Oxford Brookes UCU

@brookesucu.bsky.social

Oxford Brookes Branch of the University and College Union (UCU). Find us online at: https://oxfordbrookes.web.ucu.org.uk/

All Oxford Brookes staff in Engineering, Computing & Mathematics. Come join Brookes UCU for an online, open meeting to discuss how we're fighting for Higher Education, and how you can help! Monday, 8 June, 2:30-3pm. (Message if you need the link re-sent)

All Oxford Brookes staff in Nursing & Midwifery. Come join Brookes UCU for an online, open meeting to discuss how we're fighting for Higher Education, and how you can help! Monday, 8 June, 1:30-2pm. (Message if you need the link re-sent)

All Oxford Brookes staff in Biological & Medical Sciences. This is a reminder to come join Brookes UCU for an online, open meeting to discuss how we're fighting for Higher Education, and how you can help! Monday, 8 June, 1-1:30pm. (Message if you need the link re-sent)

Any parent and applicant planning to attend the Sussex University Open Day today, we can save you the trouble: these are the non-answers staff is told to give you. To send your staff out with this nonsense and treat visitors to this ChatGPT approach is disrespectful to all.

BRIEFING FOR OPEN DAY STAFF AND STUDENT AMBASSADORS:
UNIVERSITY OF SUSSEX  CONSULTATION – VISITOR & APPLICANT Q&A

Top tips and key messages 
•	Lead with stability, continuity, and student experience
•	Avoid over-detailing internal changes
o	keep messages clear and outward-facing
•	Use phrases like: “remains our priority,” “continues as planned,” “committed to providing”

Q: I’ve heard the University is consulting on redundancies. What does this mean?
A:
•	Like many UK Universities, Sussex is proposing changes to some roles and structures, and is currently undertaking a formal consultation with staff as part of this process. 
•	This is part of ensuring the University of Sussex remains sustainable and continues to invest in high-quality teaching, facilities, and student support.

Q: Will this affect teaching quality?
A:
•	No: maintaining an excellent teaching experience is our top priority. 
•	Courses will continue to be delivered as planned, with the same focus on high-quality learning, expert staff, and student outcomes.

Q: Will my course still run?
A:
•	Yes. If you have applied for or accepted an offer, your course is expected to run as normal. 
•	If any changes were to affect your programme directly, you would be contacted promptly with clear information and support.

Q: Will there be fewer staff teaching students?
A:
•	Teaching, research, and the experience of our students remains central to everything we do. 
•	Any proposed changes are carefully planned to ensure students continue to receive the guidance, contact time, and academic expertise they expect.





Q: Is the University financially stable?
A:
•	Yes. Like many universities, Sussex is adapting to a changing sector environment. 
•	These proposals are part of proactive steps to strengthen the University’s long-term sustainability and protect the student experience.

Q: Will student services be affected (e.g. wellbeing, careers, accommodation)?
A:
•	Core student services will continue to operate as normal. 
•	Supporting student wellbeing, employability, and campus life remains a key priority throughout this process.

Q: Is it still a good time to apply or accept my offer?
A:
•	Absolutely. The University remains committed to providing a high-quality education and a vibrant student experience. 

Q: Will campus life and activities be impacted?
A:
•	No. Student life - including societies, events, and campus activities - will continue as usual. 
•	We are committed to maintaining a welcoming, engaging and supportive community.

Q: How are you supporting staff during this process?
A:
•	We are working closely with staff and representatives through a formal consultation process, with a strong focus on transparency, fairness, and support for those affected.

Q: Where can I get more information?
A:
•	You can contact our admissions teams at any time. 
•	We are happy to answer your questions and provide reassurance about your application or study plans.

Reduce Your UCU Subscription Cost by Claiming Tax Relief As we’ve entered a new tax year, it’s a great time to remind #UCU members that you may be able to reduce the cost of your union subscription by claiming tax relief from HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC). Click the link for more details.

Reduce Your UCU Subscription Cost by Claiming Tax Relief – Loughborough UCU

As we’ve entered a new tax year, it’s a great time to remind UCU members that you may be able to reduce the cost of your union subscription by claiming tax relief from HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC).

ucu.lboro.ac.uk

One of our health and safety officers, Jill Millar, explains why our members should vote yes ❌ and yes ❌ in the local ballot. Jill explains that cuts to time for assessment are being driven by a desire for financial savings. As a result, both the student experience and staff wellbeing will suffer.

Our campaigns officer, Ma​ïa Pal, explains why our members should vote yes ❌ and yes ❌ in the local ballot. Successive cuts to research time undermine the research-led teaching which is the essence of a University education.