New VC Surgery dates for 2024/25

Do you have an idea that could improve something about University life?

You could pitch your proposal to Vice-Chancellor Robert Van de Noort as his VC Surgeries return for the 2024/25 academic year.

The meetings are a chance for you to share your views on how we could work better as an institution and get advice on how to make your ideas a reality.

The dates for the next academic year are:

• Wednesday 23 October 2024, 11:00-12:30
• Tuesday 25 February 2025, 10:30-12:00
• Thursday 15 May 2025, 10:30-12:00

To sign up, fill in the online application form. The 15-minute sessions are usually in person at the Library at Whiteknights campus, but please indicate if you would prefer to meet online instead.

'Fantastic support'

Kate Green, Strategic Projects Manager, University Corporate Services, made a pitch for the University to work with a dedicated charity each year.

Thanks to the VC surgery and advice and support from colleagues on how to take things forward, the scheme is now up and running as our Charity of the Year Scheme, with the Rainbow Trust voted by colleagues as the University’s first chosen charity earlier this year.

Kate said: “I attended one of the VC surgeries in December 2022 to put forward the idea of the University running a Charity of the Year scheme. Robert was positive and open to this suggestion and asked me to develop a more formal proposal, which was approved in summer 2023.

“Much has happened since then. A Charity of the Year team is in place and the scheme was launched in April this year, attracting over 40 applications from charities active in the Thames Valley. A staff vote decided the final winner – The Rainbow Trust – from a shortlist of five charities.

“It has been hugely exciting and rewarding to take an initiative all the way from idea to implementation, and we are now looking forward to a year of engagement with the Rainbow Trust that brings benefits to the charity and their beneficiaries, as well as the University and local community.

“The support and encouragement from the VC and  other colleagues has been fantastic. Sharing the idea enabled it to build and take shape.

"I would definitely recommend attending a surgery session if you have an idea you believe could make a positive impact.”