People and Governance

Ultimate oversight of the environmental sustainability strategy and performance against the University’s strategic KPIs, as well as approval of carbon-reduction related investments (normal approval limits apply).

Oversight of regular reporting against Carbon Reduction targets (University strategic KPIs).

Oversight of University High Level Risk Register, HLRR 13: University fails to address non-financial risks including Climate change, environmental, societal and governance risks which was approved by Audit and Risk Committee on 7 June 2023.

Oversight of regular reporting against Environmental Sustainability Strategic Framework, as well as approval of carbon-reduction related investments (normal approval limits apply).

Executive responsibility for setting and achieving objectives, targets and operational priorities related to Environmental Sustainability, as well as approval of carbon-reduction related investments (normal approval limits apply).

The Sustainability Reporting Group supports the embedding of the University’s Environmental Sustainability Strategic Framework across all areas of the University, primarily by developing the University’s strategy, setting targets, developing plans and operational priorities and monitoring progress against targets.  Members of this group are senior managers from across the University. The Sustainability Reporting Group includes representatives of all of the Trades Union that we work with.

Works with representatives from across all areas of the University to promote reductions in consumption, including energy, more sustainable procurement, and better waste management and recycling.

The University’s in-person induction course ‘Making Connections’ includes an introduction to our sustainability policy, strategy and areas for staff to engage.

Works with the University’s external energy advisors, TEC – specialists in energy procurement for the sector – to monitor energy usage and to develop procurement strategies both to ensure a secure supply of energy at a reasonable cost, but also to increase the level of energy purchased from renewable sources.

Reporting to the Senior Leadership Team, supports the embedding of the University’s Environmental Sustainability Strategic Framework across all areas of the University.

The group meets quarterly to tie in with external and internal reporting requirements.

Chair: Exec Lead for Sustainability – Sally McGill (Chief Financial Officer and Deputy Chief Executive)

Responsibilities

1. Develop the University’s Environmental Sustainability Strategic Framework to support the achievement of the University’s Strategic KPIs of achieving Carbon Net Zero (scopes 1 and 2) by 2030 and 2050 (scope 3).
2. Monitor progress towards the achievement of the University’s strategic KPIs on an annual basis including setting interim targets and identifying potential areas for investment and improvement
3. Develop the University’s external reporting framework in response to statutory, regulatory and other compliance requirements
4. Set and monitor operational priorities and performance against the key areas within the four themes of Education, research, innovation and enterprise; Built environment; Consumption, lifestyle and workstyle; and Communities
5. Maintain the Sustainability elements of the University’s high level risk register HLRR 13 : University fails to address non-financial risks including Climate change, environmental, societal and governance risks
6. Develop policies which support the translation of the strategy into operational activities and priorities
7. Support the work of the Sustainability Champions Group including receiving regular feedback on suggested improvements to the promotion, communication and branding of sustainability-related initiatives
8. Monitor external developments in the areas of environmental sustainability and climate change and bring forward suggestions and ideas for discussion
9. Provide input to the University’s Annual Environmental Sustainability Review
10. Monitor the University’s environmental sustainability performance in external league tables and identify potential areas for improvement

Reporting to the Sustainability Reporting Group, supports the embedding of the University’s Environmental Sustainability Strategy across all areas of the University.  Promotes more sustainable practices and approaches across the University’s campuses through regular communications with staff and students including challenges and competitions.  Focuses in particular on reducing consumption, including energy, achieving more sustainable procurement, and improving waste management and recycling

Joint chairs: Head Of Campus Facilities Management (Helen Rutherford) and Sustainability Engineer (Laura Rhodes)

Responsibilities and process

1. Provide feedback to the Sustainability Reporting Group on potential improvements to the promotion, communication and branding of sustainability-related initiatives
2. Monitor external developments in raising awareness of climate change and championing more sustainable working and living and bring forward suggestions and ideas for discussion as to how these might be applied within the University
3. Organise regular challenges and competitions to promote innovative solutions to reducing environmental impact
4. Provide students and staff with opportunities to input into the development and delivery of the Environmental Sustainability Strategic Framework and initiatives, for example through consultation and surveys
5. Develop guidance for students and staff to help them to understand their own responsibilities in helping achieve an improvement in University of Staffordshire’s environmental performance, specifically around the theme of consumption, lifestyle and workstyle
6. Provide input on ways to communicate achievements within the University and to external stakeholders, the local community and future students.