From Martin Atkinson | Director of HR and Organisational Development

As we updated earlier in the year, we recently ran a short-life Voluntary Severance scheme for specific cohorts of staff across the University intended to explore any potential savings we could make before the end of the financial year. This is part of helping us get ahead of any future financial constraints where we can, bearing in mind the additional pressures we are all facing due to the cost of living crisis. 

We had a good response to this scheme so I’d like to thank all those eligible for their careful consideration of it and extend my good wishes to those who applied and will be leaving the University. Now that we have a clearer picture of the funds available this year to support this scheme, we will also shortly be opening it up to a further cohort of Grade 9+ staff in case there is more we can do to find savings while minimising the impact on overall staffing levels. All staff who will have the opportunity to apply will be contacted directly this week. 

While I know any mention of redundancies can be worrying, creating voluntary opportunities for people to leave the University that will make savings and suit all parties is one of the ways we can ensure we remain sustainable. The University also has a number of existing options available to staff across the organisation who are looking to move on at a time that is right for both them and their division/directorate, including efficiency retirement, flexible/phased retirement and ill health retirement. 

As we approach the end of our Financial Year, we will also be sharing a wider update shortly looking ahead to next year’s budget and updating on some upcoming measures to help staff at a time when so many are feeling the squeeze due to high inflation and rising household costs. In the meantime, do contact either your manager or local HR team if you would like to discuss any of the above.