06 Mar 08

The first ever ‘Vice-Chancellor’s community question time’ took place yesterday at Oxford's Said Business School, with an audience of city councillors, county councillors, teachers, and representatives of local bodies such as the Primary Care Trust, business organisations and community groups.

Oxford University’s Vice-Chancellor, Dr John Hood, welcomed guests and answered questions on local issues, including the University’s proposed book depository, admissions and access, and the plans for the Radcliffe Infirmary site. He also announced that the University of Oxford has been included by the London Olympic Games Organising Committee as an approved training centre.

Commenting on the reason for holding the event, Dr Hood said: ‘A meaningful relationship between the University and the city and county are essential to the health and vibrancy of the region and the fabric of local life, but also for the University itself. Our relationship with the community is essential to our continuation as a world class university.’

The format of the event was similar to BBC One’s Question Time and BBC Radio 4’s Any Questions: members of the audience asked questions tabled in advance; the VC replied; the questioner could respond; and then the issue was opened to the wider audience for discussion. There was tea and coffee beforehand for a more informal exchange of views.

In his opening remarks the Vice-Chancellor noted: ‘I am aware that our neighbours do not always hold the University in high esteem. I have heard that we seem aloof, disconnected or disinterested; the classic ivory tower … we want to do more to be a good neighbour, and to ensure that our region benefits from having a world class university on its doorstep.’

He used his opening remarks to highlight the positive impact the University has on the region, including being the second largest employer in the county, creating over 18,000 jobs; contributing to a tourism industry that last year generated £700m for local businesses and created 9,917 full time equivalent jobs in the city; welcoming over a million visitors a year to its four museums; visiting local schools to help with study and talk about applying to university; providing cultural and outdoor opportunities through the Sheldonian Theatre, Holywell Music Room, University Parks, Botanic Gardens, and Harcourt Arboretum and through part-funding the Oxford Playhouse.

He flagged up the Oxford University Science Roadshow, starting next week, which will visit schools around Oxfordshire. 'This new initiative will take our scientists to schools around the county to give free public lectures that are open to the whole community.'

Commenting on the event, the leader of Oxford County Council, Keith Mitchell, said: ‘My council is about the same size as the combined University and colleges and our activities are probably as diverse. I know how hard it is for large organisations to engage effectively with local communities. I therefore welcome John Hood's decision to "go public" with his question time. The VC was well briefed, very open and clearly committed to greater local dialogue. This was a great start – let’s maintain that open dialogue.'

Councillor Bob Price from Oxford City Council said: ‘This meeting was an opportunity to reflect on the important role played by the University in the economic, cultural and social life of the Oxford city region, and to identify ways in which that role could be developed in the next few years.’

Dr Hood announced at the event that the University of Oxford has been included by the London Olympic Games Organising Committee as an 'approved training centre' in its guide to international competing teams in the run up to the 2012 Games. 'This means that if any national Olympic team is interested in basing themselves at the University, which I hope they will, we will work in partnership with the city and region to ensure that the Olympics coming to Oxford University is a success for the wider Oxford community.'

The Vice-Chancellor noted that ‘engagement does not mean that the University can be all things to all people. Nor does it mean that we’ll always agree. It’s about honest and frank dialogue. My hope is that when we are doing something right, you’ll tell us; and when we’re doing something you don’t like, you’ll tell us too – and we will better understand each other.’