ANNUAL REPORT 2016/2017 2 Welcome Welcome 3
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ANNUAL REPORT 2016/2017 2 Welcome Welcome 3 Welcome from the Chair of Governors Work continued on our £100m Springfield security, education, brownfield research and Campus, which will provide construction community research and development, and education and training from the age of 14 a commitment to grow the number of PhDs On behalf of the Board of Governors, I commend this report to senior professional level. We secured offered and increase career opportunities to you. It highlights the many successes and achievements £8m of Higher Education Funding Council for research students. Our academic of the University of Wolverhampton’s students, staff and for England (HEFCE) Catalyst funding to community continues to undertake applied graduates during the 2016/17 academic year. regenerate the derelict brownfield site, research into a diverse range of subjects, formerly home to the Springfield Brewery. including cell peptide research which could The University’s new Strategic Plan aims to build on the Work also began on the Elite Centre for lead to a new form of male contraception, significant achievements of the institution over its 190 year Manufacturing Skills (ECMS) at the site, the use of an anti-alcoholism drug in the history. It sets out an ambitious vision for the University to which will provide world-class training treatment of pancreatic cancer and research be a progressive and influential sector leader with regional, facilities and will support the delivery of into the demise of the coal mining industry. apprenticeships through to degree level As a global University, we welcome students national and international significance. It will promote Apprenticeships. The University was from around the world and continue to work economic growth and educational quality from 2016-2021 delighted to celebrate our commitment to with education partners in countries such as by generating knowledge, innovation and enterprise. As the enhancing skills in the construction industry India, China, Sri Lanka, Hong Kong, University of Opportunity, Wolverhampton is committed to at a House of Lords reception hosted by Oman and the UAE. championing diversity, growth, and creating life chances our Chancellor, the Rt Hon Lord Paul of Our staff, students and graduates are Marylebone. for all while enhancing economic impact and accelerating the best ambassadors for the mission ambition across the institution’s community. Welcome Other developments included the opening of of this University and 2016-17 saw many from the Vice-Chancellor new £10m advanced engineering facilities great individual and team achievements. Major developments are changing the face of the regional at the Telford Innovation Campus, which In this report you will read of successes landscape, with exciting new projects taking shape as part The University of Wolverhampton is aim to provide our students with access to in areas such as rhythmic gymnastics, of the £250m Our Vision, Your Opportunity investment committed to offering students from technology at the forefront of engineering photography, computer science and plan. The initiative aims to support regeneration, improve all backgrounds an excellent learning developments. Our new £10.1m Science business entrepreneurship. Among the experience and strengthening economies the skills base and create jobs, and it is exciting to see Centre at the University of Wolverhampton many accolades was a prestigious Guardian across the globe. In the academic year Science Park took shape and we continued University Award for Advancing Staff many important aspects of the plan coming to fruition. 2016/17 we launched a new five-year to invest in the student experience with the Equality in recognition of our BME Steps By developing key partnerships with industry and business, Strategic Plan outlining an ambitious set £5m refurbishment of our food court and to Leadership programme, which aims to the University remains focused on providing students with of goals, driving the University to make main courtyard at the Wolverhampton City tackle the lack of diversity in UK universities, access to work placements and experience to make them a significant impact in our key areas of Campus and a new 3G pitch at the Walsall especially at leadership level. activity and building on our considerable Campus. In the wider region, we announced stand out in the world of work. This continues to be a key As we embark on the 2016-2021 Strategic achievements so far. At its heart is the plans for a new education centre in Stafford area of strength, ensuring that 96.3% of our graduates Plan, we are committed to seeking out University’s core mission: to maximise town centre. reported being in employment or further study six months opportunity through generating knowledge, opportunities to position our University after completing their studies. innovation and enterprise. As the University of Opportunity, we are as a sector-leading, global institution committed to enhancing the life chances putting students first, revitalising the There have been notable achievements and investment in The Strategic Plan is built around three of our students and improving their economy and demonstrating significant research during 2016/17, with interesting steps forward in key areas of activity: Students First; employment prospects. Our graduates influence and impact. Skills and Knowledge for Economic and enter a range of interesting and challenging areas such as cancer research. As part of the University’s I hope you enjoy reading about the Social Transformation; and Significant careers, and official figures show an commitment to creating opportunities for all, outreach University’s many achievements in 2016/17. Influence and Impact. Having started life impressive 96.3% of our 2016 graduates activities remain a key priority to raise aspirations and as a predominantly regional provider of were in employment or further study six encourage students from diverse backgrounds to consider skills development for working men as the months after leaving us. This is a fantastic higher education. Wolverhampton Mechanics’ Institute, we achievement, and a continuing strength have grown and developed to stand as a of this University. The National Student We hope you find this annual report interesting and beacon for quality education not just in the Survey showed that overall satisfaction informative. Black Country, but in surrounding regions had risen to 84%, with scores in categories Professor Geoff Layer and around the world. rating teaching, academic support and Vice-Chancellor organisation and management all rising. Dr Simon Walford Throughout the 2016/17 academic year we Chair of the Board of Governors continued to take major steps forward in our As part of the significant influence and £250million Our Vision, Your Opportunity impact pillar of our Strategic Plan, we investment plan, which aims to transform announced plans to drive forward our the learning environment for our students long-term research agenda through a £6m and drive growth in the wider region. investment. Key areas of focus include cyber 4 News News 5 News The appliance The University had an exciting year in 2016/17 with a number of major of science developments. Plans to transform the Springfield Brewery to create a £100m Work also began on the £10.1m Science Centre at construction excellence super campus continued apace with the University the University of Wolverhampton Science Park. securing £8m funding from the Higher Education Funding Council for The project, part-funded through a £4.8m grant from the Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) England (HEFCE) through the Catalyst Fund. Construction of the Elite Centre as part of the Growth Deal, will create high for Manufacturing Skills (ECMS) to support the delivery of apprenticeships specification laboratories, workshops and offices for up to 40 new businesses focused on science and also began at the site. The vision and opportunities offered by the Springfield technology based activities. Investment in the student Campus were celebrated at a reception at the House of Lords, hosted by the experience continued with a £4m revamp of the main courtyard and food hall facilities at the City Campus. University’s Chancellor, the Rt Hon Lord Paul of Marylebone. 6 News News 7 Engineering National Sporting stars Learningthe future Elsewhere, the University opened the doors on its new equality success lead the way and teachingadvanced engineering facilities at the Telford Innovation Wolverhampton also clinched the award for Advancing Staff Joe Root visited the University during the week he was Campus. The £10m investment features state-of-the- Equality in the annual Guardian University Awards held in London. named England Test cricket captain. He shared top tips art facilities and enhanced courses in response to the The judges praised the University’s BME Steps to Leadership with young players during a session at the Walsall Campus regional and national shortage of qualified engineering programme, which aims to tackle the lack of diversity in UK and fielded questions from staff and students. And in other graduates, focusing on providing students with universities, especially at leadership level. sporting news, Olympic medal-winning gymnast Kristian access to technology at the forefront of engineering Thomas launched a new stage in his career with a degree developments. The University also announced plans to course at the University. Kristian, who won bronze at open a new education