Posted: Mon 23rd Dec 2013

Funding Shortfall May Lead To 20 Job Losses At Glyndwr University

Wrexham.com for people living in or visiting the Wrexham area
This article is old - Published: Monday, Dec 23rd, 2013

Staff have been contacted at Glyndwr University detailing a consultation process that could result in over 20 job losses.

A funding shortfall of £2m means around 20 roles at the University could be lost. However exact numbers of job losses are unknown at this stage. Some members of staff were written to towards the tail end of last week with information on the proposals.

An Advisory Task and Finish Group has been set up to look at the ‘realignment of the current organisation structure and achieve these objectives through the adoption of a series of proposed measures’.

In a statement given to Wrexham.com, Glyndwr’s Vice Chancellor Professor Michael Scott said that: “Despite the best efforts of staff and the record number of students we enrolled this year, the University is working through financial challenges as a consequence of reduced funding from HEFCW. Glyndwr University will maintain its financial integrity by ensuring its operational costs fall within its available income and achieve organisational excellence through an infrastructure that is fit for purpose.”

The consultation is expected to begin at the end of January when formal proposals have been submitted.

Professor Scott added: “Glyndwr University is about to begin a new era; a period of development that will help shape its future. What lies ahead is an opportunity to build on Glyndwr’s many successes and take the next evolutionary step in maturing as an institution, and as an indispensable partner of industry in the economic and social development of north east Wales.

“The Voluntary Severance Scheme was opened until November 30, which has addressed many of the financial challenges faced by Glyndwr University. The University has now put forward further proposals in consultation with staff, trade unions and stakeholders to deliver an operational and academic reorganisation that focuses on the requirements of its students and commercial partners, nationally and globally.”

“The objective is to become more efficient and effective so that quality is not diminished and standards are maintained. That said, changes are required if the University is to remain true to its mission of being market led, student centred, internationally significant and open to all. Throughout this process the University has been, and continues to be, transparent with staff and stakeholders and would like to thank them for their continued support. The outcome of this process will be an improved organisation which is cost effective, vital to the region, with solid foundations and a bright future.”

HEFCW is the Higher Education Funding Council For Wales you can read the HEFCW funding allocation document via this PDF on their website.

Previously HEFCW have said they would like to see the university managed by Bangor and Aberystwyth universities, however then education minister Leighton Andrews rejected the idea.

Earlier this year Sir Adrian Webb produced a report on higher education, and reccomended a sort-of-merger between Coleg Cambria and Glyndwr – you can read our overview of the findings by clicking here.



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