Achieving the University's Ambition for 2020

The University of Manchester has a bold ambition to be a world leading institution, with a reputation based on academic excellence. In order to meet this ambition, we must improve the quality of our research and student experience in some areas and ensure the financial sustainability of the University. Realising this ambition will require a capacity to invest in our strategic priorities. Detailed plans to deliver a significant growth in funds from distance learning, philanthropy, research and grant recovery, international student recruitment, and savings across the Professional Support Services are already being implemented. However it has been recognised that further action is necessary to improve the quality of our research, reduce student numbers on some programmes to improve the student experience, and improve our effectiveness and efficiency in some areas.

The Board of Governors has approved proposals from the senior staff of the University to commence consultation with the Trade Unions in relation to proposed reductions of up to 171 posts, in order to deliver our strategy, secure future financial sustainability and allow strategic investment in priority areas. Proposed reduction of posts are in the Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, the School of Arts, Languages and Cultures, Alliance Manchester Business School, and some Professional Support Services. The University proposes to open a Voluntary Severance Scheme for staff who are identified as 'at risk' in the areas outlined above, to avoid the need for Compulsory Redundancy if at all possible. If the required numbers cannot be achieved through a voluntary process and redeployment, the University is proposing to implement compulsory redundancies in the affected areas. This will be subject to consultation with the Trade Unions.

We recognise that some of you may feel concerned about the potential impact of this announcement as you are preparing for exams, working on your dissertation or have concerns about future supervision of your PhD. We are fully committed to ensuring that you will not experience any disruption. Should you have any questions or concerns, please contact your School Office or School PGR Director for PhD students.

More details about the portfolio of projects designed to deliver the Manchester 2020 strategy will be made available on an ongoing basis at: www.staffnet.manchester.ac.uk/m2020