Transcript: Vice-Chancellor's end of Trinity term 2025 message
Hello and welcome to my end of term – and end of year – video message to you all. Thank you for all your steadfast contributions to another busy term and another fantastic year.
Off the back of our recent and very successful Global Climate Summit and our work in all things related to the climate and sustainability, I’m delighted to be speaking to you from the wonderful Wytham Woods, one of the most studied woodlands in the world and a living lab of biodiversity.
It’s a fitting place for me to be able to mention the launch of our Oxford Green Estate project, in which we are looking to build inspirational landscapes that allow science, education and outreach to flourish while enabling us to reach our biodiversity and carbon targets. Early work is under way at Park Farm, Northfield Farm and Court Place Gardens.
As another example of our commitment to sustainability, we’re launching a new research initiative called the Oxford EARTH programme – Ensuring equitable Access to sustainable Resources for a Thriving Habitat. It's tackling how we secure the critical resources needed for net zero, in ways that are sustainable and fair. From rare minerals to the right to extract them, it's about protecting our planet while powering its future. Just a few examples of the great work going on in Oxford that fills us with pride, hope and joy.
I know many of you are keen to see our new Strategic Plan, and I’m so pleased to say that the draft plan is now out for consultation with staff. This is our roadmap for what we want to achieve between now and 2030, and your feedback will make it as strong as possible. If you haven't already seen it, please use the link in the email.
Our staff – you – are what make our strategic ambition possible, and it is great to see recognition of what you do. Our libraries are one fantastic example: not only have Oxford's libraries ranked top in student satisfaction for the 2024 National Student Survey but this year the Bodleian Libraries also achieved its highest satisfaction rate in its reader surveys which they have run since 2012.
As you know, I have been personally committed to improving the experience of staff on pay and conditions. At the time of recording, we have been able to launch over 14 initiatives since the start of this academic year.
June is also Pride month. At Oxford, this is a time for us to reaffirm our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion. I was pleased on 7 June to join a breakfast celebration bringing together our gay, lesbian, bisexual, trans and queer community and allies to mark Oxford Pride. I hope those taking part had a great day. Throughout this month we honour all members of our LGBTQ+ community. And we will continue our work to ensure Oxford remains a place where everyone belongs and is supported to succeed.
Lastly, and still on the subject of our fantastic people, I was delighted to be able to host the Vice-Chancellor's Awards last month. They were a wonderful celebration of the talent, dedication and innovation across our University. It was inspiring to hear the stories behind the achievements – each one was a testament to the impact of our work, individually and collectively. My warmest congratulations to all those recognised and shortlisted.
And, of course, at this time of year we sadly say our farewells to members of our community leaving us or retiring. Let me on your behalf express our deepest gratitude to all those outgoing Heads of House, department heads, academics and staff members who have given tirelessly to our core mission and wish them well in this next phase of their lives – but remind them too that we will always be their home from home.
Well, that’s it for now. I wish you a great summer and please take some time to rest and recharge with your loved ones and I look forward to seeing you at the start of the next academic year. Take care.
