Agenda and minutes

All panel members were present.  Further apologies had been forwarded from invited guests Janet Maxwell (who was on her way back from London), Professor Galbraith University of Portsmouth and Peter Mellor PHT.

There were no declarations of members' interests.

The minutes of the meeting held on 10 September 2015 were agreed as a correct record.

The Chair will open the panel's review 'Widening Student Opportunities in the City' to which several guests have been invited to participate, including representatives from the University of Portsmouth, The City Council, local further education colleges and the private and voluntary sectors.

A separate timetable of speakers will be circulated at the meeting, with discussion groups and feedback sessions included.

Councillor Jennie Brent as Chair welcomed everyone to the event which aimed to help identify volunteering opportunities which were already successfully working in the community and how these could be expanded. 

(i)         Bernie Topham, Chief Operating Officer - University of Portsmouth

Bernie Topham was pleased to take this opportunity to address the panel and participants and was representing Professor Graham Galbraith who was on duties overseas.  This directorate recognised the importance of students having volunteering opportunities in the city and she was also accompanied by representatives from the Students Union (Brendan and Waqar who would speak later) and Julie Hughes from Purple Door.  The university is keen to be a key player in the city and is consulting widely on their new strategy

Background statistics for the University of Portsmouth (UoP):

•      22,000 + students, including 3000 international

•      Approx 18,000 full-time undergraduates

•      The 25^th largest university by numbers enrolled

•      Income – over £200m per annum

•      Economic impact on the city of Portsmouth – in excess of £200m per annum - student expenditure estimated at over £113m

It was reported that the majority of students came from a one half hour drive time (although there were a growing number of international and overseas students) a high proportion from local colleges with the largest coming from South Downs College. 

Why is volunteering important? 

This was not only good for the community but it helps develop students' employability skills and confidence.  This university strategy will contain a commitment that all students have career enhancing opportunities and the UoP Directorate want this to have a 100% take up - there is a variety of choice for regular or one off commitments.  It is important in how students present themselves to future employers not just a boost on their CV but also links in with the social responsibility agenda and shows a broadening approach.  This is valued by employers:

80 % of HR Executives said they would be more likely to hire a graduate with skilled volunteer experience – Deloittes 2015

The Purple Door deal with volunteering experiences and have recorded 700 students volunteering in addition to those taking part through their own courses such as sports and recreation and the Students Union run their own volunteering programmes.  Sport Coaches go out into the community and there is also a dance programme linked to the community.  The faculties work to provide opportunities at building into the curriculum real life experiences.  These include:-

·         Criminology - Students acting as special constables; UoP has good links with the Police

·         Journalism with links to Pure FM and other media opportunities

·         The Shakespearean Festival involvement and the Shakespeare Sonnet Competition

·         Science Without Borders

·         Architectural studies have links with local churches

·         CCI students work with retired service personnel

·         Business School links with small businesses to give support and develop skills

·         Dental School - Kings College project in the community

·         Pharmacy students work with the Guildhall Walk-in Centre and the Healthy Living  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4.