The Professional Advisory Board (PAB) is a board of people external to the university, comprising qualified professional individuals, from a number of different disciplines, including relevant industry employers and government further education agencies, recent graduates, Alumni and representatives from Secondary and Further education. Board members are from local and national employers, large and small, in both the private and public sectors, representing the ‘voice of the outside world and its professional environment’ where graduates will aspire to. Each School of the University has its own dedicated PAB.

The purpose of the board is to ‘provide a point of external reference for the School of Engineering, Design & Technology’s Operations, particularly those relating to Taught Programmes’ (undergraduate & postgraduate).  The goal is to provide professional advice to the School, aimed at helping to prepare graduates to the best possible standard of ‘readiness’ for the start of their career.  PAB activity and advice ranges from strategic business and administrative matters, to specific technological aspects, across the range of engineering disciplines taught in the school.

The Board meets formally twice a year at the University, engaging with the Dean and staff of the School, where matters of mutual benefit are discussed in an open forum.  Between the formal meetings, board members may liaise with staff and students on a more frequent basis, often related to University based projects that employers are running in conjunction with the School of EDT.  PAB members also attend specific School of EDT Student Project reviews and other certain University events, to promote and communicate an interest on behalf of industry and employers, providing support and encouragement to students.
 
 

 

Formal more detailed documents exist covering the PAB Charter and Terms of Reference.

The main advice, assistance and benefits that the PAB provide the School of EDT are summarised as:

 

 

 Direct links at a professional level with the outside world that students aspire to.

 An external review of the School of EDT operation.

 Identifying the needs of employers and the way in which those needs are met, including requirements of professional institutions.

Identification of any gaps and recommended changes and developments in course structure, curriculum and provision.

Student recruitment and course marketing.

Industrial training and placement arrangements.

Representation and advice on Research & Knowledge Transfer.