Minutes:
The Committee was reminded that representative’s from Queen’s University Belfast (QUB) had been invited to discuss the impact of the cost-of-living crisis on both its staff and students, the possible reduction in student numbers, and to provide an update on the work of the City Deal. It was highlighted that QUB were also scheduled to present to Committee again in December to discuss Purpose-Built Managed Student Accommodation in Belfast, alongside the Ulster University.
The Chairperson welcomed representatives of Queen’s University Belfast to the meeting: Mr. R. Feeney, Director of Civic Engagement and Social Responsibility, and Ms. K. Baillie, Deputy Director Strategic Programmes (Belfast Region City Deal).
Mr. Feeney explained the reasons behind the University’s declaration of a critical incident in October in relation to the cost-of-living crisis on both its staff and students. He provided an overview of the financial assistance and measures which had been put in place to help its students and staff, following consultation with its Trade and Student Unions.
Ms. Baillie provided an overview of the Belfast Region City Deal which unlocks £1billion of transformative co-investment to deliver more than 20 highly ambitious projects and programmes. She advised how its impact-focussed Innovation Centres were helping to lead the way for a new Belfast region, bringing together great minds and creative thinking to solve some of the biggest global challenges. She explained that the Innovation Centres intend to create extraordinary ecosystems and drive momentum to create real-world impact through connected-up, purpose-driven innovation.
She detailed the three pillars of Innovation: Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre; Institute for Research Excellence in Advanced Clinical Healthcare; and Global Innovation Institute and detailed the benefits and potential economic impact.
During Members questions, the representatives explained further the impact the cost-of-living crisis had had on student accommodation fees, and how the one-off payments to staff and students had been funded.
In answer to a Member’s question on recent staff resignations, Mr. Feeney confirmed that the University had commenced a staff restructuring exercise which should be completed by the start of 2023 and highlighted that this would have no impact on the City Deal financial contribution as the fund had been ring-fenced.
In relation to a possible reduction in student numbers, Mr. Feeney reported that potential funding cuts might impact student admissions in future years and highlighted the necessity of an extra ten thousand student places by the end of 2030, together with the challenges faced by the cap on funding for Northern Ireland students. He also pointed out the importance of growing the international student provision.
During further discussion, Mr. Feeney pointed out that the University had a Widening Participation Programme which assisted student intake came from lower income backgrounds and QUB were exploring new initiatives in this regard. He advised that further information would be provided to the Committee in relation to how areas of social depravation benefit from the economic impact of the University.
After discussion, the Chairperson thanked the representatives for their attendance, and they retired from the meeting.
The Committee noted the information which had been provided and that, where relevant, QUB would provide further information on the issues raised.