Dear Student,
I am writing to let you know what we are doing to manage the financial challenges which BU is facing.
As with many other universities in the UK, a combination of factors, including higher costs, increased pension contributions and an increasingly competitive market, mean that we need to take action to ensure that BU is financially sustainable and continues to support our students, now and in the future.
We need to make significant savings of between £15m - £20m before the next academic year, which represents 10-15% of our costs.
Therefore, after discussions with the staff trade unions at BU, we have begun a process of consultation on proposals to restructure the university. The aim is to make us more streamlinedand efficient whilst also being in a good shape to pursue growth and continue to deliver excellence.
This proposed restructure will lead to a reduction in the number of people who work at BU, and this could be by approximately 100 academic staff and 100 non-academic staff.
We are also looking at different ways to increase our income and reduce our costs across the university.
The ‘proposal to restructure’ process includes a period of formal consultation with staff, which has begun today, 27 March. This process of consultation gives colleagues across the university the opportunity to feedback and comment on the proposals.
I know that this news will be unsettling for you. This is a devastating decision to have to make and everyone will be feeling uncertain as we work through this period. We are providing a range of support to our colleagues and if you have any questions, please speak to the team at AskBU.
Whilst it is a challenging situation, I also want to reassure you about your studies and your future with BU. We are committed to making sure you continue to have an excellent experience, and your course or research degree will continue, whatever the outcome of the consultation and restructure.
I recognise that you may be concerned by this news or have questions about what is happening. I am committed to sharing as much as I can with you; to keep you informed, I will provide more information for you after the spring break.
Alison
Professor Alison Honour
Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive Officer