Vice-Chancellor's lunch and conversation

Since becoming Vice-Chancellor, Robert Van de Noort has been hosting regular informal lunches with colleagues with the aim of building relationships and listening to suggestions that colleagues have to improve what we do at the University of Reading.

Robert has held eight lunches this academic year in the Blandford’s room in Park House, which 80 colleagues from have attended.  Robert also travelled to Greenlands to meet with colleagues based there.

Professional and academic colleagues are invited (via a randomised list provided by HR systems) to the lunch and asked to bring one idea for a group conversation. On the day, ideas are discussed, and notes taken by a member of the Vice-Chancellor’s executive support team with any actions to follow up.

While many different topics are raised, common themes have included: how we can develop more partnership working as an Engaged University; what we can do to strengthen our community on campus; career progression; facilities for colleagues on campus (both in Reading and Greenlands) and how we can improve communications between schools and departments.

Colleagues have enjoyed these sessions.

“It was an absolute pleasure to have had the opportunity to have lunch with the Vice-Chancellor. It was great getting to know other colleagues across the University and to listen to conversations around a range of topics areas / ideas for improvement. The session was very engaging and interactive, and we managed to get through everyone within the hour”. Sunny Chawla, Student Support Co-ordinator

“I enjoyed the opportunity of meeting Robert and colleagues in an open forum to discuss our pre submitted topics. The lunch was informal, with frank views shared that covered subjects from personal working challenges through to collective opinions on campus and the arena of life. Topics were individually presented with enthusiasm, and we collectively enjoyed discussing views with Robert which provided us all with an entertaining and tasty lunch”. Nigel Wingfield, Project Director

Robert Van de Noort said, “These lunches are the perfect way to cut through silos and to listen ideas and suggestions from colleagues I wouldn’t meet routinely in my day-to-day work. It is wonderful to have colleagues from all over the University around one table discussing important topics. Connections are made, and sometimes it is not only me that goes away with the actions!

One topic that has come up many times is the need for more opportunities for colleagues to get together on campus and reconnecting post lockdown. This is work in progress. But I was not surprised that more than 600 colleagues came to our recent Show Your Stripes Day on campus, which was a perfect opportunity to learn more about our work on sustainability and to meet other colleagues.”

 Grace Shay is a member of the VCO team and organises the lunches. She said, “As a relatively new member of the Vice-Chancellor’s Office, I’ve really enjoyed organising and attending these lunches with Robert and colleague’s from across the university.  During the lunches I note down any actions for Robert to follow-up with.  The atmosphere is relaxed, fun and informal. The food is delicious, and I cannot thank the Campus Commerce team enough for all their efforts in making sure each lunch runs smoothly”.

Monthly lunches are again planned for the next academic year with invitations to follow.