SLT met in the MECD boardroom for the first time. Discussions were had on the promotions process and lessons learned from this year’s promotions process. A new strategic staffing round will occur in September and the list will be discussed in October for both PS and academic staff requests. SLT discussed how to increase diversity in the School’s leadership positions and actions associated with addressing ethnic diversity more generally.  Updates were provided on SEP progress and also the appointment of new DHoEs in EES, P and A and Maths as well as the examinations period.  Following a meeting with research finance, the changes in their operation were presented.  A health and safety update and progress in the long term maintenance plan in Chemistry were tabled.

SLT discussed the challenges and opportunities of hybrid working and is discussing ways in which communities can be strengthened within departments, for example. An update on the budget process was provided as well as the timing for when PGR students could be confirmed from the 2022/23 budget.  Progress has been made on establishing external advisory boards in each department and this was discussed in detail. The wording around the NAP with respect to probation was tabled and commented on.  Updates on the technical review, GTA provision, Key Travel and ATAS were discussed and it was agreed to highlight the Key Travel changes at the School Board.  Some issues were raised about the exam timetable and these were discussed and actioned.  It was reported that admissions are working on the policy to support students from Ukraine to include extending deadlines, allow deferring and accepting with just details of referees instead of full references. A proposal for reception cover in the Dover Street Building was discussed and approved by the SLT as one off for Semester 1 next year.

Discussions have been ongoing about setting up external advisory boards in each department and terms of reference have been developed and membership is being sorted.  These will feed into the new Faculty advisory board.  SLT have discussed health and safety points of contacts for laboratories and a review of contact lists is needed. Following the call for capital equipment proposals, these were ranked in the School with the Research Institute directors and then tensioned with the School of Engineering and submitted to the Faculty.  Suggestions for changes to the Dame Kathleen Ollerenshaw  Fellowships process for next year have been formulated and will be discussed at EFLT.  Changes associated with SEP have been reported at SLT and separate HoD meetings.  The general outcomes from the grade 6 to 7 promotions process and REP applications have been discussed as well as the process for professorial salary review. The EDIA team are currently in the process of working through the Athena Swan Action plan and the items requiring action from SLT outlined in the written report were highlighted.

Petri Uola presented a summary of the changes and progress on resolving the research finance challenges.  SLT fed back current issues. Updates on the equipment call, recruitment and external advisory boards were discussed.  In addition, SLT were reminded about the budget process for 2022/23 with meetings arranged to agree the research budget, staffing (academic and PS) and OOE for each department as well as how the School level budget will be determined. A review of the hybrid working for PS staff is being developed in consultation with SNS. As a result of recommendations from UNIAC, a review of the use of frequent traveller credit cards will be undertaken and the plan was discussed in SLT. The NERC Executive Leadership Visit taking place on 10th February. A discussion was had about the DKO shortlisting process and it will be reviewed for the next academic year.  It was agreed to roll out the Active bystander training across the School. UG applications are up and PGT applications down apart from in FBT. Conversion activities are being coordinated across the School. No H and S issues were raised from Physics and Astronomy.