Auditors had
confirmed that they were satisfied that the arrangements in place for governance,
risk management, control, data quality and value for money were generally
adequate and effective.
The Court:
i
approved the Audit Committee Annual Report 2011-2012 for submission
to HEFCE
ii
received the External Auditor’s Key Issues Memorandum together with a
response from the Director of Finance
CRT 12 M-2 26 November 2012
page 3
iii
approved the Directors’ Letter of Representation for signature by the
Vice-Chancellor and the Chairman of Court
iv
received a report by the Director of Finance on the 2011-12 financial
statements
v
approved the Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 July
2012 for:
(a) the University of Greenwich
(b) Greenwich Property Limited
(c) Greenwich University Enterprises Limited.
CRT 12/31
ESTATES STRATEGY (CRT 12/P25)
Mr Peter Fotheringham, Head of Estates, attended for this item.
The Court received the draft confidential Estate Strategy covering the five year
period 2012-2017. The Chair reported that the Court was being given the
opportunity for an early discussion on the general direction of the strategy prior to
detailed consideration of the financial implications by the Finance Committee.
Introducing the Estate Strategy, the Vice-Chancellor reiterated that the objectives of
the strategic plan aimed to improve the academic performance of the institution. In
order to attract good quality students, the University needed not only to provide an
excellent educational experience but also good, up-to-date facilities.
The Vice-Chancellor summarised the key elements of the proposed estate strategy.
The University would continue to operate on three sites:
i
Greenwich - The development of the Stockwell Street site was central to
the estate strategy. Given its strategic importance, this campus would receive the
majority of investment during the strategy’s life. The relocation of the central
library from the Dreadnought building afforded the opportunity to provide
improved services and social learning and students’ union space more conducive to
supporting students.
ii
Avery Hill – Given the difference in size, condition and functionality of the
buildings and facilities on this campus, teaching operations would be consolidated
at the Southwood site. The University’s main sports facilities would continue to be
located here serving both the university and local community. A review of possible
uses for the Mansion site would continue.
iii
Medway – The long term future of the site was ensured through the planned
purchase of the reversionary lease of the Pembroke site in 2014. The campus
would continue to house the Schools of Engineering and Science, together with the
School of Pharmacy run jointly with the University of Kent. Investment to improve
teaching and research facilities would be needed in the medium term.
During discussion the following issues were highlighted:
CRT 12 M-2 26 November 2012
page 4

The intention to focus on Greenwich was regarded as the rational way forward
in view of its close proximity to London, ease of accessibility and the
opportunities for future development;

There was a recognition that the divided nature of the Avery Hill campus
created high running costs and compromised the efficiency of operations;

The University would need to continue to pay attention to the quality and
availability of its student residential accommodation;

The adequacy of the allocation of £250,000 per annum on refurbishment and
modernising of learning and teaching spaces was questioned.
At the specific request of the Court, the Vice-Chancellor outlined a number of
options which had been considered and rejected during compilation of the strategy.
There was some discussion on the funding requirements of the strategy. It as
recognised that the availability of capital funding and constraints of borrowing
would have implications for the prioritisation and timing of projects.
The Chairman of the Finance Committee stated that he was uncomfortable with the
timing of the Estate Strategy. The three year financial plan (see minute 12/33.1)
was premised on increased student numbers over the course of the next two years,
and accordingly the estate strategy would need to be kept under continuous review
in the light of the recruitment position.
Following lengthy deliberation, the Court resolved to approve in principle the
general thrust of the proposals set out in the 2012-2017 estates strategy, that:
 Greenwich become the principal campus of the University with the
possibility of further development
 there be a contraction of operations at the Avery Hill site
 the University’s presence at Medway continue along present lines.
This agreement in principle was dependent on the University’s ability to recruit the
requisite numbers of students and on the availability of capital and funding. The
financial implications of the Estate Strategy would now receive careful scrutiny by
the Finance Committee as part of its assessment of student numbers and financial
planning.
CRT 12/32
STUDENT RECRUITMENT 2012/13 ENTRY (CRT 12/P27)
The Court received a progress report on student recruitment. It was reported that
changes in government policy, the introduction of higher fees, uncertainty about
future levels of employment and UKBA regulations had all led to a decline in
student registrations. New entrants to all courses had declined compared to the
previous year’s entry and the University had only recruited 74% of its
undergraduate New Entrant Control Number (NECN). On the positive side, the
number of AAB+ grade students recruited had exceeded target and the average
CRT 12 M-2 26 November 2012
page 5
entry tariff had increased from 286 to around 310. In addition, the University’s
student population overseas had grown by 16.5%.
It was further reported that the University had set in place a programme of activities
to halt the decline. An additional open day was being held to capture students prior
to the UCAS application deadline date of 15 January 2013. Task and finish groups
established to improve recruitment were working with Schools to personalise the
process of converting applicants to students. A further intake of postgraduate
students was planned for January 2013.
The Court recalled that the University aimed to recruit an additional 500 NECN
undergraduates in 2013 over the number admitted in 2012. It was noted that the
Schools were committed to meeting this target and at this stage in the recruitment
year entry tariffs would not be increased. The position would, however, be
monitored as the year progressed.
The Court recognised that the University could find itself facing a difficult strategic
dilemma in the future; by reducing entry tariffs to recruit students it would run the
risk of compromising strategic aims to improve retention and employability rates.
The Court also flagged up the need for the University not to lose sight of its longstanding tradition for fostering widening participation.
The Chair stated that the financial stability of the institution was of paramount
importance and recommended that the issues surrounding recruitment be debated in
more detail at the next meeting. In order for Court to undertake an informed
discussion, he asked Officers to provide a clear exposition on future assumptions
on student numbers together with financial planning and strategic options based on
a variety of scenarios.
CRT 12/33
FINANCE COMMITTEE (CRT 12/P28)
The Chairman introduced the report to the Court outlining the principal items of
financial significance arising from the meeting held on 5 November 2012. The
following issues were highlighted:
33.1
Revised Financial Plan : Three Years to July 2015
It was reported that the revised three year financial plan for 2012/13 to 2014/15
contained projections for future student recruitment and was premised on
maintaining international student numbers at present levels and increasing
home/EU undergraduate NECN numbers by 500 in the second and third years.
These targets represented a challenge in the light of declining student numbers
across the sector and the initiatives launched to improve recruitment would play an
important part in attracting students.
The Committee had had some discussion on the conflict between improving the
quality of the student population and ensuring the financial and operational health
of the University. Strategic issues such as these required consideration by the Court
as a whole and were likely to feature in the discussions at the Strategy Day being
CRT 12 M-2 26 November 2012
page 6
arranged in April 2013. It was noted that the revised financial plan contained
reduced year-end surpluses for each of the years. The Court:
approved the financial plan 2012/13 to 2014/15 on condition that the plan
be revisited: :
33.2
i
in the event that the targeted additional 500 students in 2013 failed
to be realised
ii
as a consequence of any decision arising out of the Court’s analysis
of strategic options at the February 2013 meeting.
2012-2013 Budget Update
The Committee had had a detailed examination of the current year’s budget
which had been amended since approval of the original budget. This year’s
under-recruitment had had significant consequences for revenue resulting in
an estimated shortfall of £10.5m. The deficit would need to be managed by
a variety of measures and Schools and Offices would be required to identify
further efficiency savings. The Court recognised the difficulty facing
Schools and Offices in making additional in-year saving but acknowledged
the importance of ensuring that the University operated within its budgetary
provision. In these circumstances the Court accepted it would not be
possible to maintain the 2% target for annual surpluses of turnover and
noted the reduction in the year-end surplus from £3m to £1m. On this basis,
the Court:
resolved that the revised 2012/13 revenue and capital budgets be
approved.
33.3
University Estate Issues
33.3.1 The Court resolved that the University:
CRT 12 M-2 26 November 2012
i
disposes of its obligations to the Alderwood Day Nursery lease by
negotiating either an assignment or surrender
ii
enters into negotiations to agree a new lease with higher rent for the
Nursery (greenhouses) site at the Mansion site
iii
seeks to agree a price with the University of Kent for the purchase of
the C4 site, Medway, at a cost not exceeding the valuation of the
University of Kent’s surveyor
iv
having reached agreement with all parties concerned, leases a small
area of land at the Well Hall Playing Fields to the owners of
adjacent land for a peppercorn rent and on the basis of the terms
outlined in the CRT 12/P28
page 7
33.3.2 The Court resolved that one Court Member and the Vice-Chancellor/
Secretary & Registrar be granted delegated authority to sign all legal
documentation relating to the above leases/purchases.
CRT 12/34
AUDIT COMMITTEE (CRT 12/P29)
The Chairman introduced the report to Court setting out the principal items of
significance arising from the meetings held on 22 October 2012 and 12 November
2012. The November meeting had largely focussed on documents to be submitted
to HEFCE as part of the annual compliance submission but the following additional
matters were noted:
i
Effectiveness Review
The Committee had considered the responses to a self-assessment questionnaire on
its own effectiveness. Overall Members had concluded that they were satisfied
with their effectiveness and were content that they were fulfilling their
responsibilities. Some Members had expressed concern that they had only a
superficial knowledge of the higher education sector and Court Members were to be
added to the email distribution list of headline news produced and circulated for
internal consumption. As Members had found the individual meetings with Deans
of Schools of benefit to their understanding of the University, another round of
meetings was to be arranged.
ii
HEFCE Annual Assessment of Institutional Risk
It was noted that, following its annual assessment of institutional risk based on the
accountability returns for 2010-2011, HEFCE had confirmed that the University as
not at high risk and was meeting the accountability obligations set out in the
financial memorandum and other HEFCE Guidance.
CRT 12/35
VICE-CHANCELLOR’S REPORT (CRT 12/P30)
The Vice-Chancellor presented his report on recent developments and highlighted
the following issues:

Senior Staff Recruitment: Three of the four Faculty Operating Officers had
been appointed from internal candidates. The remaining post for the Faculty of
Architecture, Computing & Humanities was to be re-advertised. Recruitment of
the Pro Vice-Chancellors to head the Faculties, which would be operational
from 1 January 2013, was expected to be concluded by the end of the year.

Portfolio Review: The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic Development) was
leading a review of the portfolio of undergraduate programmes with a view to
eliminating small and under-performing courses. This was the first phase of a
review which would encompass all subjects and programmes. The Court
emphasised the importance of ensuring that the portfolio evolved to meet the
demands of prospective students.
CRT 12 M-2 26 November 2012
page 8
CRT 12/36

Strategic Plan and KPIs: All projects initiated to implement the strategic plan
had made the expected progress and a mid-year update would be provided to the
next meeting. There had been discernible improvements in a number of KPIs
including increased tariff entry scores and retention rates as well as a greater
number of First or Upper Second degrees.

Visit to Malaysia and China: He had had a successful visit to Malaysia, China
and Hong Kong the previous week meeting international recruitment partners
and prospective students.
ACADEMIC COUNCIL (CRT 12/P31)
The Court received a report on items of academic significance arising from the
meeting of Academic Council held on 10 October 2012 and noted that:
CRT 12/37
i
the new structures covering the operation of Academic Council and its
committees would start to become effective after 1 January 2013;
ii
the Institutional Review Preparation Group, established to prepare for the
Quality Assurance Agency institutional review expected in 2013/14, had
started its work by carrying out test audits to assess the quality and
accessibility of Schools’ documentation;
iii
the Council had approved a new academic partnership in Malaysia and
discontinued two partnerships with institutions in Mauritius and the UK.
HONORARY DEGREES (CRT 12/P32)
The Court approved recommendations for Honorary Awards to be made at the
Awards Ceremonies being held in July and October 2013.
FORMAL AGENDA
CRT 12/38
STOCKWELL STREET DEVELOPMENT : PROGRESS REPORT (CRT 12/P33)
The Court received a progress report on the development of the Stockwell Street
site. It was noted that a new sub-contractor had been appointed to construct the
facades. Some re-designing would be needed with extra costs incurred. The
overall programme was currently four weeks behind schedule.
CRT 12/39
MANAGEMENT ACCOUNTS (CRT 12/P34)
The Court received the University of Greenwich management accounts for the
period of 30 September 2012.
CRT 12 M-2 26 November 2012
page 9
CRT 12/40
MINUTES OF MEETINGS
The Committee received the minutes of the following meetings:
i
ii
iii
iv
v
CRT 12/41
Remuneration Committee on 8 October 2012 (CRT 12/P35)
Audit Committee on 22 October 2012 (CRT 12/P36)
Finance Committee on 5 November 2012 (CRT 12/P37)
Audit Committee on 12 November 2012 (CRT 12/P38)
Academic Council on 10 October 2012 (CRT 12/P39)
APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT EXTERNAL CHAIRS FOR ACADEMIC
APPEALS, DISCIPLINARY AND COMPLAINTS PROCEDURE (CRT 12/P40)
The Court approved the re-appointment of Donald Amlot and the appointment of
John Greer as independent external chairs for formal complaints procedures each
for a three year term from 1 August 2013 to 31 July 2016.
CRT 12/42
UTC, ROYAL BOROUGH OF GREENWICH (CRT 12/P41)
The Court received an update on the establishment of the University Technical
College (UTC). Lewisham College had now withdrawn as a sponsor but would
remain as a partner. Following the successful open day for Year 10 recruits, open
days for Year 12 students were planned for December and January.
It was noted that the outcome of a re-application for a UTC at Medway, which the
University had supported, was still awaited.
CRT 12/43
BULLYING AND HARASSMENT POLICY (CRT 12/P42)
The Court approved the revised Bullying and Harassment Policy for immediate
adoption.
CRT 12/44
REGISTERS OF INTERESTS (CRT 12/P43)
The Court noted that Registers of Interests for the period 1.8.11-31.7.12 had been
received from all Members of Court and categories of staff required to complete
them.
The meeting ended at 7.30 pm.
T.A.Brighton
16.12.12
CRT 12 M-2 26 November 2012
page 10