1. At their recent meetings, the Management Board, Academic Board and Board of Governors received an annual report on the Framework for Amicable Issues Resolution (FAIR), the Student Disciplinary Code and Procedures and the Public Information Disclosure (“whistle-blowing) Policy.
2. The report showed that colleagues had been highly committed to resolving issues and highly instrumental in supporting the high quality of the student experience as evidenced by the small volume of cases that escalated to formal levels of resolution. It provided a range of material to support the conclusion that the Institution: i) is responsive to issues raised by students; ii) is pro-active in dealing with negative behaviour that impacts on the quality of the student experience; and iii) makes provision for divulgence of any sensitive concerns that might not otherwise be raised.
3. In respect of FAIR, the report shows that there were 29 cases dealt with via FAIR, but that response times vary across a broad range and show some good efficiency in dealing with cases yet some protracted instances too. This reflects the complexity/intransigence of some cases and the challenge of finding mutually convenient times for all parties to meet. Cases have included provision at collaborative partner institutions in the UK, but not overseas. Cases are almost exclusively related to academic issues. Only 3 cases progressed to formal stages, with one proceeding to the Office of the Independent Adjudicator (which has yet to be concluded some 8 months on).
4. There are some points worth emphasising as a result of the report on the operation of FAIR in 2008/9.
a) Students should raise issues as early as possible so that a timely and effective remedy can be found: the more focused the student is and the sooner s/he acts, the easier it is to sort out what needs to be done.
b) Once an issue is raised, see the matter through. The School will try to get the issue resolved but will be frustrated in its efforts if the student stops engaging with the process.
c) All involved in the implementation of FAIR should act on the basis of mutual professional respect and courtesy. Students should ensure that they do not malign staff and that issues raised are a genuine cause of concern in respect of which they help to identify an appropriate remedy by working positively with staff to resolve issues.
d) Students should use the support available from student representatives on their course and from the sabbatical officer of the Students Union responsible for education and welfare.
5. In respect of the Student Disciplinary Code and Procedures, the report shows that the vast majority of disciplinary incidents are dealt with by the Estates Department and relate to students resident on campus. The majority of complaints in relation to conduct in halls were resolved amicably and informally to the mutual satisfaction of the Accommodation Office and the students concerned, with only one case being referred for formal action and none referred to the Office of the Independent Adjudicator. The local informal method of resolving issues has meant that incidents were dealt with swiftly and thus more efficiently which has in turn reduced the need for formal intervention via a higher authority.
6. ''Whistle-blowing'' has not featured in 2008/9, as it has not in previous years, but awareness across the Institution of the policy is actively promoted through the bulletin board bi-annually for both staff and students.
7. Please be reminded that:
i) the Framework for Amicable Issues Resolution (details at http://www3.newport.ac.uk/displayPage.aspx?object_id=2337&type=PAG ) exists to support students if they encounter problems whilst studying at Newport (or its partner institutions);
ii) the Student Disciplinary Code and Procedure (details at http://www3.newport.ac.uk/displayPage.aspx?object_id=2283&type=PAG ) exists to support students or staff who are affected by the poor conduct of any student at Newport (or its partner institutions); and
iii) staff and students (or anyone contracted to work for the Institution) have recourse to the Public Interest Disclosure policy in the event that there is reason to suspect that the University or any of its staff or students are engaged in inappropriate/illegal activities. The policy was revised last session and details can be found at:
http://www3.newport.ac.uk/displayPage.aspx?object_id=2245&type=SEC
By all means bookmark the web pages above if you think you may need them for future reference.
8. All of these policies are operated to a high degree of integrity, should not be used frivolously, but should be used as the means to get fair and consistent recourse in the event of difficulty. Please feel free to call or email the University Secretary’s Office, a quasi-independent unit that operates impartially, if you want to know more about how these policies are operated. The Office does not operate the policies, but can advise on process.
Posted by Paul Folan
Thursday, November 12
E-Mail Paul.Folan@newport.ac.uk
Extension 2883
Modified By : Huw Fletcher
