Robin's Blog

From the widespread news coverage this week, it is evident the context for higher education is getting increasingly fraught. And Mandelson describing academics as “set in aspic” doesn’t help the cause. There is great uncertainty about the size and extent of impending funding cuts and indeed why HE appears to be singled out for such cuts so early. Although 2010-11 may not be too draconian, 2011-12 will be where the brunt of reductions in the teaching grant will be worst felt.

Whatever cuts are to come, it’s critical that we plan for the longer-term and not take knee-jerk actions which might damage the fabric. Our move into the new building will already ensure that Ravensbourne is positioned to be more fleet-of-foot, and more flexible in its operations – but we are also embarking on a new, longer-term, planning process.  At our Governors annual strategy day earlier this week, we discussed business models for the future of Ravensbourne post relocation, with presentations from me and strategic management consultants Graham Hitchen and Mike Boxall.

Spent last Friday evening at the first celebration of Greenwich becoming a Royal Borough (which won’t actually happen until 2012, the year of the Queens Diamond Jubilee). Council Leader Chris Roberts gave the best speech I have heard him give. I was especially pleased that he cited Ravensbourne as the borough’s most visionary project! Guests included Laban Director, Anthony Bowne – delighted that Anthony has been appointed Principal of Trinity Laban from September.

Yesterday saw the developed designs for the new Ravensbourne branding. They look terrific.  Johnson Banks are doing a great job, and I look forward to the brand rolling out out from the end of March.