University of Gloucestershire to merge faculties
Faculties are set to merge as the cash-strapped University of Gloucestershire continues to feel the squeeze.
There are currently four faculties at the university - Education, Humanities and Science; Media, Art and Communication; Sport, Health and Social Care and the Business School.
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Patricia Broadfoot
The move, which would leave three faculties - Applied Science, Arts and Business and Professional Studies, is expected to lead to substantial job losses and a number of courses being axed as education bosses attempt to save £3 million by the summer.
Vice-chancellor Professor Patricia Broadfoot sent a letter to all heads of department on Friday (22) detailing the decision.
The move has further angered University and College Union (UCU) members, who are set to ballot for strike action against job cuts.
In the letter, Mrs Broadfoot said: “We need to establish a new faculty structure that enables us to exploit the full range of opportunities that present themselves in respect of the new academic strategy, budget constraints and the Pittville relocation plan.”
The vice-chancellor has given department heads a seven day consultation period in which to respond to the news.
More than 100 jobs have already gone at the university - the majority of which have been made through voluntary redundancies.
A spokesman for the university’s UCU branch, said: “We’re absolutely incensed by this. University leaders are not following proper legal procedures and no-one has informed the union officially of this - something they are required to do.”
A senior lecturer, who did not want to be named, added: “This is alarming news. Staff and students are only now beginning to realise how the closure of Pittville will affect them - it’s not easy moving an arts department elsewhere and the university has put an embargo on buying new books and journals.
“Quite rightly students are starting to feel short changed and that’s only going to get worse if this goes ahead.”
UCU members held a demonstration at Park campus in Cheltenham last week.
A spokeswoman for the University of Gloucestershire said: “Paul Drake, director of external relations at the university, said: “We are preparing to deliver a full range of courses on three rather than five campuses from September 2011.
“By focusing resources on fewer sites, we are able to invest in the student experience and the quality of the learning environment.
“The university has circulated a discussion document to heads of department as a basis for exploring how best to structure ourselves in the future.
“All heads of department will consult their staff to ensure that their views are taken into account before any decisions are made in February.
“It’s disappointing the document has been leaked to the media before colleagues have had a chance to discuss its contents.
“This is evidence a very small number of staff are attempting to undermine our consultative processes and the excellent progress we are making.
3 Comments
by Meaningful consultation, Cheltenham
Tuesday, January 26 2010, 3:55PM
“The University has not apparently consulted with the recognised trades unions as required by formal agreements, and employment and health and safety legislation! Thank you staff/students for speaking out.
The University has in the past been recognized as a beacon of leadership in respect of partnership working with its recognised trades unions. Representatives from senior management and NATFHE (now UCU) were once asked to speak at a key seminar for all HE sector VCs, HR directors and trade union officers/representatives. This was part of the national framework agreement partnership arrangements (the Joint Negotiating Committee for HE staff). The speakers panel included high profile people such as the head of ACAS. This really was putting themselves into a potentially hostile environment (as it was at a time when things nationally in the sector were really not going very well) to hammer home the important message of working together in the best interests of staff and students.
Please University management do follow proper process, remember your previous trail blazing reputation for exemplary employment relations practices, and stop creating so much stress and upset for everyone. Working in partnership is important and there are particular legal requirements for the trades unions to receive information, to be consulted, and for the University (as the employer) to negotiate with them.”
by Academic Avenger, Cheltenham
Tuesday, January 26 2010, 9:01AM
“Oh dear, oh dear. Mr Drake really ought to stop publicly undermining the Vice-Chancellor by contradicting her. This is the second time in less than a week. Briefing against both the University and the unions is a risky thing to do. Unless, of course, he has ambitions himself to lead the University.”
by SaveUoG now, Glos.
Tuesday, January 26 2010, 8:11AM
“It is completely unrealistic to suggest that making sweeping cuts, closing campuses, and making people redundant will lead to a better 'student experience' and 'learning environment'. Let's not kid ourselves about what's happening here. These developments will not make universities better places to study or give students value for money.”