‘Community is my passion’

Richard Frazier represents the University Senate on Council. He is Professor of Food Science at the University and Head of School for the School of Chemistry, Food and Pharmacy since 2021. He is an active member of Senate having joined in 2013 and is currently a member of the Senate Agenda Group. In addition to Council, he represents Senate on the University Board for Research and Innovation, and previously on the University Personal Titles Committee.

What is your role on Council?

I am the member of Council elected by Senate and, therefore, one of four members of the Council elected by and representing the staff community. Since Senate is primarily responsible for academic standards and the regulation of the education and research of the University, I see it as my primary role to consider the impacts of Council decisions on the quality of our academic activity when contributing to Council discussions and influencing decisions. 

What is the best thing about being a member of the University Council?

Being “in the room” when decisions are made that will shape the University, and to see first-hand that no decision is taken lightly or without commitment to the University of Reading and its values. 

What is challenging about being a member of the University Council?

Perhaps the biggest challenge facing any member of Council is our collective accountability for the University’s activities, protecting its reputation and ensuring its financial sustainability. This is going to be difficult at the best of times, let alone in a world emerging from a pandemic, in political, economic and social turmoil, and with the public and Government challenging the value of what we do.

What are you passionate about regarding the University Strategy?

Community is my passion. I’ve been fortunate to be at Reading for the best part of 23 years as a postdoctoral researcher through to my current role as a Head of School. Throughout that time, a key strength of this University has been its incredible community of staff and students, and the way that we pull together when the need arises. We are currently facing enormous challenges, but there is no group of colleagues and students that I’d rather face those challenges alongside.

What has been your single biggest learning during your time as a Council member?

Being a member of Council has given me new insights as to the complexity of the University’s activities, particularly the critical role our commercial activities and property investments play in supporting our academic ambitions and in ensuring our sustainability.  

As a member of staff, why would you recommend standing for election to the Council?

I definitely would recommend anyone to stand for election should the opportunity arise. It is a great privilege to serve your colleagues on Council and to have the opportunity to give voice to their views on important decisions facing the University. It is a big responsibility and demands commitment, but is worth it.

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.