Questions for UEG – Dundee University and College Union

Questions for UEG

University of Dundee staff have many unanswered questions of the University’s governance structures particularly the University Executive Group (UEG). Some of these questions expressed by staff at the All Staff Townhall held on 12/12/24 are collated here. We will update this page as we get responses from the UEG.

Open all sections

When did UEG REALLY know about the deficit? Chevron pointing down

Why were we informed in July at our Globalisation team meeting that we were in a “good financial position” then five months later a 30m deficit appears? How was that message so inaccurate? Chevron pointing down

Everyone who looked at the student figures over the last year could see action would need to be taken so why is it only happening now? There should have been a plan before any announcement made. Chevron pointing down

Why did Court sign off an 11m deficit in the first place? Chevron pointing down

Does UEG appreciate the sheer anger of staff? Chevron pointing down

We need to know that the leadership is working with the staff. Staff have given so many sacrifices of time and energy and no increases income. What can UEG give? Chevron pointing down

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? Chevron pointing down

I work in UG Admissions, navigating nationwide challenges like decreased intake and leadership mismanagement. Transparency and diplomacy are vital. How can we effectively implement these? Chevron pointing down

Can we hold UEG and Deans to account in proposals? Particularly around proposed mergers that currently have no evidence of tangible benefit? Can we ensure that planning is inclusive and transparent? Chevron pointing down

Who is going to take responsibility for the Blueprints project which has undoubtedly lost us students and has impacted on finances? Chevron pointing down

What are Schools being told by UEG as our executive team in SSEN have already announced the need for savings of over £600k and the possibility of staff reductions? Chevron pointing down

Who makes up the sub-committee of Court that has been formed? Transparency does not mean a sub-committee made up of people who will be investigating themselves. Chevron pointing down

What discussions have taken place since the announcement a month ago now and what is the direction of travel? A month is a long time to have come up with constructive actions but nothing has been communicated on progress in a month? Chevron pointing down

All of us are committed and concerned and want this institution to succeed. Why must we hear of anything via the press instead of internally? The silence is deafening. Chevron pointing down

Why is the UoD principal paid more than the UK Prime Minister? Who sets and reviews the top tier salaries? Chevron pointing down

Can UEG provide a more detailed breakdown of where the shortfall rests that includes expenditure in the Tay City Deal Incubator new building? Chevron pointing down

UoD did not meet its home student targets. What assignable causes have been identified? Can UEG confirm that the rollout of Blueprints did not play a role? Chevron pointing down

First we had the demise of Tech1 a system brought in to replace SITS. Now we have Blueprints which isn't fit for purpose. How much was spent on both systems? Chevron pointing down

There has been no financial transparency since the demise of Technology 1 - how much did we have to pay to get out of that contract? Chevron pointing down

Business Transformation is a £40 million system that is not fit for purpose. How much have we saved since its introduction in Aug 2019? Chevron pointing down

Suspension of promotions seems guaranteed to lead to us losing some of our best staff. What is the actual projected saving of this? Chevron pointing down

What happened to China trip that the former Principal was supposed to go on 6 Dec? Has the university lost money if the trip was cancelled? Chevron pointing down

We want to hear how much the former Principal has been paid on his departure. Chevron pointing down

Beyond the current financial crisis, what UEG will do to fix the toxic environment and culture of fear that many staff felt during the previous Principal’s time in office? Chevron pointing down

How will the UEG address the wellbeing of staff awaiting judgement on role viability or backfilling a frozen recruitment job (aside of proper remuneration) and how do we address the real human impact of such uncertainty? Chevron pointing down

If understaffed teams will not have posts filled, will staff carrying out this extra work receive anything in return (salary increase, extra holidays etc?) Chevron pointing down

Are we going to continue to offshore jobs (like the WFOE) at the expense of those in Dundee? Chevron pointing down

What happened to the Contract for Change? After the last SHSL merger, UEG commissioned a review of the process and the review slated the process and made recommendations that the university accepted. Chevron pointing down

Does the freeze on recruitment extend to the UEG? Chevron pointing down

Will there be an increase of salary associated with the new interim-principal position? Chevron pointing down

Will there be a review of the wages of the higher up staff? Chevron pointing down

Will UEG be taking a salary cut in order to prevent job losses? Chevron pointing down

What is the university doing to regain our position as a university of choice to home UK students? Chevron pointing down

How are university donors and alumni being involved in this situation? Are they only seeing what the newspapers are reporting? Chevron pointing down