Build a supportive, inclusive and highly motivated staff community
This has been a difficult year for our staff as well as staff across the sector. Many express concerns about the UK leaving the EU and the valuation of the USS pension scheme. We have focused on communicating effectively as we understand the situation with respect to Brexit, changes in government policy, and pensions.
We provide transparency in our data and decision making and we have been heartened by the constructive engagement and debate across the university. While there is still great uncertainty over Brexit and the impact of a new USS pension valuation, we will keep the dialogue open, and we will work with our community to alleviate their concerns.
This year the College won a national award from Universities HR in recognition of the collective work of Imperial staff in improving engagement and support for our community. We were commended on several initiatives including our Staff Supporters scheme, our Harassment Support contacts, our Mental Health First Aiders and our Dyslexia Champions. Colleagues across the College have engaged with our innovative Active Bystanders programme to call out poor behaviour.
The training empowers the community to challenge all inappropriate or unacceptable behaviours. This has been one of our most popular initiatives and staff and students have embraced the approach of a collective responsibility to create and nurture a safe, supportive environment, free from bullying and harassment.
Enrich the student experience
In a demanding, research intensive university it is important to never lose sight of the student experience. This becomes even more important as numbers grow and space comes at ever more of a premium.
- We continue to invest in providing world class classrooms and laboratories for our students, examples include refurbishment of lecture theatres in Physics and Earth Sciences, as well as upgrading over 60 teaching rooms across our campuses.
- Digital technology is providing new ways of conveying information and sharing knowledge. Our collaborations with online education platforms Coursera and EdX have enabled us to provide a wide range of opportunities, from short sample courses to full Master’s degrees, including the Faculty of Medicine’s first fully-online degree programme, the Global Master of Public Health.
Build strong relationships with our alumni and friends
The Imperial alumni community is actively engaged with the life of the College through participation in events, volunteering their time as mentors and through their generous support.
- This past year, over seven thousand alumni registered for one of our nearly two hundred events. Imperial magazine is sent to 123,000 alumni and another 2,600 friends and donors.
- Philanthropic support continues to grow for the College, with over £60 million given to Imperial over the year for critically important research, scholarships and facilities.