‘Passionate about widening participation’
24 February 2022
Jon Gibbins is Professor of Cell Biology within the School of Biological Sciences at the University and is Director of the Institute for Cardiovascular and Metabolic Research. He is a graduate of the University, obtaining a degree in Pathobiology with Chemistry in 1991 and a PhD in Molecular Endocrinology in 1995. He believes strongly in widening participation and improving levels of equity, diversity and inclusion across our institution.
1. What is your role on Council?
I am the elected academic staff member of Council. My role is to contribute to discussions and decision making, and for this being able to consider the impact and importance of developments from the perspective of a member of staff is important. I am not the only (non-UEB) staff member on Council; I am joined by Uma Kambhampati, who represents the Leadership Group (heads of schools), Richard Fraser who is the elected member of Council representing Senate, and James Magee who represents Professional Services. We meet together as a group to consider all aspects of Council papers from the perspective of staff and students and then feed these views into discussions at Council meetings. I see my role as a representative for staff and students, to ensure that their views and perspectives are appreciated and incorporated into all decision making.
2. What is a good thing about being a member of the University Council?
I enjoy learning about the University as a whole. As a member of a large school, it can sometimes be difficult to fully appreciate the wealth of expertise and achievements in teaching across the University. As a member of Council, I have had the opportunity to see the University as a whole institution and understand our distinctive identity, its strengths and opportunities for the future. This links closely to work within Council to support developments for the future, and through this I feel that I am hopefully making positive contributions beyond my normal work.
3. What are the greatest challenges currently for the University Council?
As the nation finally (hopefully) emerges from the grip of COVID-19, which has caused untold damage at all levels in society, I think that colleagues from across the University should be proud of their ability to continue to innovate to enable our key role to deliver excellence in education and research to continue. This is a difficult time for the University with the lasting impact of COVID-19, changes in teaching delivery models, reduced research funding, potential changes in funding models for Universities, and Brexit all adding to uncertainty. These pressures are affecting all UK universities, but at Reading we are also in the midst of important strategic changes to ensure longer-term growth and sustainability of the University. Council has an important role in scrutinising plans and strategies towards this goal, and I recognise how important it is for me to represent the perspectives of my colleagues and our students in these discussions.
4. What are you passionate about regarding the Council or the University Strategy?
As a Reading graduate and member of staff for 24 years, my views and appreciation of the University are very personal. I have benefited from an excellent education here, and world-leading research training that set me on a path to a successful career. I particularly recognise the importance of research. My own area is biomedical research, but I value equally all forms of academic and applied research - this is a vital part of our identity, and an irreplaceable contribution to teaching.
From my work at Reading, and roles in societies that support medical research, I am passionate about widening participation. The opportunities that a University of Reading education and career offer should be open to all irrespective of identity, background, experiences or beliefs. This is a complex area that requires sensitivity and the ability to recognise past faults and mistakes. As a University we have made an important start…but there is much more to do.
5. What has been your single biggest learning during your time as a Council member?
Apart from the scale of Council papers (which is enormous!), I have learnt to listen and take on board the perspectives of Council members who bring with them vast expertise in a wide range of settings. It is easy from within the University to lose perspective of the bigger picture, and very detailed discussions within Council and its sub-committees provide a level of scrutiny and insight than would be hard to replicate in any other way.
I have to be honest – when I joined Council I knew what it did, but I didn’t know much about how it worked. I was amazed to discover the very large number of dedicated lay members of Council who bring their insight, expertise and commit considerable time on a voluntary basis to support the University. It has been a pleasure to get to know many of them over the last 18 months.
6. As a member of staff, why would you recommend standing for election?
I will be honest – I have surprised myself in how much I have enjoyed working on Council. I wanted to learn more about the University and have a role in guiding its future. It is true that this role carries responsibility and requires commitment – but it is tremendously rewarding. I would definitely recommend standing for election, and (noting my answer to question 4 above) I would encourage anyone at any stage of career to give this a go.
About University Council
Council is the ultimate governing body of our University and ensures that our institution is properly governed and meets all of its legal and regulatory requirements. Amongst its tasks is monitoring the University Strategy, as well as appointing the Vice-Chancellor and the University Executive Board.
Council is made up of 27 members in total, including 15 members external to the University known as lay members.
For more information about University Council