No 6589
Monday 28 September 2020
Vol cli No 1
pp. 1–10
1 October, Thursday. Michaelmas Term begins. Congregation of the Regent House: election and admission of the Proctors (see below).
6 October, Tuesday. Full Term begins.
13 October, Tuesday. Discussion (see below).
The Vice-Chancellor invites those qualified under the regulations for Discussions (Statutes and Ordinances, p. 105) to a Discussion on Tuesday, 13 October 2020 at 2 p.m., for the discussion of:
1.First-stage Report of the Council, dated 28 July 2020, on a University of Cambridge Solar Farm at Lord’s Bridge (Reporter, 6587, 2019–20, p. 551).
The format and arrangements for this Discussion will be confirmed in the Reporter of 7 October 2020 (see p. 8). General information on Discussions is provided at https://www.governance.cam.ac.uk/governance/decision-making/discussions/.
The Vice-Chancellor gives notice that the election of the Proctors and their Deputies for 2020–21 required by Statute C IV and the Special Ordinance made under it, will take place in the Senate‑House at 10 a.m. on Thursday, 1 October 2020. A Congregation is called for 9.55 a.m.
Dr Karen Ottewell and Dr Annamaria Motrescu-Mayes have been nominated for election as Proctor by Emmanuel College and by Clare Hall respectively, and the Heads of those Colleges have certified that their nominees have kept residence. Dr Gemma Burgess, of St Edmund’s College, Mr Francis Knights, of Fitzwilliam College, and Mr Gordon Chesterman, of St Edmund’s College, have been nominated by them in turn for election as Deputies.
For safety reasons access will be limited to official participants and any members of the Regent House wishing to attend for this business. The Congregation will then be dissolved; the customary reception cannot be held. Social distancing in accordance with University guidelines must be observed and to assist with this any member of the Regent House wishing to attend should please email vco.ceremonial@admin.cam.ac.uk beforehand. Those able to wear face coverings are encouraged to do so and hand sanitiser will be available on entry. Black gowns should be worn (hoods are not required).
This year the Vice-Chancellor’s annual address to the University will not occur in conjunction with the election and admission of the Proctors, but will be filmed for transmission and the text will be published in the Reporter as usual.
The Vice-Chancellor gives notice, in accordance with Special Ordinance A (i) 2, and the regulations for General Admission to Degrees, that Congregations will be held on the following days in the academic years 2020–21 and 2021–22. Congregations outside the normal pattern and revised start times are both indicated in bold italic text.
The uncertainties created by the COVID‑19 pandemic mean that this information may be subject to revision, both in relation to timings and the status of Degree Congregations as ‘in person’ or ‘in absence’, so these details may be updated by further Notice or Notices.
Congregations of the Regent House (on Saturdays unless otherwise stated)
|
Michaelmas Term 2020 |
Lent Term 2021 |
Easter Term and Long Vacation 2021 |
|
Full Term: 6 October – 4 December |
Full Term: 19 January – 19 March |
Full Term: 27 April – 18 June |
|
1 October (Thursday), 9.55 a.m.1 24 October, 11 a.m. (For degrees in absence only) 28 November, 11 a.m. (For degrees in absence only) |
30 January, 2 p.m.
27 February, 2 p.m.
26 March (Friday), 11 a.m. 27 March, 11 a.m. 9 April (Friday), 11 a.m. 10 April, 11 a.m. |
16 April (Friday), 10 a.m. 17 April, 10 a.m. 30 April (Friday), 11 a.m. 1 May, 11 a.m. 21 May (Friday), 10 a.m. 22 May, 10 a.m. Honorary
Degrees: General
Admission:
16 July (Friday), start time TBC 17 July, start time TBC 23 July (Friday), 10 a.m. 24 July, 10 a.m. 30 July (Friday), 2 p.m. 31 July, 10 a.m. 10 September (Friday), start time TBC 11 September, 10 a.m. 17 September (Friday), start time TBC 18 September, 10 a.m. |
|
Michaelmas Term 2021 |
Lent Term 2022 |
Easter Term and Long Vacation 2022 |
|
Full Term: 5 October – 3 December |
Full Term: 18 January – 18 March |
Full Term: 26 April – 17 June |
|
1 October (Friday), 9.55 a.m.1 22 October (Friday), 11 a.m. 23 October, 11 a.m. 27 November, 10 a.m. |
29 January, 10 a.m. 26 February, 10 a.m. 26 March, 11 a.m. 2 April, 11 a.m. |
30 April, 11 a.m. 21 May 10 a.m. Honorary
Degrees: General
Admission: 22 July (Friday), 10 a.m. 23 July, 10 a.m. |
1Election and admission of the Proctors.
2General Admission (M.Eng., M.Math., M.Sci., Vet.M.B., B.A., and B.Th. Degrees only).
Further to its Notice of 27 July 2020 (Reporter, 6587, 2019–20, p. 543), at its strategic meeting on 21 September 2020 the Council received and warmly welcomed Dr Quigley’s report, commissioned by the Council in response to Grace 1 of 25 April 2019. The report explores the advantages and disadvantages of a policy of fossil fuel divestment across its moral, social, political, reputational and financial dimensions, and provides costed divestment scenarios for the University. The Council will publish the report shortly, together with its considered response.
The Council has received the remarks made at the Discussion on 4 February 2020 (Reporter, 6577, 2019–20, p. 342) on the Council’s Annual Report for 2018–19 (Reporter, 6573, 2019–20, p. 194). It has consulted with the General Board in providing a reply to points on staff and student wellbeing. It apologises for the lateness of this response, which was delayed owing to the disruption resulting from the coronavirus outbreak.
Dr Faul raises concerns about adherence to agreed policies and procedures that have an impact on student and staff wellbeing across the University. Whilst the Council can make general points, it is not appropriate for it to comment publicly on the personal experiences of individual staff or students. The Council takes complaints seriously and encourages staff members to use the University’s Whistleblowing procedure to raise matters of concern (the policy and procedure are available at: https://www.hr.admin.cam.ac.uk/policies-procedures/whistleblowing-policy-public-disclosure-university-employees). The Council can confirm that it monitors student and staff wellbeing closely. Raising awareness of the support already available is an important part of the work to be done. Under the University Wellbeing Strategy, work is underway to bring together all those involved in staff and student wellbeing in order to consolidate, enhance and effectively communicate the wide variety of wellbeing support available across the Collegiate University. Work also continues to embed wellbeing into the day‑to‑day practices of staff through training programmes such as the Inclusive Leadership Programme and Where to Draw the Line training, and through a programme of termly wellbeing events. The Office for Student Conduct, Complaints and Appeals has brought together information and resources for College and University staff who are supporting students who have complaints; this is available online at https://www.studentcomplaints.admin.cam.ac.uk/staff-support.
Professor Evans queries whether the Regent House is sufficiently involved in the University’s decision-making processes. The Council, under Statute A IV 1, has general responsibility for the administration of the University, for the planning of its work, and for the management of its resources. It also has authority, under Section 7(b) of the same Statute, to set up standing or occasional committees. The work of the Council as the University’s principal executive and policy‑making body, and of the Board as the body with responsibility for the academic and educational policy of the University, is guided by the advice of these committees. The aim in the membership of those committees is to bring together those with the right mix of skills and experience to provide informed advice and to make decisions in line with the individual committee’s terms of reference. The Annual Reports are the main means of providing information on the activities of the main committees, necessarily as a summary.
The Council and the Board recognise their responsibility for presenting decisions concerning major changes in policy to the Regent House for approval. Their Annual Reports provide a summary of the proposals submitted for Regent House approval in the form of Reports and Graces. In addition, the Council reports each year to the Regent House recommending allocations from the Chest. However, in cases where decisions concern administration, planning and the management of resources, unless the University’s Statutes and Ordinances determine otherwise, the Council is the final arbiter. How to determine broad priorities from among the many calls on the University’s resources is therefore ultimately a matter for the Council. The consultation on the Priorities Framework invited comments from a wide spectrum of stakeholders, including but not limited to members of the Regent House, so that it could capture a more holistic view on shared priorities.
In relation to the University’s risk register, to ensure appropriate ownership of each risk, responsibility has been delegated to a Pro‑Vice‑Chancellor with strategic responsibility for managing a given risk, supported by a senior officer with operational responsibility for that risk and a Committee that has responsibility for oversight of the risk. The Council is responsible for risk management and has delegated to the Audit Committee the responsibility for reviewing the University’s risk management processes and the University’s risk register. For the purpose of risk management the senior leadership team is defined as the Vice‑Chancellor, the Pro‑Vice‑Chancellors, the Heads of the Schools, the Registrary, the Chief Financial Officer, the Director of Communications and the Director of Development and Alumni Relations.1
The Council is submitting a Grace (Grace 1, p. 10) for the approval of its Annual Report (which includes the General Board’s Annual Report).
1The phrase 'senior leadership team' is commonly used where a reference to 'the officers' might have been used in the past; it refers to those in senior positions, whether they hold offices or not. The membership of the senior leadership team being referred to will vary depending on the context.
The Council has received the remarks made at the Discussion on 3 March 2020 (Reporter, 6581, 2019–20, p. 409) on the above topic of concern (Reporter, 6575, 2019–20, p. 306). It apologises for the lateness of this response, which was delayed owing to the disruption resulting from the coronavirus outbreak.
As the speakers note, the Council approved a Transport Strategy in 2019 (available at: https://www.environment.admin.cam.ac.uk/travel) that sets out the University’s approach for improving sustainable transport, including implementing a series of initiatives to encourage University staff and visitors to travel sustainably, and working with local partners to lobby for improvements across Cambridgeshire. The sections below pick out the main themes in the remarks. Council is grateful for the speakers’ feedback on the Strategy and, as reflected in its replies below, will aim to address the points raised in its next iteration. It invites those who have an interest in this topic to become members of the Transport Consultation Group (for further information see: https://www.environment.admin.cam.ac.uk/travel/find-out-about-universitys-transport-strategy/contribute-travel-consultations).
Dr Danish recommends that the University should not support Park & Ride schemes as they have ‘the potential to ruin the viability of local bus routes’. He also suggests that the Transport Strategy commitment CP2 should be revised to note that Park & Ride sites should only be supported when they are located substantial distances from the city where they would not impinge on the viability of local bus routes. There are limited public transport options available for travelling from certain locations outside Cambridge. Using an existing Park & Ride scheme is the only viable means for some staff and visitors to reach University sites in the city using a sustainable travel mode. The Transport Strategy therefore continues to support the growth of the Park & Ride sites. The Council recognises that the cost of public transport from nearby towns is a key barrier to its wider use and therefore, as part of the Transport Strategy, the University has committed to examining the potential to provide direct subsidies to staff for public transport (PT5). If this is taken forward, it is likely that this will have a positive impact on improving the viability of local bus routes.
In addition, Dr Danish suggests the support of travel hubs instead of Park & Ride schemes. The University recognises that the existing Park & Ride sites already function as travel hubs for users to park and cycle, walk or lift-share to their final destination. The Greater Cambridge Partnership (GCP) and the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority are now adopting the phrase ‘travel hub’ in preference to ‘park and ride’, and are looking to offer more services than just the park and ride option, which the University welcomes. Council will consider whether a reference to travel hubs should be added to commitment CP2 in the next version of the Transport Strategy.
Dr Danish recommends that the Council re‑evaluate its position on Adams Road, stating that there is a safety risk to mixing buses with high numbers of cyclists. The University will seek to ensure that safe cycle movements between West Cambridge and the city centre are preserved and enhanced, working with GCP and other partners.
Dr Danish proposes that the Council should oppose the Expressway scheme, stating that the scheme is likely to generate additional car‑dependent developments and limit options for sustainable transport. The Council considers that the government priorities should be on providing public and sustainable forms of transport infrastructure, built to serve the needs of the community over the long term. It therefore strongly supports the implementation of East‑West Rail. Larger road schemes such as the Expressway do potentially present opportunities to improve cycling and walking links, as was demonstrated in the A14 project recently. The University will maintain a close working relationship with the relevant parties to ensure that both schemes are developed to maximise opportunities for University users to travel sustainably.
Dr Danish states that the Council should consider charging for parking and re‑directing fees from staff parking to increased staff wages or to fund sustainable transport schemes. As part of the Transport Strategy, there is a commitment to review the University’s car parking policy by 2020–21. As part of that review, the implications of charging for parking will be considered, which will include looking at the impact on various cost options (hourly, daily) on travel behaviour, how the potential revenue could be used and whether to use this money to subsidise staff traveling sustainably (linked to commitment PT5 as outlined above). It will also take into account the short- and longer‑term impacts of the coronavirus outbreak on working patterns and transport needs. The idea to use the Grand Arcade car park for spaces is noted, and will be fed into the charging review.
All three speakers comment on the infrastructure and facilities for cyclists on the University’s estate, giving examples of design issues. Mr Lucas-Smith recognises that the University has made progress on developing plans to improve cycle parking on the Downing site and states that this approach needs to be adopted elsewhere. The University’s Transport Strategy (available at https://www.environment.admin.cam.ac.uk/travel/find-out-about-universitys-transport-strategy) recognises that high-quality cycling infrastructure encourages sustainable travel. The Strategy includes commitments to improve pedestrian and cycling facilities on its estate. A process of prioritising improvements on the University’s estate has been developed, and plans for further walking and cycling improvements will be shared in due course. Where required for the larger projects, transport consultants will be appointed to investigate the potential to design cycle infrastructure, where possible to Dutch design principles for schemes which are within the University’s control. Proposals for walking and cycling improvements will be shared with members of the Transport Consultation Group prior to implementation for feedback. Staff members can receive information on these proposals by joining the Transport Consultation Group (see https://www.environment.admin.cam.ac.uk/travel/find-out-about-universitys-transport-strategy/contribute-travel-consultations).
Dr Danish recommends that the cycling and walking commitments must focus on accessibility, and must consider the needs and varying abilities of users, as well as reflecting the range of bicycles being used (cargo bikes, trailers, adaptive bikes, etc.). Council has asked for a reference to the need to consider the abilities of all users to be included in the next iteration of the cycling and walking commitments within the Transport Strategy.
Dr Danish and Dr Thomas comment that physical barriers on cycle paths make cycling unsafe or difficult for some users and therefore should be removed. The Estates Division will be reviewing barriers and chicanes placed on the University’s estate to see whether these can be removed. The University will also be working closely with the GCP to lobby for changes to the public highway to benefit cyclists and pedestrians.
All three speakers recognise the importance of updating the walking and cycling standards for adoption on future and existing University estates. The Department for Transport published new guidance on cycling infrastructure design on 27 July 2020. The Estates Division will consider whether all or part of the guidance can be adopted on the University estate. Over the last few months, the level of staff resource working on implementing the Transport Strategy has increased significantly, with the appointment of an additional Transport Manager and Transport Coordinator, who are both experienced working in cycling infrastructure design. This additional resource will allow more work in this area.
Mr Lucas-Smith states that University planning applications have included car‑centric junctions designed to increase capacity rather than to encourage cycling. The Estates Division ensures that transport consultants plan new developments with as much permeability as possible for walking and cycling. However, the University does not have the final say in determining the designs that will be adopted. In order to obtain planning consent, the University must have support for its junction designs from the Highway Authority (the County Council), which imposes its own criteria in terms of capacity, safety and allowing for future growth.
Dr Danish recommends that the University should look to establish a cargo‑cycle sharing scheme or pool scheme for University members. The University has worked with GCP on a successful bid to the Energy Saving Trust which will add three electric cargo bikes to the University’s CAMBike pool bike fleet, to be used for carrying equipment between University sites. In addition, the Estates Division is looking at the feasibility of loaning cargo bikes to staff to trial cycling as an option for commuting to work. A reference to cargo‑cycle sharing schemes will be included in commitment C2 in the next version of the Transport Strategy.
The Council has considered the Discussion remarks received on 9 June 2020 (Reporter, 6585, 2019–20, p. 466) concerning the above Report (Reporter, 6582, 2019–20, p. 425).
Professor Evans is right to remind the University of the importance of ‘academic freedom’, but does not consider this fundamental principle to be undermined by the framework for freedom of speech as outlined in the revised documentation introduced by this Report. The Council agrees.
Dr Ahmed’s first set of remarks suggests changes should be made to the language of the University Free Speech Principles as well as the University Statement on Freedom of Speech set out in Annex 1 to the Report. The Principles have been approved and issued by the Council and are not subject to this Report. With regard to the sections quoted from the proposed updated Statement, the Council concurs that not all views are worthy of equal ‘respect’, but remains content with the use of the word ‘respectful’, reflecting an expectation that debate should be open, robust and challenging but should be mindful of diversities of both opinion and identity.
Dr Ahmed’s second set of remarks proposes the insertion of the term ‘Student Union’ in relation to the ‘premises’ on which the University must seek to uphold freedom of speech. The Student Union does not own its own premises, and so the inclusion of this term is not required. He also suggests the insertion of a passage in relation to the University’s duties under section 43 of the Education (No. 2) Act 1986; the Council considers this to be unnecessary as these duties are already summarised elsewhere in the Statement.
Dr Ahmed’s third set of remarks suggests revised wording in relation to circumstances under which speakers and events might be subject to additional conditions or even cancellation, in particular with regard to the references to the statutory Prevent Duty. The Council considers the proposed wording to be a suitable delineation of the circumstances in which events conceivably might be cancelled or amended through the proper decision-making channels. It notes that, despite the example quoted by Dr Ahmed, such powers have been used very rarely. The University remains subject to the Prevent Duty and is expected to make appropriate reference to it in relevant policies and procedures surrounding meetings and events, of which the Statement is one. It will continue to contribute to national debates surrounding the efficacy of the Prevent Duty as it applies to universities, for example through its contributions to the Independent Review of Prevent once it is re-established.
The Council is content that its proposed changes as set out in the Report and its Annexes provide a suitable framework to uphold lawful free speech and is submitting Graces (Graces 2 and 3, p. 10) for the approval of the recommendations of this Report.
This Notice gives information about the awards made following a review of professorial pay as at 1 October 2018, conducted in accordance with Annex 7 of the Second Joint Report of the Council and General Board on a New Pay and Grading Structure for Non-Clinical Staff (Reporter, 6002, 2004–05, p. 745) and Schedule 2 of the Joint Report of the Council and the General Board on amendments to the pay and grading scheme for non-clinical staff implemented following that Report (Reporter, 6302, 2012–13, p. 423). With the assistance of an Advisory Committee chaired by Sir Graeme Davies, the Vice-Chancellor carried out an assessment of applications for a review of professorial pay received from eligible Professors. The Advisory Committee was assisted by School-level Committees which undertook the initial assessment of applications in Bands 1 and 2 (the membership of those Committees is noted below). Progression within and between bands is not automatic and is based on contribution, as described in Annex 7 of the Joint Report, and assessed through a biennial review process. The Vice‑Chancellor has informed all applicants of the outcome of this review.
The following table summarises the original distribution of Professorships across the Schools, and within each band, as at 1 October 2018.
|
|
Band 1 |
Band 2 |
Band 3 |
Band 4 |
Total |
|||||
|
School |
W |
M |
W |
M |
W |
M |
W |
M |
W |
M |
|
Arts and Humanities |
10 |
22 |
8 |
13 |
2 |
9 |
– |
1 |
20 |
45 |
|
Biological Sciences |
15 |
36 |
7 |
16 |
1 |
4 |
1 |
5 |
24 |
61 |
|
Clinical Medicine |
4 |
12 |
2 |
3 |
3 |
2 |
1 |
6 |
10 |
23 |
|
Humanities and Social Sciences |
13 |
39 |
8 |
13 |
2 |
12 |
1 |
3 |
24 |
67 |
|
Physical Sciences |
13 |
83 |
– |
25 |
1 |
13 |
1 |
6 |
15 |
127 |
|
Technology |
9 |
55 |
3 |
19 |
1 |
14 |
– |
1 |
13 |
89 |
|
Total |
64 |
247 |
28 |
89 |
10 |
54 |
4 |
22 |
106 |
412 |
|
% of Total1 |
60% |
60% |
26% |
22% |
9% |
13% |
4% |
5% |
518 |
|
1Percentage in each band as a proportion of the Total column: e.g. 22% of male Professors are in Band 2; 9% of female Professors are in Band 3.
The number of awards made as a result of this exercise is shown in the table below. Where any individuals were placed in a higher band as a result of the review, the table reflects their new banding.
|
Awards |
||||||||||||||
|
Eligible |
Applied |
Band 1 |
Band 2 |
Band 3 |
Band 4 |
Total |
||||||||
|
School |
W |
M |
W |
M |
W |
M |
W |
M |
W |
M |
W |
M |
W |
M |
|
Arts and Humanities |
20 |
45 |
9 |
12 |
6 |
4 |
3 |
3 |
– |
4 |
– |
– |
9 |
11 |
|
Biological Sciences |
24 |
61 |
18 |
27 |
6 |
13 |
5 |
5 |
3 |
2 |
– |
– |
14 |
20 |
|
Clinical Medicine |
10 |
23 |
6 |
12 |
3 |
5 |
– |
2 |
2 |
– |
1 |
2 |
6 |
9 |
|
Humanities and Social Sciences |
24 |
67 |
11 |
23 |
– |
10 |
6 |
4 |
2 |
1 |
– |
– |
8 |
15 |
|
Physical Sciences |
15 |
127 |
8 |
48 |
7 |
27 |
– |
4 |
– |
7 |
1 |
2 |
8 |
40 |
|
Technology |
13 |
89 |
4 |
42 |
3 |
17 |
1 |
10 |
– |
7 |
– |
– |
4 |
34 |
|
Total |
106 |
412 |
56 |
164 |
25 |
76 |
15 |
28 |
7 |
21 |
2 |
4 |
49 |
129 |
Sir Graeme Davies (Chair; Vice-Chancellor Emeritus of the University of London and Honorary Fellow, St Catharine’s College)
Professor Simon Gaunt (Professor of French Language and Literature, King’s College London and Honorary Fellow of St Catharine’s College)
Professor Julian Blow (Professor of Chromosome Maintenance and Interim Vice‑Principal (Academic Planning and Performance), University of Dundee)
Dr Ruth Jackson (Pro‑Vice‑Chancellor – School of Medicine Development, Anglia Ruskin University)
Professor Martin Daunton (Emeritus Professor of Economic History (1928))
Professor Mary Fowler (Master, Darwin College)
Professor Nigel Titchener-Hooker (Professor of Biochemical Engineering, University College London)
Arts and Humanities: Professor Christopher Young, Head of School (Chair); Professor Martin Millett, Faculty of Classics; Professor Mary Beard, Faculty of Classics; Professor Rae Langton, Faculty of Philosophy; Professor Clair Wills, Faculty of English; Professor Simon Gaunt (Vice‑Chancellor’s Advisory Committee).
Biological Sciences: Professor Anna Philpott, Head of School (Chair); Professor Andrea Brand, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience; Professor Richard Durbin, Department of Genetics; Professor Gerard Evan, Department of Biochemistry; Professor Dame Ottoline Leyser, Sainsbury Laboratory; Professor Julian Blow (Vice‑Chancellor’s Advisory Committee).
Clinical Medicine: Professor Patrick Maxwell, Head of School (Chair); Professor Susan Gathercole, Office of the School of Clinical Medicine; Professor John Danesh, Department of Public Health and Primary Care; Professor Julian Rayner, Department of Clinical Biochemistry; Professor Mary Dixon-Woods, Department of Public Health and Primary Care; Dr Ruth Jackson (Vice‑Chancellor’s Advisory Committee).
Humanities and Social Sciences: Professor Philip Allmendinger, Head of School (Chair); Professor Michael Kenny, Department of Politics and International Studies; Professor Sarah Worthington, Faculty of Law; Professor Gary Gerstle, Faculty of History; Professor Sarah Franklin, Department of Sociology; Professor Martin Daunton (Vice‑Chancellor’s Advisory Committee).
Physical Sciences: Professor Nigel Peake, Head of School (Chair); Professor Dame Athene Donald, Department of Physics; Professor Chris Reynolds, Institute of Astronomy; Professor Mihalis Dafermos, Department of Pure Mathematics and Mathematical Statistics; Professor John Pyle, Department of Chemistry; Professor Mary Fowler (Vice‑Chancellor’s Advisory Committee).
Technology: Professor John Dennis, Head of School (Chair); Professor Lynn Gladden, Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology; Professor Sir Mark Welland, Department of Engineering; Professor Christoph Loch, Judge Business School; Professor P. John Clarkson, Department of Engineering; Professor Nigel Titchener‑Hooker (Vice‑Chancellor’s Advisory Committee).
Discussions will resume from the beginning of Michaelmas Term, starting with the Discussion on 13 October 2020 (Reporter, 6587, 2019–20, p. 531 and p. 2). Preparations had been made for Discussions to take place in‑person in the Senate‑House, with the necessary precautions to ensure that they could be held in a COVID‑secure manner. However, in light of the most recent government advice, the Council has agreed to revisit those arrangements. A Notice will be published on 7 October 2020 describing the arrangements for Discussions in Michaelmas Term.
The Council has authorised the closure of the University Offices from 1 p.m. on Thursday, 24 December 2020, until 8.30 a.m. on Monday, 4 January 2021. The University Messenger Service will not operate during the period of closure.
The Old Schools will be closed during Michaelmas Term 2020 whilst contractors upgrade the IT infrastructure in the buildings (listed building consent has been granted). The project is expected to be completed in January 2021; a further Notice will be published to confirm the date of reopening. During the closure, there will be no access to meeting rooms or the Combination Room. Any meetings that were due to take place on site will be held by videoconference or relocated elsewhere. The Reprographics Centre will be open (and those wishing to visit should email Reprographics.Enquiries@admin.cam.ac.uk to arrange access).
The Vice-Chancellor, the Registrary, the Pro‑Vice‑Chancellors, and other members of the senior team usually based in the Old Schools will be working from alternative office space in other University buildings. Other members of staff based in the Old Schools will also be working from alternative sites or from home. The University Messenger Service will continue to operate and post for the Old Schools will be diverted to those alternative locations, but those wishing to send documents are encouraged to do so by email or to contact the recipient in advance to confirm the correct postal address. Individual members of staff remain contactable via email or videoconference.
In May 2020, the Council gave notice of changes to the production of the 2020 edition of the University’s Statutes and Ordinances (Reporter, 6584, 2019–20, p. 449). As a result of the impact of COVID‑19 on external contractors supporting the production process, the Statutes and Ordinances will be published later than originally expected. It will now be available in PDF format online at http://www.admin.cam.ac.uk/univ/so/ by early November 2020. The November edition will cover changes approved in the period from 1 October 2019 to 16 April 2020. An updated version in January 2021 will cover changes approved in the period from 17 April 2020 to 30 September 2020.
As the November edition will not be complete, no printed copies will be available to buy in Michaelmas Term. Information on how to purchase thermal‑bound printed copies will be provided once the updated version is available in January 2021.
Normally, the Council confirms the policy concerning the allocation of car park badges to Departments each year, and new permits are issued for one year from 1 October. Owing to the impact of COVID‑19 and recent changes in government advice, current permits will remain valid until further notice. This position will be reviewed as government advice evolves. Further information is available at https://www.em.admin.cam.ac.uk/about-us-what-we-do/estate-operations/facilities-services/car-parking-and-park-cycle.
The Public Sector Bodies (Websites and Mobile Applications) (No. 2) Accessibility Regulations 2018 (the 2018 Regulations) came into force on 23 September 2018. In line with the University’s position in relation to the EU Public Procurement Regulations and the Public Contracts Regulations 2015, the Council takes the view that the University does not fall within the scope of the 2018 Regulations. However, the Council considers that the University should nevertheless comply voluntarily with the 2018 Regulations as a clear model of best practice, to ensure reputational parity within the sector, and to ensure that any future legal changes do not unduly affect the University. The Council further notes that the University is already required by the Equality Act 2010 to anticipate the need for, and make, reasonable adjustments for disabled persons.