The ITLR project team have been busy supporting departments and professional services clusters over the last month as they write their self-evaluation documents (SEDs), including running a SED writing support session, delivering academic SED writing workshops, and six follow-up events to support departments with the common themes in their SED writing. We have also facilitated an introductory event for the professional services teams involved in the ITLR, and have run a bespoke session for professional services cluster leads.

There have also been significant developments in finalising each department and cluster's Terms of Reference - a document setting out the aims, focus and dates of the review, including identifying the bespoke theme, external experts, and individuals who will participate. We have met with twelve academic departments and all six clusters to provide individualised support as they finalise their Terms of Reference and their bespoke themes that will be reviewed as part of the ITLR, which are now all confirmed. All but two academic departments have had their Terms of Reference signed off by the ITLR Review Sponsors, and there are four more professional services Terms of Reference to complete. The team have also engaged with eight committee meetings to facilitate ITLR discussions, including working with the ITLR Advisory Group to inform ITLR delivery.

Last month we launched the campaign to recruit staff and students to join ITLR review panels. This involved facilitating multiple drop-in events around campus, deploying communications across several channels, including emails and the digital screens, and producing further materials including a video from Chris Hughes encouraging staff and students to take part. To date we have received 449 expressions of interest (297 from students, 152 from staff). In tandem with the Terms of Reference process, this has enabled us to confirm 100% of the chairs and panel reviewers, 100% of student reviewers, and 87% of external reviewers. We have 72% of the secretariat allocated, with 21 positions remaining to be filled. If you would like to volunteer for a secretariat role, the expression of interest form is still open on the website - we would very much welcome your support. We are also now inviting expressions of interest from any colleagues wishing to take part in the training as a reserve panellist.

Now that we are finalising our panels we are able to schedule the review dates and panel training sessions, and the team are moving on to scheduling review dates as the next priority. We are offering the original December training dates to those panellists who can make it, and have now added additional dates in January, including online sessions - mindful of the short notice and our volunteer diaries. There will be short 'how to' videos available to all panellists on key topics after the training, and drop-in sessions will be provided throughout the review period for any panellists needing additional support.

We are now looking forward to receiving the self-evaluation documents between 5th and 12th December - a new channel will appear in ITLR Teams space shortly to enable submission. If you need any support with your SED, please email the team. Please also keep an eye on the ITLR website, as it is being frequently updated with guidance, contacts and events as and when they become available.