Message from Juup Stelma, Interim Head of School

28 Feb 2025

SEED's financial outlook for the next academic year, leadership opportunities ahead, the National Student Survey, and a warm welcome to Khalid Nadvi, incoming Head of School

We have reached the end of February. It is still winter and we are still wearing heavy jumpers. However, we are approaching the middle of the semester and I think we are all looking forward to the early spring break, with the promise of longer days. 

Over the past few months, we have been working diligently on the SEED budget for the 2025/2026 academic year. I have had numerous meetings with Heads of Departments, SEED Directors, and both Kay Hodgson and David Pattwell as he settles into his new role. We have spent a lot of time poring over spreadsheets - always with the invaluable support of Lizzy Langton, our brilliant Head of School Finance – and have engaged in multiple discussions with other Schools, the Faculty and our Dean, Fiona Devine.  

I am pleased to report that, overall, our financial position looks positive. Whilst we have had concerns about student numbers and some uncertainty remains as potential fluctuations in recruitment are always a possibility, the admissions numbers are looking better by the month. We have to thank Edita Pymm and her admissions team for all of their hard work.  

That said, there is still medium and longer-term uncertainty, requiring us to remain cautious and think creatively about the future. Additionally, every school is expected to contribute to new University initiatives and there are Estates projects requiring funding, so this is something that we are also thinking about. 

Looking at SEED’s leadership team, there will be calls for Expressions of Interest for several roles in the coming weeks and months, including for a Head of the Department of Geography (more below) and for a number of Associate Director positions. I would encourage you to take a look at our People pages on StaffNet to get an understanding of the leadership roles in the School across SLT and as Associate Directors, and as always, my door is open if you want to informally chat about any upcoming opportunities. We are keen for each academic leadership role to become available every three years so that there is a steady stream of opportunities for more of us to contribute and develop through service and leadership. 

This week we are advertising for the role of a new Head of Geography. This is a key role not only for Geography as each Head of Department plays a central role in the School Senior Leadership Team. It is too early to thank Phil Hughes as there are still some months to go, but Phil is doing a brilliant job and finding a suitable replacement will be a challenge. I want to encourage everyone in Geography to engage in the process of finding the best possible new Head of Geography – anyone that would like to talk about the role is free to contact either Phil or myself. 

A reminder that the deadline for the Essential Training courses is today – 28 February. If you still have one or two courses left to complete, you may be able to finish them this afternoon. At this stage, no decision has been made regarding next steps for individuals who have not completed the training, but I am certain that there will be follow-up. These courses are integral to ensuring that we maintain a safe and inclusive University environment.     

I keenly follow Rachel Challinor’s weekly updates on our NSS response rates and greatly appreciate the efforts of Rachel, her team, and the Programme Directors and their teams, in encouraging our final-year undergraduate students to engage with the NSS. As of Tuesday 25 February, the SEED response rate exceeds that of last year, something which is a remarkable achievement. Additionally, I want to highlight that we have now received submissions for Rewarding Exceptional Performance for both academic and PS members of SEED. These submissions not only highlight individual achievements but also showcase the great work that is going on across the school as a whole. 

Finally and once more, I am very pleased that Khalid Nadvi will be taking over as the Head of School from Friday, 1 August. I am pleased because I know Khalid very well, I have immense respect for his achievements, his passion for SEED and the qualities that he will bring to the role. I am confident that he will be a great Head of School. Khalid and I will work together over the spring and summer to make sure the hand-over is as smooth as possible, and I will remain available as we enter the next academic year to help if and where I may be needed. 

Best wishes,

Juup