Results of the University of Dundee No-Confidence Vote
On the 13th of November, then-Principal Iain Gillespie suddenly announced in an all-staff email that the university was facing a deficit of between 25 and 30 million pounds. More than a month has passed, during which the principal has left unceremoniously, all university spending has been frozen and compulsory redundancies are being threatened. During this time, there has been no meaningful information circulated to staff, unions or political representatives.
At one of the most well attended “townhall meetings” ever held at the University of Dundee last week, the three campus unions (UCU, UNISON, and Unite) launched an all-staff Vote of No Confidence in the University Executive Group.
The question we asked staff was simple: “Do you have confidence in the University Executive Group’s ability to effectively and responsibly oversee the financial and strategic operations of the University of Dundee?”
We received 1236 NO (89%) votes and 150 YES (11%) votes, with ~40% turnout.
Given the level of engagement and resounding NO vote, it is clear that staff at the University of Dundee are extremely frustrated at how the current leadership is handling the crisis.
At the townhall, staff asked for clear communications, transparency and, most of all, accountability.
In that spirit, the three trade Unions are baffled at the message circulated this morning by the Chair of Court highlighting the composition of the Court sub-committee that should oversee the recovery plan. The choice of a Dean of School, a middle manager, as the only staff representative does not take into consideration the Professional Services, Academic and Academic-related staff at all levels. In addition, the complete exclusion of all Union voices from the sub-committee is in stark contrast with the sentiment shared by staff at the townhall, where one member of staff commented:
“Who makes up the sub-committee that has been formed? Transparency does not mean a sub-committee made up of people who will be investigating themselves.”
The Dundee UCU branch has formally notified the University of its intention to ballot in response to the threat of compulsory redundancies. As a member of staff put it: “Cutting staff & recruiting more students is never the answer – you will end up with already overwhelmed staff burning out. Teaching & research quality will fall, along with our reputation.”
A few more quotes from the townhall:
“They want us to suggest ways to improve and save money but how do we do that? I see nowhere to share any ideas, we have a wealth of knowledge and expertise so why not use it?”
“I’m disgusted that almost a month after the initial email, we have no further information on plans, and the threat of redundancy hangs over Christmas”
“Why were we informed in July [..] that we were in a “good financial position” then five months later a 30m deficit appears? How was that message so inaccurate?”
“What exactly does Court do? If they are supposed to hold UEG accountable, they have failed abysmally.”
“We need to know that the leadership is working with staff. Staff have made so many sacrifices of time and energy and no increase in income. What can UEG give?”
“Transparency and clear communication in this time would be appreciated. It has been incredibly frustrating not hearing anything from the university but seeing everything in the press.”
“We need to stop people parachuting in for a few years and then staying one step ahead of their own disasters by leaving us to deal with the consequences.”