Durham University
Foreword from the Chair of Council
The University has performed extremely well over a very challenging year.
improving the University’s physical estate and infrastructure to deliver the high-quality facilities expected by students and required to support staff.
Staff have continued to deliver high-quality education, innovative research, and engagement with the local community and beyond. Students have continued their studies and extracurricular activities, supporting one another and their neighbours. Investment and development in the estate and infrastructure has been maintained. The University has responded swiftly to the changes in social distancing requirements throughout the year, providing a Covid-safe campus for those on site and delivered an efficient and effective Covid-19 testing facility.
In my role as Chair of Council, my contact with the University over the last year has mainly been conducted online and therefore engagement with members outside of Council and senior officers has been limited. However, I have joined events where possible and attended online meetings of Chairs of University Councils (CUC) where we have discussed the issues facing the sector. We are currently undertaking a review of Council, and the effectiveness of its governance structure. The review aims to ensure the University follows best practice, particularly in light of the changes to the regulatory framework, and is able to effectively support the institution to deliver its Strategy. We will assess the outcome of the review and implement appropriate changes during 2021/22 to strengthen the longterm future of the institution.
The last year has also highlighted issues and risks for the University with income from sources other than tuition fees negatively impacted by lockdowns and social distancing measures. The ability to deliver the distinctive College experience and support structure has had to adapt to students being located around the world. Work has continued on 6
