Transcript: Vice-Chancellor's message for the end of Michaelmas term 2024

A transcript of Vice-Chancellor Professor Irene Tracey's end of term message to staff

12 December 2024
Vice-Chancellor Professor Irene Tracey delivers a message in Christ Church college

 

Dear colleagues,

Welcome to the beautiful hall of Christ Church.

I can’t believe it’s time for my next festive message to you; we’ve had another very busy and productive year of working together. Thank you for your part in making our Oxford community a kind and exceptional place to be.

We have also faced challenges this year, with events in the Middle East impacting our staff and students in various and difficult ways. Thank you to all who have engaged in dialogue and shared feedback and perspectives to ensure we are supporting our community as best we can.

Our core mission of teaching and research has continued to thrive: we have secured a record-breaking ninth year as the number one university in the world, according to Times Higher Education – the most comprehensive ranking system in the world. And I’m also delighted to report that we’ve had our best two years on record in terms of fundraising across the collegiate university – even compared to campaign years. Congratulations to all those involved in securing funds that are so vital to support our world-class teaching and research.

The Vice-Chancellor's Colloquium on climate had a fantastic first year and students can register their interest online now for the next one in Hilary term where we aim to expand the numbers of students who can participate.

Internally, we have achieved some huge milestones. The outcome of the Pay & Conditions review was shared with staff in Trinity term, and we are continuing to see the implementation of its recommendations. I’ve received lots of positive feedback already on how it's making a difference and we will continue our work investing in human capital. The collegiate University EDI strategy launched this term, setting out our vision for Oxford as a space where everyone belongs and is supported to succeed. My Sheldonian Series also launched this term, and I am grateful to all those who engaged with its commitment to free and inclusive speech, diversity of thought and the vibrant exchange of ideas. And I was so pleased to be able to celebrate all that our staff do at the Vice-Chancellor's awards in the summer.

Webinars have been held this term around the University’s review of ethical investments, in response to staff and student requests in this area. More information is available on our webpages.  

Let me here also thank and acknowledge the sterling work that Anne Trefethen, PVC for People and Digital, has done over many long years. Having been a Pro-Vice-Chancellor for over ten years, Anne Trefethen has chosen to step down from the role of PVC People at the end of this month, which is the end of her latest five-year term. She has overseen some hugely significant pieces of work for our staff, not least of which multiple USS valuations and the huge programme of work that is Pay & Conditions. I know you will wish to join me in thanking her and wishing her well for her next endeavours as she embraces her academic interests once more. I’m grateful to Anne that she has agreed to extend her time as PVC for Digital to lead the digital transformation, and to oversee the appointment of the next Chief Information Officer. As Anne steps down I am grateful to Professor Lady Sue Black, the President of St John's College, who has agreed to take on the role of Chair of People Committee.

And I’m looking forward to formally welcoming Lord William Hague of Richmond as our next Chancellor in his admittance ceremony early next year. We are delighted to welcome William and his wife Ffion back to Oxford and I am very much looking forward to working with him in the years to come. He will be terrific.

Please do listen to my recent Oration if you want to learn more about your University’s success this past year and my areas of focus going forwards. Despite global headwinds, Oxford remains resilient and I hope you too are excited to continue our pursuit of excellence and local, national and global impact through our teaching and research.

There is so much great work planned for 2025, so I’ll be back in touch in the new year to tell you more, but for now: I hope you are able to take some time to rest and recharge over the festive period. Thank you again for everything you do to keep Oxford the special place that it is.

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