Thread by @BirminghamUCU

Vice-Chancellir's Open Forum kicking off @unibirmingham. First half on #Brexit, second on HE sector and research environment. Will #FairPayinHE come up? 🤔 #UoBVCForum #WeAreTheUniversity

Will university governance and executive pay discussed, given #DMUVC and @officestudents figures? #UoBVCForum

VC just been asked about @birminghamdubai and staff and student safety after #MatthewHedges jailing. Claims Uni would not have gone ahead with project if could not ensure safety of staff and students 🤔 #UoBVCForum

VC critical of #TEF methodology. Asked whether uni will choose not to participate in subject level TEF. Adopting a wait and see approach. Accepts need for accountability over public money. Wants sector to develop their own methodology #UoBVCForum

Great question from the floor, querying concerning messages academic staff receiving regarding the impact of fees review versus more update view today. VC says UoB is a 'university with resource' but nonetheless priorities and efficiencies will need to be made #UoBVCForum

After discussion about priorities, @BirminghamUCU rep asked VC THAT question about #FairPayinHE 21% drop in pay since 2009. No direct answer. Instead talked about discretionary payments and pressure on pay due to #USS contribution increases #UoBVCForum

VC explaining examples of UoB's civic engagement incl UoB School and public services academy. No mention of rejecting @LivingWageUK accreditation and outsourcing
of HAS into subsidiary company @EdgbastonPark where @BhamUniUnison not being recognised 😔 #UoBVCForum

VC asked about how to avoid re-run of #USSstrike. Says Unis need to have open and honest conversations. Also puts responsibility on staff/unions Signals industrial action which affects 'student experience' is corrosives
to public trust and damages support for HE 🤔 #UoBVCForum

For more information about #FairPayinHE @unibirmingham birminghamucu.org/2019/01/16/uni… #UoBVCForum #HeartUnions #HelloBrum