Finance, Infrastructure and Commercial Services
The Finance, Infrastructure and Commercial Services (FICS) Division, launched in September 2022, brings together Financial Planning and Reporting, Financial Operations and Procurement, Estate Services, Sustainability, Commercial Services (student accommodation, retail, events and catering) and Campus Services (soft facilities management and grounds), along with FICS Business Support. With staff of circa 750 FTE, it provides critical services vital to the day-to-day operation of the University, contributing to a high-quality staff and student experience.
External Engagement and Global
The External Engagement and Global Division has been established to enhance the University’s reputation, help to build effective stakeholder relationships, and attract and develop students with the potential to excel. The division focuses on the vision to become a truly global institution, by extending the University’s presence, reach and impact around the world.
The Chief Financial Officer and Executive Divisional Director of Finance, Infrastructure and Commercial Services is the senior financial advisor to the governing body and the University Executive Board.
They are supported by a highly experienced senior management team who head up the different services within the FICS division, providing leadership on key strategies covering the estate, finance and sustainability.
Sustainability is headed up by Joanna Chamberlain, Director of Sustainability. In 2019 the University declared an environment and climate emergency, probably the greatest issue facing humankind in the 21st century. It is also a major focus of Exeter’s world leading research and teaching. The Sustainability team is supporting the delivery of the University’s ambitious target to be carbon net zero by 2030.
Financial Planning and Reporting (FP&R) headed up by Joe Wall, Assistant Director of Finance, is responsible for financial management, budgeting and forecasting, statutory reporting, capital and treasury and activity costing.
Financial Operations and Procurement headed by Donna Fitzgerald, Deputy Director of Finance, comprises of two functions: Finance Operations (Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, Student Funding, Cash Operations, Taxation and Finance Helpdesk) and Procurement (Operational and Strategic Procurement).
Estate Services headed up by Hugh McCann, Director of Estate Services, is responsible for planning, management, development and maintenance of the University estate in support of our world-class teaching and research. Our emerging capital plan includes flagship policies for decarbonisation and net zero carbon initiatives, resulting in investment in the region of £500m.
Estate Services comprise four teams: Built Estate, Capital Projects, Engineering and Direct Works, and Space Management.
Commercial, Residential and Campus Services (CRC) headed up by Peter Scargill, Director, incorporates student residences, facilities operations, including grounds and campus security, and commercial operations, including retail, catering and events.
Commercial activity encompasses venue management, catering, retail and food services, and licensed trading which includes bars and an on-site nightclub.
The Residential Services team administer the applications and allocations of 6,500 University bed spaces, nearly half of which are operated and managed by a third party under a long-term contract.
The FICS Business Support Team is headed up by Nina Sidney-Wicks, Business Manager. The team provide an extensive centralised function with a wide range of business support to the senior team and the wider FICS division including: PA / Executive support, project support and management, governance, compliance, finance processing, systems support and asset management, general administration and communications.