The International Staff Network is pleased to launch the International Community Dialogue Series, a new programme of conversations with senior leaders at the University.
The series has been developed in response to feedback from members of the international staff community, who expressed an interest in engaging more directly with University leadership, asking questions and discussing issues that shape the experiences of international colleagues across the institution.
The first session took place at 1:15pm on Wednesday 1 July 2026, with Professor Manuel Barcia, Pro-Vice-Chancellor Global, joining colleagues to discuss internationalisation, staff experience and the role of our international community in shaping the University’s future.
The session was structured around questions submitted in advance, followed by an open discussion. The aim was not simply to provide updates, but to create a space where colleagues could raise issues, share experiences and contribute ideas. Several key themes emerged, including visa and relocation support, international strategy, recognition of staff contributions, professional services involvement and transnational education.
Professor Barcia began by placing the discussion in the wider context of a changing UK higher education environment. He highlighted the importance of diversifying the University’s international activity across partnerships, research, teaching and industry engagement, while also recognising the need to support the people who make that international work possible.
A key part of the discussion focused on visa, immigration and relocation support. Professor Barcia noted that the University has a dedicated staff immigration team, which provides guidance, monitors visa changes and takes a proactive approach to supporting colleagues. He also acknowledged that more could be done, particularly where international staff face costs and barriers that others may not experience. The discussion emphasised the importance of thinking in terms of equity rather than equality, recognising that colleagues do not all start from the same position.
The conversation then turned to how the University can better recognise and use the expertise of international staff. Colleagues discussed the value of language skills, cultural knowledge, lived experience, regional expertise and international networks in supporting global partnerships, recruitment and overseas engagement. Professor Barcia linked this to the University’s emerging Strategy 2036 and his international strategic plan, including international recruitment, research partnerships and collaboration, reputation and rankings, and embedding a global mindset across the institution.
Several current and developing initiatives were highlighted. These included Bath’s engagement with a European research network, work on faculty-level international delivery plans, and the need to involve staff more widely in shaping those plans. Professor Barcia also spoke about the idea of developing grassroots international champions across faculties and departments, with international students also being part of that wider conversation.
The session also touched on work already progressing through the International Staff Network. This included the early-stage proposal for a Global Ambassador Scheme, designed to help academic and professional services colleagues contribute more directly to international priorities. The discussion also recognised the significant interest in the International Mentorship Scheme, where colleagues have volunteered their time and experience to support others joining a new institution and cultural context.
Professional services colleagues were an important part of the conversation. It was noted that around a third of International Staff Network members are from professional services, many of whom bring international experience or work closely with international students and partners. Professor Barcia also highlighted the importance of ensuring professional services staff benefit from international opportunities, including through provisions in future memoranda of understanding with partner institutions.
Recognition and reward was another important theme. Many international contributions already happen informally, through recruitment, student support, cultural translation, overseas relationships and alumni engagement. The discussion suggested that these contributions need to be more visible and better recognised, including potentially through promotion and recognition processes.
The open Q&A also covered transnational education. Professor Barcia explained that this is now an important area of work, with a cautious but forward-looking approach. He referred to ongoing work around joint institutes in China, while making clear that any future activity must protect the quality and reputation of the University.
The session concluded by highlighting two further conversations in the series: one with Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Provost, Professor Marcus Munafò, and another with the Director of Human Resources, Richard Brooks. These future sessions will provide further opportunities to explore institutional strategy, recognition, staff support and HR-related issues in more detail.
Overall, the first session highlighted that internationalisation is not only about external partnerships or student recruitment. It is also about recognising the knowledge, experience and contribution of colleagues across the University, and ensuring that international staff have a meaningful voice in shaping what comes next.
To hear when the next event is announced join the International Staff Network group by using the code 'etwputj' in Teams.
Respond