General Manager's Key Issues Newsletter
Monday 15 April 2024
Key Issues Update
Make the most of the better weather - why not try Fitness Fridays and walk and talk during your meetings?
IT
Information Services Acceptable Use Policy – actions for all users Heads of institutions are asked to cascade this information to users of the University’s information services within their institutions (staff and students).
Universities, including Cambridge, experience threats to their cyber security daily. All users are responsible for protecting themselves and the institution from threats such as identity theft, scams, the loss of information, and disruption to our work.
The University’s Information Services Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) was enacted on 1 April 2024. It is one of a series of actions the University is taking to reduce its cyber security risk. It sets out how authorised users may use the University’s information services (authorised users are University and College staff, students, certain visitors and contractors).
All users should take the following actions:
- Essential and immediate actions:
- Follow password security guidance: you will receive a message from UIS in the coming weeks asking you to strengthen your passwords for University information services
Complete cyber security awareness training each year. You will receive reminders from the training provider MetaCompliance. You can view these to confirm they are genuine on our webpage. - Regular actions
- Run anti-virus software and install anti-virus updates promptly
- Manage confidential and personal data appropriately, including not sending confidential data from a non-University email account
- Use encrypted devices to store confidential data
- Lock your screen when you leave your computer - Important Awareness
- Don’t trust unexpected communications or open links or downloads that are unexpected
- Report incidents or suspected incidents as a matter of urgency
- Report any breach of personal data via your local mechanism or to the Information Compliance Office
You can read more about these actions and see the full policy document here.
INSTITUTION
Recruitment to the roles of Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research) and Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Resources and Operations)
The University is recruiting for Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research) and Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Resources and Operations). The advertisements can be viewed on the University website (links below), from which the Further Information documents for both roles can be accessed:
· Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research) · Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Resources and Operations)
Internal candidates interested in the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research) position may contact Anne Ferguson-Smith, the current Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research), to discuss the role. Those interested in the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Resources and Operations) position should contact Saxton Bampfylde Ltd in the first instance (contact details are in the advertisement).
Interim senior leadership arrangements for University Information Services
Professor Ian Leslie, the Director of University Information Services (UIS), will retire in May. Chris Russell, UIS’s Chief Operating Officer (COO), will act as the Interim Director until a permanent replacement is appointed. Four members of UIS’s senior leadership team have volunteered to share the COO's responsibilities during the interim period. See further information on the UIS website.
Reminder about anti-bribery and corruption training
This is an annual reminder about the University’s Policy against Bribery and Corruption. On behalf of the Audit Committee, Heads of Institutions are asked to encourage all staff to complete the online Bribery Act training course and make this mandatory for staff designated at higher risk of bribery. Please see this document for a summary of the key points and a list of higher-risk staff.
Consultation on re-sit and deferred exams
A consultation has been launched on the principle and practicalities of introducing re-sit and deferred exams at Cambridge. The consultation has been shared with departments and faculties, via Schools, and with Colleges, but individual responses are also welcome. Outcomes will inform further thinking by a dedicated group which includes School and College representatives. Responses can be made via an online form. The form also gives background on why the consultation is being held and links to a Q&A document outlining key issues. The closing date is 17 May, and any questions about the proposal or the consultation process should be sent to mjc304@cam.ac.uk.
STAFF
Leadership Briefing Series 2024
Institutions are asked to forward this item to those to whom it may be relevant.
Heads of Institutions, including new or aspiring heads and those in equivalent roles, are invited to book the Leadership Briefing Series 2024. The sessions are designed to inform and update senior leaders on key aspects of University activity and complement the Senior Leadership Programmes 1 and 2. The events, run by the HR Division’s PPD section, are summarised below:
· LBS| Fundraising and Philanthropy 23 April 1:30-2:30 pm led by Alison Traub, Executive Director of Development and Alumni Relations
· LBS| Finance for Heads of Institution 30 April 1:30-2:30 pm led by Professor David Cardwell, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Strategy and Planning and David Hughes, Director of Finance.
· LBS| Research Funding – Essentials for Heads of Institution 21 May 1:30-2:30 pm led by Jo Dekkers, Head of Cambridge Research Operations
· LBS| Managing the University Estate 4 June 1:30-2:30 pm led by Andrew Smart, Director of Estates Operations
· LBS| Harnessing Data for Inclusive Excellence: A focus on workforce-related data driving EDI in higher education 19 June 1:30-2:30 pm led by Ndunge Kivuitu, Head of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, HR
Applying for funded hours for children aged from nine months old at the University nurseries
As announced by the government last year, additional funding will be available starting September 2024 to support eligible working families with childcare costs for children aged nine months old. The University’s workplace nurseries can offer these additional hours beginning September 2024, and eligible families can apply for their code on 12 May 2024.
The University's workplace nurseries will also continue to offer additional funded hours for children aged two, three, and four, and spaces are available for specific booking patterns and age groups. The newest University nursery, the Chris Abell Day Nursery, was recently rated Outstanding by Ofsted.
For information about our nurseries and how to apply, please see the Childcare Office website or contact childcareservices@admin.cam.ac.uk.
Learning at Work week
Next month, the University will participate in Learning at Work Week (13 - 19 May 2024). This national initiative from the Campaign for Learning aims to highlight the importance and benefits of continual learning and personal development for everyone. Register to attend events and learn more about Learning at Work Week 2024 at Cambridge. Learning at Work Week coincides with Mental Health Awareness Week this year, so the schedule also includes sessions supporting this initiative.
SAFETY
The latest issue of the Safety Newsletter is now available. It contains Safety Office staff updates and new safety advice – general and specific areas (accident reporting and auditing, safety training, biological and physical safety). This issue and previous editions are available via the Safety Office webpage.
The institution's briefing on Wednesday, 17 April (agenda and calendar invitation to be sent shortly) will include an update about Peregrine Foresight, the new digital system for recording pre-travel risk assessments.
Fiona Craig
General Manager