Note from the Vice-Chancellor
Dear colleagues,
The announcement of the Registrar’s departure at the end of August and the Chief Operating Officer leaving us back in May, to pursue a career in the NHS, will leave us with a gap in our senior leadership team.
Tessa Harrison (Registrar) has led the strategic planning for professional services over the last few months and this resulted in an agreed three year plan to support the objectives of the University. All Professional Services have a clear set of priorities and these are expressed in the key work packages that are being undertaken by each team. Since Tessa’s departure, I have met with her Directors and made it clear that I expect them to continue to pursue these plans and projects.
To close the leadership gap in the short-term (next few weeks) three Directors will become the focal point for different parts of administration. Steve Chisnall will sign-off on budgets in the Registrar’s areas of responsibility and act as a first point of reference for Directors facing challenges:, Anne-Marie Drummond will similarly act for student-facing activity which will include the Library and Student Services, and Sarah Pook will ensure that the Professional Services Board continues to meet and function smoothly. Sarah will also provide relevant updates to the Heads of Faculty Operations. There are certain statutory aspects of the Registrar’s role such as Secretary to Senate where the responsibility will be passed to the Academic Registrar (Anne-Marie), for the time being. Significant challenges can still be escalated to the Provost or myself if necessary.
For the medium term (next twelve months), I will be looking to appoint an interim Chief Operating Officer. This will be an interim appointment of a highly experienced executive, who can provide the necessary leadership and stability for the whole professional services group. The expectation is to have someone in this role by, or shortly after, the beginning of the new academic year 2014. This arrangement will then allow the University leadership to assess the situation and decide the correct long-term solution for the leadership of the Professional Services.
In the coming weeks I will also consult senior staff and Chair of Council (in relation to the governance responsibilities) to make a long term decision on the future role and responsibilities of the Registrar.
In the meantime we will continue to deliver excellent Open Days for prospective students, a truly warm welcome for all of our newly arriving and returning students and be prepared for the start of another exciting academic year.
With kind regards
Don
Professor Don Nutbeam
Vice-Chancellor