Professor Roger Pollard has been appointed dean of the faculty of engineering, the first under proposals for reforming the University’s structure.

Based on nine faculties, it is hoped the new structure will facilitate collaboration and interdisciplinarity and reduce the administrative burden on schools and departments. Faculties will be federal, unitary or hybrid – as appropriate – with budgetary and management functions devolved to schools. The resource allocation model will divide resources between schools and other constituents within faculties.

The deans will promote detailed discussion within faculties on how the proposals might best be applied in their areas. They will answer to Senate and Council for academic and general management issues, and be supported by management teams – to be appointed – and faculty boards.

Professor Andrew Lock will remain dean of LUBS and Professor David Sugden has been appointed dean of medicine, dentistry, psychology and health for a year. The remaining deans should be in post by the end of the year.