Update on University's financial position

Dear colleagues,

Representatives of the University Executive Board, the UCU and the Staff Forum met again on 23 February 2022 to review the University’s financial position. These regular meetings follow the agreement reached over the summer months in 2020 which identified ways in which the financial impact of Covid-19 could be managed and potential job losses avoided.

As with each previous meeting the discussion was informed by up-to-date information provided by colleagues in Finance, with a particular focus on the impact of student recruitment.

We are pleased to be able to report that the financial position remains steady and in line with previous projections. However, the University accounts identify an underlying deficit for the last two financial years. The challenges of Covid have not gone away and we will continue to take a cautious and measured approach.

When we met last October we were able to confirm that colleagues would receive a pay award covering the 2021-22 year and that was made with November salaries. As noted at the time we will take decisions in respect of a pay award for the 2022-23 year later this year in the light of all the relevant financial information including early indications of student numbers.

As always we would like to thank you for the part you have all played in addressing the challenges arising from the pandemic successfully.

We will meet again in May.

Robert Van de Noort, Vice-Chancellor 

Sally Pellow, President RUCU 

John Jack and Sian Walsh, Co-Chairs Staff Forum