Billet SUMMER 2022 - The University of Edinburgh
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Billet SUMMER 2022
2 Billet summer 2022 The University of Edinburgh The University of Edinburgh Billet summer 2022 3
Welcome to Billet summer 2022 Report
by Sir Philip Mawer
The electronic version of Edit is available online at:
Convener of the Business Committee of the General Council
www.ed.ac.uk/edit-magazine
As I write this report, the war in the Ukraine has entered its second month,
The General Council provides graduates with a continuing voice in the management of the with all the devastation and death it is entailing for both the Ukrainian
University’s affairs and every graduate automatically becomes a member. Academic staff and the Russian people. Following on the coronavirus pandemic, few
and members of the University’s governing body, the University Court, are also members of recent events have brought home so clearly the importance and value of
the General Council. It meets twice a year and has the right to comment on matters affecting universities as centres, not only of research to further the common good,
the University’s prosperity and wellbeing. For more information on the work of the General but as forums for free and independent thinking and debate.
Council, visit: www.ed.ac.uk/general-council
As a world-class university in a globalised world, Edinburgh is impacted by all such
developments. So, along with the members of the International Standing Committee (ISC), I
listened with care and admiration recently to an account of what the University has done to
ensure the safety of and to support Edinburgh academics and students in the Ukraine and
Russia, and Ukrainian and Russian staff and students in the UK, from the moment the war
broke out. You can read more about this in the report by Krystyna Szumelukowa, Convener of
the ISC, which you will find on the General Council website: www.ed.ac.uk/general-council
You can also find there links to further information about the University and Ukraine.
The reports by Krystyna and by the Conveners of the Academic, Finance and Services, and
Public Affairs Standing Committees of their meetings, which you will find in this edition of Billet,
illustrate the continued breadth, diversity and topicality of the Business Committee’s work. I
will not repeat what is said in them but more recent meetings of these Committees reflect this
also, having covered contemporary issues facing the 7,600 or so people in the University who
are engaged primarily in research; through current Human Resource (HR) challenges in the
University; to a briefing on the progress of the University’s Review of History and Race.
To summarise a few of the more recent highlights:
Music students in George Square
• The Academic Standing Committee, led by Professor Stephen Hillier, has discussed the
Front cover: The Meadows in May by Photography by challenges posed to young researchers in particular by Covid and changes in the funding of
Giada Barzaghi (2018 Edinburgh Global General Council; Paul Dodds; Julie Howden; research (not just as a result of Brexit); and how the University is seeking to support all those
Aleksandr Mokshyn via Getty Images; Douglas Robertson; engaged in research though a number of major change programmes as well as a greater
Photography competition).
Thousand Word Media; Laurence Winram.
emphasis on the development of research cultures which encourage a positive working
This publication is available in Design by
environment for those undertaking research.
alternative formats on request. Communications and Marketing
Please contact: Printed by • The Constitutional Standing Committee has continued its review of the current University
communications.office@ed.ac.uk J Thomson Colour Printers Ordinance specifying the qualifying criteria for membership of the General Council, the
No part of this publication may be reproduced without the results of which are now expected to come forward for consultation during the next
written permission of the University of Edinburgh. academic year.
© The University of Edinburgh 2022
The University of Edinburgh is a charitable body, registered
in Scotland, with registration number SC005336.
4 Billet summer 2022 The University of Edinburgh The University of Edinburgh Billet summer 2022 5
• Dr William Duncan and the Finance and Services Standing Committee have received a
presentation from the University’s Director of Human Resources on the continued effects of
Reports by the Conveners of the
the Covid pandemic on the working arrangements for University staff. This underlined both Standing Committees
the remaining challenges staff face but also their remarkable resilience and their dedication
to their students and areas of professional interest.
Academic Standing Committee
By Professor Stephen Hillier, Convener
• The International Standing Committee has reviewed the ways in which the University
continues to adapt and develop its relationships with other leading European universities The Academic Standing Committee met with Professor Dorothy Miell on 18
now that the UK has left the European Union. January 2022 in her capacity as Vice-Principal and Head of the College of
Humanities and Social Sciences (CAHSS), to receive briefing on University
• The Public Affairs Standing Committee (PASC), convened by Candice Donnelly, has received developments at a College level.
a presentation from Professor Sir Geoff Palmer on the various strands of work which make
up the comprehensive review he is chairing of the University’s involvement in matters to do CAHSS hosts 11 Schools, providing huge diversity across subject areas,
with history and race. research, ways of working and types of teaching. These last include labs, studios, lectures,
placements, internships, part-time, online, on campus and bespoke executive education
PASC has also continued its focus on strengthening alumni engagement with the wider courses for external organisations. The Schools range in size and academic focus from, for
University as well as the General Council. The June 2022 Half-Yearly Meeting of the Council example, Divinity (87 staff) to Edinburgh College of Art (headcount 576), and Social and
– when the formal business session will be followed by an event exploring the work in Data Political Sciences (headcount 469); and are widely spread across sites such as George Square,
Driven Innovations and the opportunities for alumni to become actively involved in the Holyrood and the Mound. Some are still housed in older buildings.
delivery of the University’s Community Plan – is just one outcome of this.
Multidisciplinarity is a CAHSS theme, manifest through the operations of the Centre for Open
As the restrictions on pre-pandemic means of interaction between its members diminish, the Learning, Edinburgh Futures Institute (EFI), Institute for Advanced Studies in the Humanities,
Business Committee itself is looking forward to its first in-person meeting since early 2020 in Festivals support and Financial Services; and the Business School. The student body continues
April. This will give members a welcome opportunity to meet our first two General Council to grow with >23,000 students currently, more than half of whom are undergraduate. These
Prince Philip Scholars, further details of whom you can find later in this edition of Billet. By the numbers have increased substantially over the last three years and they do not include Massive
time of the Half-Yearly Meeting this June, we will be near an important period of change for Open Online Course (MOOC) learners who now total more than 2.5 million.
the Committee in other respects as we look forward to welcoming newly elected members,
CAHSS aims are:
welcoming back some returning members and saying a heartfelt thank you to retiring
members Arron Ashton, Dr David Houston and Professor Ario Santini. • To build collaborations across subject boundaries and draw in partners to be a force for
social good.
The most significant change, however, will be occasioned by the departure of the present
• To attract and support a diverse community of staff and students.
Secretary of the General Council, Professor Ann Smyth, at the end of July. I will have more
to say about Ann at the Council’s June meeting: suffice it to say now that she has been an • To be an internationally leading academic powerhouse, linked with a global network of
outstanding servant of the Council, and more generally of the University, throughout her entire scholars.
career. Dr William Duncan, whose appointment as her successor was approved at our last Consistent with these objectives, the College is ranked in the top 10 in the world for arts
Half-Yearly Meeting, will have a very difficult act to follow but, with the support of all members, subjects in the QS and Times World University Rankings. Twenty CAHSS subject areas were
is well up to the task. ranked within the top 10 of the UK’s Complete University Guide 2022. UK rankings impacted
So, like the rest of the University of Edinburgh, the General Council continues, not simply to by national measures of student satisfaction are less favourable and it remains a challenge
adapt to changing circumstances but to drive forward in order better to serve the interests to reconcile the results of the final year student survey with consistently good feedback given
of alumni and of the University – a University which now, as when it was first founded, is from students throughout the year.
dedicated to pursuing excellence in teaching and research, in the service of all humanity. Progress in teaching is driven by research excellence. The College is among the top 10 UK
universities in terms of research income received from the Arts and Humanities Council. The
College is also a major player in the University’s involvement with the Edinburgh Festivals and
plans are afoot to relocate the Edinburgh Book Festival to EFI.
6 Billet summer 2022 The University of Edinburgh The University of Edinburgh Billet summer 2022 7
Looking ahead, the College expects to play a major role in delivering the Edinburgh Futures The Consolidated Accounts are required to include provisions for potential pension liabilities
Conversations, based on values that are participatory, critical and future facing. The EFI and other adjustments. These very large non-cash provisions can vary considerably from year
Education programme is intended to be cross-disciplinary and creative through application of to year and disguise the underlying real situation. The Operating Surplus noted above is a
critical skills to complex challenges. Flexibility will be built in so that students are able to move much better indicator of the financial performance in 2020/21.
between full-time and part-time, and between online and on-campus. Inclusive, diverse and
There is, however, no room for complacency as several areas of significant income, for
innovative: CAHSS (hence, EFI) is spearheading the curriculum transformation.
example, overseas student fee income or EU funding for research, are now less predictable and
In conclusion, the Convener thanked Professor Miell for her extremely informative affected by external political factors.
presentation, showing how a Head of College’s job at this University can be as big as, and
High-quality financial knowledge and acumen are essential for any organisation to thrive
sometimes bigger than, a Vice-Chancellor’s at any other.
during challenging times and Edinburgh University is fortunate in that regard.
Finance and Services Standing Committee International Standing Committee
By Dr William Duncan, Convener
By Krystyna Szumelukowa, Convener
The Finance and Services Standing Committee’s remit covers professional
support services. We have recently seen further examples of the excellent Professor Frank Cogliano, Dean International for North America and
quality of that underpinning support. originally from Massachusetts, celebrates 25 years at the University
of Edinburgh in 2022. On 17 January he brought his experience and
On 25 January 2022, the Director of Finance, Lee Hamill, accompanied knowledge to the International Standing Committee for an appraisal
by Stuart Graham, Head of Financial Information, gave an excellent of the University’s links across the USA and Canada. In his role as
reassuring presentation about the Annual Report and Accounts for the an International Dean, he works closely with Edinburgh Global and
year to 31 July 2021. Development and Alumni Services with regard to admissions, partnerships,
This comprehensive, well-illustrated report fulfils an essential statutory function, as well as and alumni engagement.
being a readily accessible communications document. It is now only available online at Taking the long view in history, 10 per cent of students at Edinburgh in 1776 were from the
www.ed.ac.uk/finance/accounts and I would strongly encourage members of the General USA. In the current era, the University has become the number one destination for US students
Council to read it. since 2011 and for Canadian students since 2014. Then, 2020 proved to be a turning point
Although most of the reporting period was impacted by the pandemic, it was encouraging to not only caused by the Covid pandemic and its consequences, but also as result of the global
see that despite earlier concerns about how this would affect the finances: conversations on issues of equality and diversity and the historical legacy of slavery, accelerated
and intensified by the murder of George Floyd in the USA. There has been the need for a
• There was a healthy operating surplus of £61 million (not including £52 million of restricted sensitive and sustainable rethink on the way in which the University is able to respond to
capital grant funding for City Region Deal projects), and these particular challenges, in addition to global issues such as health science and climate
• Overall income continued to grow especially from tuition fees, and this more than offset lost change and the opportunities and risks in the teaching and research of ‘Big Data’ and Artificial
revenue from student accommodation and conference activities. Intelligence. Connections across the USA and Canada are long standing and numerous and the
current rethink is looking at fewer but deeper partnerships to guarantee added value and to
This positive overall outcome demonstrates the University’s resilience and the ability of its focus on quality and sustainability.
management, staff and stakeholders to act quickly to preserve its financial solvency in the
face of unprecedented challenges. This included measures to control expenditure through a Admissions have held up strongly despite Covid consequences and new entrants for 2021/22
recruitment freeze and a strong response to a voluntary severance scheme. number 358 undergraduates and 534 postgraduates. They tend to cluster in subject areas
within the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, with a small number choosing to
The University is a non-profit making organisation and delivers on its Strategy each year by study medicine/veterinary medicine. Behind the scenes, there are ongoing practical issues
planning for a modest surplus which can be reinvested to ensure financial sustainability and, relating to fee structures and standardised testing which are being reviewed. There is good
for example, continuity for developments within the Estates programme and the increasingly support and opportunities for community engagement for North American students during
important digital infrastructure. their time in Edinburgh.
8 Billet summer 2022 The University of Edinburgh The University of Edinburgh Billet summer 2022 9
The review of partnerships is looking to the future with a focus on health science, medicine, alumni, especially internationally. The experiences of communication during the pandemic will
and informatics, which inevitably require a well-funded resource base. An exemplar is the provide valuable guidance moving forward through the recovery period.
strong relationship which has been established with the University of Toronto.
In a similar theme, the meeting took time to consider the initial Google Analytics report on the
The 27,000 or so alumni in the USA can have an important role in providing support wherever General Council’s new website. The report shows a noticeable spike in visits on the day of the
there is an individual, group or institutional connection. The garnering of support via February 2021 Half-Yearly Meeting and the following day, which suggests that much website
philanthropy and practical support can be facilitated by opportunities offered by Platform activity is event driven. It is difficult to compare the data for our old and new websites, but now
One and the Insights Programme. A new map of current links will be a guide to where the that the website has been up and running for 12 months, we hope to be able to monitor this
opportunities can present themselves. trend as well as analyse the popularity of specific pages in more detail in the coming months.
The International Standing Committee offered its support to the developments set out by
Professor Cogliano, as the University moves towards the fulfilment of its Strategy 2030. Our A more detailed report of the Standing Committee meetings can be found in the Annex.
next meeting will examine the consequences for the University of the departure of the UK from
the European Union. Introducing the new Secretary of the
Public Affairs Standing Committee General Council, Dr William Duncan
By Candice Donnelly, Convener Educated at Linlithgow Academy, he studied physical sciences at the
At our most recent meeting on January 27th, the Public Affairs Standing University of Edinburgh, graduating with BSc (Hons) and being awarded
Committee (PASC) was joined by Grant Spence, Director of Alumni a PhD in 1977.
Relations, to learn more about the current priorities for the Development He then worked in the Treasurer’s Department of the Greater London
and Alumni (D&A) team. This was a welcome briefing given our continuing Council before moving back to Scotland to join Lothian Regional Council.
interest in improving engagement with General Council members. There he qualified as a Chartered Member of the Institute of Personnel and
Mr Spence’s presentation summarized the impressive range of activities carried out by the Development (CIPD) and was seconded to the Social Work Department.
D&A team during the last year. Committee members were particularly interested to hear about The 10-year local government phase of his career ended when he was appointed at age 34
engagement with recent graduates, whether through their involvement in student recruitment as Chief Executive to the Royal Society of Edinburgh (RSE). He remained at RSE – Scotland’s
events, their responses to the Curriculum Transformation Programme survey, or their National Academy of Science and Letters – for 32 years and oversaw a considerable expansion
participation in the Sharing Things podcast. New graduates will be familiar with Platform One of its activities, reach and impact, including:
(the membership of which has grown this year by 25 per cent to more than 15,000 members
including 8,000 alumni); the meeting discussed its potential use for connecting groups • Creating new advanced research awards funded by public, charitable and private sectors.
with common interests or to communicate messages to geographically distant General • Enhancing academic/business links, through developing national strategies for
Council members. commercialisation and knowledge transfer, and awarding over 150 Enterprise Fellowships.
Like PASC, the D&A team is reviewing its communications and what features are of greatest • Establishing bilateral academic exchange agreements with more than twenty leading
interest to readers. Perhaps not surprisingly, the alumni profiles are the most popular national academies in Europe and Asia.
section in the Enlightened digital newsletter! The committee was impressed by the volume • Creating the Young Academy of Scotland.
of communications being produced in diverse media by the D&A team and their efforts to • Developing trusted critical friend relationships with Scottish and UK Parliaments through
create more targeted content. Mr Spence’s view was that digital interaction has been helpful providing impartial, authoritative advice on a wide range of public policy issues.
in reaching a bigger and more international audience, and that the alumni audience is not
• Diversification of RSE funding and successful fundraising campaigns.
differentiated by geography or generation but by differing interests and topics of discussion.
He also played a key role in securing funding from the Millennium Commission and European
There was common agreement that, despite the challenges of showcasing an accurate picture
Commission to enable a £100 million network of science centres to be created in Scotland.
of the University’s activities across multiple channels, there is real opportunity to add value for
10 Billet summer 2022 The University of Edinburgh The University of Edinburgh Billet summer 2022 11
Since leaving RSE in 2017, he has been appointed to several non-executive roles including: Court to be precise – in which I’ve met the friends I think I’ll be with for life.
• University of Strathclyde: Visiting Professor of International Public Policy Moving out and being able to meet the friends I did was made possible by
the scholarship.
• Parliamentary Science and Technology Information Foundation: Secretary
• George Street Association, Edinburgh: President “I’m studying psychology. Having gone into it never having studied
psychology before, I was nervous but I’m so happy with my decision.
• New Club, Edinburgh: Member of Board of Managers
I have found it absolutely amazing and super interesting. This semester
In 2018, William was elected to the General Council Business Committee, subsequently I’m doing electives in Italian, law and statistics, all of which have been
becoming Convener of its Finance and Services Standing Committee, and since February 2022 interesting as well. It’s been difficult to balance four courses and a job
is Secretary–elect. I have working weekends too but I wouldn’t miss it: I’m really enjoying
Mohamad Alnasser
the experience so far.”
He has two grown up children and his leisure interests are classical music, especially
contemporary organ music, opera and travel. Mahdee Abir is studying mechanical engineering. He tells us: “I am from Bangladesh but
moved to Scotland when I was five, and so have been living here for 13 years. I am living at
home with my parents, which reduces a lot of stress regarding things like food and laundry.
The General Council supports two new scholars Semester 1 was challenging as the environment was completely different to that of high
The General Council shares with the University a strong belief in the school, but I enjoyed the blended way of teaching (online and on-campus), as this meant I
transformative impact of higher education, and a commitment to didn’t necessarily have to go to class to still get the required amount of work completed.
ensuring talented students are not denied this opportunity through “I am enjoying my course as it is already teaching us skills that will benefit us in the real
financial disadvantage. In 2021 two inactive endowments were world such as technical report writing. The electives regarding astronomy and astrophysics
amalgamated into a single fund named The General Council Prince respectively can also be very interesting. The course overall can be stressful at times trying to
Philip Fund, in honour of HRH The Prince Philip (pictured right) who reach multiple deadlines simultaneously, but this forces me to manage my time better, which
gave long years of service as our Chairman. can aid in any aspect of life.”
The decision was taken to contribute from this Fund to the University’s
Access Edinburgh scheme, which had launched in 2020 to provide We are proud to invest, with the University, in the current and future success of Mohamad
scholarships for students from across the UK who have gained entry to the University in spite and Mahdee and we wish them both well. In times of increasing financial hardship, we would
of very significant economic and social hurdles. The University matches donor funding, thereby love to be able to do more. To support more students, we need to grow the Fund. Information
increasing the impact our contribution was able to make. about how to donate is available from the GC website, www.ed.ac.uk/general-council, and
the GC Office: general.council@ed.ac.uk
By this means we have been able to commit to supporting two awards from academic year
2021/22 onward, continuing annually for each year of the recipients’ studies.
The cancellation of our Christmas Reception because of Covid meant we could not introduce
the new scholars in person to members as planned. The Business Committee will have the
opportunity to meet them at its first in-person meeting in April. Our hope is to maintain
contact with them thereafter. We look forward to gaining insights from their student experience
to date and, by maintaining an active interest, to offering them continuing support and
encouragement as they progress.
Mohamad Alnasser is studying Psychology. He tells us: “I was born in Homs, Syria and moved
to Scotland with my family 15 years ago and have been here since. I live with my mum, brother
Members of the General Council with Mohamad Alnasser
and sister and during term time I stay in student accommodation in Edinburgh – Salisbury
12 Billet summer 2022 The University of Edinburgh The University of Edinburgh Billet summer 2022 13
our community who have been affected, ranging from immigration and financial support for
affected students, to academic and wellbeing support and support for prospective students
who have been affected by the crisis. Humanitarian support for scholars – staff and students
– has also been a priority. We are reviewing collaborations and partnerships in the light of the
changed security situation, but remain committed to the UUK statement against boycotts and
supporting free exchange of people and ideas, irrespective of nationality or location.
Supporting staff
“Working with the Council for At Risk Academics (CARA), as we did for academics displaced
by the conflicts in Afghanistan and Yemen, funding has been agreed to host 10 at-risk scholars
from conflict zones across the world, with a focus on Ukraine as the most pressing issue.
Supporting students
“As well as supporting academics, a scholarship fund has been agreed for displaced
undergraduate students seeking asylum to join us in Edinburgh. We are dealing with a growing
number of transfer requests for entry in the next academic year from students displaced
due to the war in Ukraine. Be assured that we are taking a flexible and supportive approach
to supporting students given their circumstances. We are supporting our current students
impacted by the war in Ukraine and having ongoing discussion with the relevant government
departments about admissions, funding and student support.
University Ukraine Working Group
“A new working group to coordinate our efforts and external engagement has been convened.
This will coordinate external engagement, share best practice, advise on resources and
communication across the University and beyond. This will involve connecting our efforts
across the City of Edinburgh.”
‘Motherland’ is a monumental sculpture in Kyiv on the right bank of the Dnieper.
Relationship with Russia
The University’s response to Ukraine Information from the Principal’s Report on the University’s relationship with Russia bears
repetition here: “In line with others in the sector, we have been reviewing our relationships with
The General Council Office has taken a close interest in the University’s response to the Russian Russia. We have instructed our investment managers to divest of all our Russian investment
invasion of Ukraine, with a view to keeping members informed and signposting from our website holdings at the earliest opportunity. We have agreed to review, as a matter of priority, the
the Principal’s report on the University’s response which was published on 15 March 2022. honorary degree awarded to the Head of the Ruskiy Mir Foundation, Vyacheslav Nikonov, and
Colleagues across the University have worked tirelessly to address the issues raised by the war are now progressing the formal process to do this.
and we are grateful to Edinburgh Global for providing this summary of developments in the
“We do not have any institutional partnerships with Russian universities or organisations,
University’s response. At the time of Billet going to press:
so our current links are limited to individual academic projects and exchange programmes.
“There has been a cross-University response to the invasion of Ukraine, with discussions and These appalling events are the actions of the Russian Government and not the Russian people
action ongoing to assist students, applicants, staff and those forcibly displaced by the invasion. and we remain committed to the free exchange of ideas between universities and between
Following an initial drive with colleagues working around the clock to secure the safety of academics, regardless of nationality or location, while recognising the importance of managing
staff and students overseas, the immediate focus has been on supporting all members of the risks associated with international collaboration.”14 Billet summer 2022 The University of Edinburgh The University of Edinburgh Billet summer 2022 15
General Council – Summer Event General Council Half-Yearly Meeting and Summer Event
The next statutory Half-Yearly Meeting for Members of the General Council will be held in
The General Council’s summer events provide members with an opportunity to learn in more
the John McIntyre Conference Centre, Pollock Halls at 10.15am on Saturday June 18, 2022,
detail about some aspect of the University’s work and to meet those involved. In recent years
followed by the Summer Event, open to General Council members and their guests, which will
we have focused on the University’s global engagement – in 2019, in Africa, and in 2021, online
run from 11am–3.30pm and will include a light buffet lunch.
after the pandemic caused postponement of the in-person event planned for 2020, in China.
General Council members are asked to sign the General Council Register on arrival at the
We are delighted to announce that this
Registration desk. Registration badges will be provided for those who have registered for the
year’s summer event will take place in
summer event and lunch and will be required. The registration desk will be staffed during the
person. The slightly later date, to avoid
General Council Half-Yearly meeting to allow members’ guests to arrive in time for the start of
clashing with the date of Her Majesty The
the summer event.
Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, means we are
unable to hold the meeting in the McEwan Facilities will be available for members wishing to donate to the General Council Prince Philip
Hall as originally envisaged. The John Fund by cash or card.
McIntyre Conference Centre on the Pollock
9.30am Registration
Campus offers excellent facilities including
Tea and coffee available on arrival
free parking for those attending. It is
managed commercially by the University’s 10.15am General Council Meeting
Accommodation, Catering and Events group 11am Morning Session – Data Driven Innovations
and fees are payable for hosting events there. We need to contract in advance for the number 12.30pm Lunchtime Exhibition
of participants. We therefore ask members please to register in good time both for
2pm Afternoon Session – The Community Plan and Social Good
themselves and any guest they wish to invite to attend. We are not imposing a charge for
lunch but prior registration is essential. There will be facilities on the day for those attending to 3.30pm Guests depart
make a donation to the General Council Prince Philip Fund. More information about the sessions can be viewed on the General Council website:
This year’s event focuses on the University’s engagement with its local www.ed.ac.uk/general-council
community. Professor Lesley McAra (pictured right) asks in her opening
Registration
address: “What does it mean to be a 21st century civic university?”
Speakers in the morning session will respond with an update on progress General Council Meetings are open to General Council Members only and are free to attend.
in Data Driven Innovation (DDI) supported through the City Region Deal Members are asked please to register in advance their intention to attend this meeting
highlighting the development of entrepreneurship, data skills education to assist with event planning.
in schools and new approaches to public participation, all engaging the Members are invited to bring a guest to the Summer event following the General Council
local community. Afternoon speakers reflect on the growing impact of the meeting. Members and their guests must register in advance.
University’s Community Plan, ‘pro bono’ initiatives to help the homeless
and how the University’s social investments are making a difference. Please complete the Registration Form on page 22 and return to the General Council Office at
General.Council@ed.ac.uk or by post. Registrations will be accepted by email provided they
There will be a finger buffet lunch with opportunity for members and their guests to see an include the information requested by the registration form.
exhibition of community-based projects exemplifying these themes and to meet some of those
involved. Projects include examples of successful new digital start-up companies and joint Closing date for registering is Monday 6 June. Late applications will not be accepted.
enterprise projects for social benefit; school children demonstrating the value of their digital
skills learning; the impact of community grants; and healthcare for the homeless and their pets.
Details of the programme will be published on the General Council website:
www.ed.ac.uk/general-council16 Billet summer 2022 The University of Edinburgh The University of Edinburgh Billet summer 2022 17
Agenda for the General Council Meeting The Convener went on to highlight that the current academic year, 2021/22, is a period
of continued transition for the University, including a changed approach to curriculum
1. Minutes of the Meeting of the General Council held in the McEwan Hall on 12 February 2022
development and how teaching and learning at the University are done, changed patterns
(Paper A)
of working for staff and a renewed focus on the University’s Information Services and other
2. Matters arising support systems.
3. Report of the Business Committee The Convener reported that the Business Committee had met previously with Sarah Smith to
discuss the programme of managed change now underway to enable the University to ensure
4. Dates of future meetings of the General Council and Notice of forthcoming elections
it achieves its strategic aims, as set out in its published Strategy 2030. Sarah Smith will stand
5. Any other competent business down in the Summer as the Registrar of the General Council and University Secretary and the
Convener took the opportunity to thank her for her support over many years.
6. Adjournment
Barry Neilson, Director of Strategic Change Management, had also given a presentation to
Paper A members of the Committee which underlined the University’s intention to find new ways of
Minutes of the Meeting of the General Council held in Edinburgh on 12 February 2022 delivering world-class teaching and research. Over the last two years a great deal of effort had
gone into improving the quality of the student experience and strengthening student support
Present:
services. He added that, in spite of all the challenges continuing to face students and the
Ms Debora Kayembe University Rector, in the Chair
University, the number of applications for admission to courses continues to rise.
Ms Sarah Smith University Secretary
The Convener then went on to give a brief overview of the activities within the
Professor Peter Mathieson (online) Principal and Vice-Chancellor
Standing Committees.
Professor Ann Smyth Secretary of the General Council
The Academic Standing Committee, led by Professor Stephen Hillier, had explored the
Sir Philip Mawer Convener of the Business Committee
implications of these developments for staff and students with Vice Principal Students;
Rev Dr Harriet Harris Chaplain to the University Student Association President and Edinburgh University Students’ Association Vice
59 Members present (including online) President Education; and most recently with the Vice Principal and Head of the College of
Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences. It had been clear through all of these conversations
1. Results of the Elections for five Members of the General Council Business Committee
that a return to campus has inspired a sense of hope and confidence and underlined the
The Chairman announced that the five new members of the Business Committee elected to
vital contribution that the Students’ Association and the Sport Association make to student
serve for a period of four years from 1 August 2022 to 31 July 2026 were Professor Alice Brown,
wellbeing. The Committee is taking a particular interest in the provision of help to students
Mr John Clifford, Ms Candice Donnelly, Mrs Kate Hawley and Dr Bruce Nelson.
with more serious mental health issues.
2. Minutes of the Meeting of the General Council held online via Zoom Webinar on
The Finance and Services Standing Committee, chaired by Dr William Duncan, heard at its most
Saturday 12 June, 2021 (Paper A)
recent meeting that the wider University’s financial position – while inevitably impacted by the
The Minutes of the Meeting held on 12 June 2021 were approved.
pandemic – remains resilient. Very significant progress has been made already in reshaping,
3. Matters arising for example, the University’s information Systems strategy and its plans relating to the ongoing
The Chair reported that there were no matters arising from the Minutes. development and modernisation of its extensive built estate.
4. Report of the Business Committee The International Standing Committee, convened by Krystyna Szumelukowa, had been
Sir Philip Mawer began the first in-person meeting of the General Council in two years by working hard to keep abreast of the shifting patterns of international student mobility and
noting the later time of 4pm which had allowed international members located to the west of the University’s international partnerships, with a recent focus on the collaborative links with
the UK to join the meeting online. He drew attention to the magnificent surroundings of the institutions and alumni organisations in North America. The University is well aware of the
McEwan Hall, remarking that, although this was a large venue for such a meeting, it was ideally need to balance sources of demand for places by international students so that it does not
suited to the social distancing measures which were still in place. become overly dependent on any one overseas income stream.18 Billet summer 2022 The University of Edinburgh The University of Edinburgh Billet summer 2022 19
Candice Donnelly, Chair of the Public Affairs Standing Committee, had discussed with The Principal talked about the Covid pandemic and the ways in which the University had made
colleagues the University’s Community Plan and the contribution that local alumni can make substantial and actively ongoing contributions to the understanding of the virus and its effects
to the University’s relationship with the wider local community. and to the ways of combatting it. He pointed out that this period had affected some income
streams, for example, revenue generated from University conference and accommodation
Finally, the Constitutional Standing Committee, led by the Vice Convener of the Business
business, and this had impacted on decisions related to development of the University Estate
Committee, Gordon Cairns, had been engaged in a comprehensive review of the University
and aspects of pay and working conditions. He reported that, overall, the University’s income
Ordinance governing the membership of the General Council itself. The proposals will offer
continued to grow and the University had managed to continue its functions successfully
parity of arrangements for senior professional staff with those for senior academic staff of the
during this period, both in terms of teaching and research and contributions to the City and
University and there will be an opportunity for General Council members to take part in the
region, citing examples of successful projects within Data Driven Innovation, part of the City
preliminary consultation process.
Deal Programme.
The Convener concluded his report by stating that the General Council’s core functions – its
advisory role in the governance of the University and its part in representing the views of The Principal went on to highlight a number of award schemes which recognise exceptional
alumni to the University – remain unchanged but how they are given expression is constantly service by University staff and students and celebrated the importance of alumni all over
evolving and remains an exciting journey. the world in engaging their efforts to support student recruitment and enhance the student
experience.
The report of the Business Committee was approved.
He noted that philanthropic income over the last three years has been the highest ever
The full text of the Convener’s remarks is contained in the Annex to Billet. recorded.
5. Dates of future meetings of the General Council and Notice of forthcoming elections The University continues to have an international profile and remains very active working in
The next Half-Yearly Meeting will take place on Saturday 18 June, 2022, in the John McIntyre partnerships all around the world, including Europe, and is participating in the Turing Scheme,
Conference Centre, Pollock Halls. Any Motions for discussion at this meeting should have been which is the successor to Erasmus. The Principal is heavily involved in the international security
received in the General Council Office by 30 March 2022. agenda which deals with concerns such as intellectual property.
The following Statutory Half-Yearly Meeting will be held on Saturday 18 February, 2023*, at a
The Principal reported that colleagues have shown great ability and innovation in developing
venue in central Edinburgh to be advised. Any motions for discussion at this meeting should be
new ways of working and he made mention to some major change projects at the University
received in the General Council Office by Wednesday 23 November, 2022.
that continue to progress. A large IT transformation system around HR and Finances – People
There will be elections for four* Members of the Business Committee in February 2023. and Money – has been recently implemented which has caused some additional challenges.
Nominations on forms available from the General Council Office and on the website should be He pointed out concerns about staff workload and added that the University has taken steps
received in the General Council Office by Wednesday 23 November, 2022. to address these issues. Work around Curriculum Transformation is ongoing and the University
has recently restated its message around Freedom of Expression.
6. Motion (Paper B) Appointment of Secretary
The Motion was approved. The Principal spoke about the strength and resilience of the University and the many reasons
7. Presentation by Professor Peter Mathieson, Principal and to be confident and optimistic about the future.
Vice-Chancellor, of the Annual Report to the University He concluded by saying that the strategic priorities and the value and vision that were
The Principal began his presentation by showing slides relating to staff articulated in Strategy 2030 are still as relevant as ever and good progress is being made
and student numbers over the last academic year 2020/21. In terms of towards these aims.
student distribution, the only group that had substantially changed in the
last year was a reduction in numbers from the European Union due to The full text of the Principal’s remarks, as well as the record of the discussion that followed the
tuition fee changes as a result of Brexit. A large percentage of international presentation, are contained in the Annex to the Billet. The presentations can also be viewed on
students come from China and North America and the University will the website at www.ed.ac.uk/general-council
continue to seek to develop recruitment activity in other areas, including 8. Any other competent business
India and South America. He reported that applications continue to There was no other competent business.
increase and the demand for places remains at around 9:1.
* Correct at the time of publication.20 Billet summer 2022 The University of Edinburgh The University of Edinburgh Billet summer 2022 21
9. Adjournment Members
The Motion by the Convener of the Business Committee that, for the purpose of considering Chancellor’s Assessor: Sheriff Principal Alastair Dunlop QC ex officio
matters which may be transmitted to the General Council by the University Court or any other
business of a competent nature, the Business Committee be empowered to act on behalf F David Houston, BSc, MBA, PhD, FSITM 2022
of the Council, and that this meeting be adjourned to a date to be fixed by the Business A Ario Santini, Doc(hc), PhD, DipFMed, BDS, DDS, FDS, FFGDP, DGDP, FADM 2022
Committee, was approved.
F Arron Ashton, BSc 2022
Rev Dr Harriet Harris closed the meeting with a benediction.
P Moyra Forrest, DL, MA, MCLIP 2023
The Annex to the Billet containing supporting papers for the Agenda, including
communications from the University Court, full Standing Committee reports, a transcript of the A Bruce Ritson, OBE, MD, FRCPE, FRCPsych 2023
Principal’s presentation, and the Business Committee’s report to the meeting on 12 February A Lady Joyce Caplan, BEd 2023
2022 is published on the website: www.ed.ac.uk/general-council/recent-publications
F Peter De Vink, BCom 2024
General Council members may also request it by emailing the General Council office:
general.council@ed.ac.uk. F Almira Delibegovic-Broome QC 2024
P Francis McManus, MLitt, LLB (Hons), FRSPH, MREHIS, FHEA 2024
Officers A Graeme Reid, BSc, PhD, FRSB 2024
Chairman: HRH The Princess Royal
I Frances D Dow, CBE, MA, DPhil 2024
Secretary: Ann Smyth, BSc, MPhil (ClinPsychol), PhD 2022
Registrar: Sarah Smith, University Secretary ex-officio P Brian Smith, MA, MLitt 2025
General Council Assessors on the University Court P Elisabeth Feldstein, MChem 2025
Jock Millican, BSc, FCILT 2023 I Kristin Hannesdottir, BArch(Hons), BA, MFA 2025
The Hon Lady Wolffe (Sarah Wolffe QC) 2023
I Kirsty MacGregor, MA, MBA, DipEd 2025
The Rt Hon Douglas Alexander, MA, LLB 2025
Assistant to the Secretary: Alison MacLeary, MA
Business Committee
Key
Convener: Sir Philip Mawer, DLitt, LLD (Hon), MA, DPA, Hon FIA 2024
‘A’ denotes a member of the Academic Standing Committee,
Vice-Convener: Gordon D Cairns, LLB 2024
‘C’ a member of the Constitutional Standing Committee,
A Convener of Academic Standing Committee:
‘F’ a member of the Finance and Services Standing Committee,
Stephen Hillier, OBE, DSc 2024
‘I’ a member of the International Standing Committee, and
C Convener of Constitutional Standing Committee:
‘P’ a member of the Public Affairs Standing Committee.
Gordon Cairns, LLB 2024
F Convener of Finance and Services Standing Committee:
William Duncan, BSc, PhD, CIPD 2022
I Convener of International Standing Committee:
Krystyna Szumelukowa, BA Hons, MPhil, MRTPI 2024
P Convener of Public Affairs Standing Committee:
Candice Donnelly, LLB (Hons), Dip LP, NP, WS 202222 Billet summer 2022 The University of Edinburgh The University of Edinburgh Billet summer 2022 23
The June 2022 General Council Please notify the GC Office of any access or dietary requirements for yourself or your guest(s):
Registration form ............................................................................................................................................................................
John McIntyre Conference Centre, Pollock Halls, Saturday 18 June, 2022
............................................................................................................................................................................
Tickets for this event are free and include lunch.
............................................................................................................................................................................
1. Name:............................................................................................................................................................ Please return to: Ms Alison MacLeary,
Assistant to the Secretary of the General Council,
2. Address: ........................................................................................................................................................ The University of Edinburgh,
Charles Stewart House,
........................................................................................................................................................................ 9–16 Chambers Street,
Edinburgh EH1 1HT,
..................................................................................................... 3. Postcode.......................................... Scotland, UK
Email: general.council@ed.ac.uk
4. Preferred contact information, i.e. tel/email:........................................................................................
Closing date for applications: Monday 6 June, 2022. Please note that registrations after this
5. Basis of General Council membership, please complete A or B
date will not be accepted.
A. (i) Degree:............................................................................................................................................. Photography/video material from the event will be used for the General Council website
and publications.
(ii) Year of graduation:.........................................................................................................................
Please note:
(iii) Subject of study:............................................................................................................................. The meeting at 10.15am is open to GC members only and they will be asked to sign the
Register on arrival.
B. Other reason for General Council membership, e.g. University staff/Court member:
Members and their guests registering for the Summer Event will be issued with Registration
........................................................................................................................................................................ badges which will provide access to the Event, Exhibition and Lunch.
6. Please indicate by ticking the box whether you will attend the following:
The General Council Meeting ❒
The Summer Event and Lunch ❒
7. If you intend to bring a guest/guests to the Summer Event please supply their name(s) and
email address:
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