Transcript: Vice-Chancellor's end of Hilary term 2024 message
Dear colleagues,
Congratulations on reaching the end of Hilary term, and thank you again for all your hard work. I cannot believe how fast time has flown since I last spoke to you in January from the basement of Physics.
Now here we are with daffodils blooming in the University Parks as I speak to you from one of my old departments in the science area – the Sherrington Building that is part of the Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics. It’s a fabulous department doing ground-breaking research into human physiology, neuroscience and associated diseases alongside their outstanding teaching – it’s lovely to be back!
And whilst I’m talking about all things science, let me here publicly congratulate our amazing Robotics Institute for winning the Queen’s Anniversary Prize for their extraordinary work being a world-leader in developing all things robotics-related, including autonomous vehicles – a great day was had by all at Buckingham Palace and I could not have been more proud of the team and their work.
Thank you to those departments and colleges who I have visited this term and I look forward to my deep dives continuing next term – they are instrumental in giving me a broad sense of how I can help support your needs and aspirations going forwards with our developing strategy and plans to launch a fundraising campaign. I have also enjoyed supporting our students with their various clubs and societies – notably watching the various varsity matches… and I look forward to the Boat Race coming up on Easter Saturday. Do cheer on the Dark Blues!
I’m pleased to say that, as anticipated, the Pay & Conditions Steering Committee reported to Council on 5 February. Council members have had time to consider the recommendations over the last month and discussed them together for the first time on 4 March.
There’s a great deal for us to act on, taking on board the hundreds of pieces of feedback received by the review and the wealth of data gathered, and I know you will be interested to hear more.
As you will have read in Kay Davies’ blog for the University Bulletin on 19 February, there will be a few weeks now for discussion through University and college committees with the aim for Council to be in a position to agree a plan of action at its meeting in May. I look forward to sharing the outcomes of the review with you all, as soon as we can after that.
I was thrilled to see that we have 250 nominations for staff in the Vice-Chancellor's Awards this year. It is wonderful to see the amazing work our fantastic people are doing across our core mission of teaching and research ably supported by our professional services. Bringing all the awards together as we have done this year will allow us to cross-pollinate ideas across the University, and I look forward to announcing the winners next term.
I’d like to congratulate everyone who helped us achieve success with the renewal of our Race Equality Charter Bronze. This is thanks to the efforts of staff and students who worked so hard to advance our Race Equality Strategy. Look out for our equality report and gender pay gap report coming out in a few weeks.
With us celebrating International Women’s Day this week and hosting several events myself, we are all reminded there is work still to do but also areas where we should celebrate progress.
Lastly, I am acutely aware that the ongoing desperate situation in the Middle East is of huge concern to us all and especially to many members of our community. We are continuing to meet and listen to students and staff affected and will keep the University’s information and webpage updated. Again, we will not tolerate antisemitism, Islamophobia or any forms of hate speech – please report using the channels listed on the website should this happen. I pray and remain hopeful for the release of hostages and a sustainable ceasefire and long-term peace.
As ever, I am here to learn and support you, our staff. If you have questions or comments, please let me know via my VC admin email. But, for now, take care and safe travels should you be taking some time off over the Easter vacation and I look forward to seeing you in Trinity if not before.
Links to communications mentioned in the Vice-Chancellor's message
- Oxford Robotics Institute wins prestigious Queen’s Anniversary Prize
- Pay & Conditions
- Blog from Professor Dame Kay Davies, Chair of the Pay & Conditions Steering Committee: Pay & Conditions next steps
- Vice-Chancellor's Awards
- University response to recent events in Israel, Gaza and the Middle East
Contact the Vice-Chancellor via vice-chancellor@admin.ox.ac.uk
