Robert Gordon University launches voluntary severance scheme

A voluntary severance scheme has been offered at Robert Gordon University (RGU) as it faces a list of financial challenges.

It was revealed to staff yesterday during an announcement to 'maintain long-term financial stability' at the institution.

Professor Steve Olivier, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of RGU highlighted a number of "significant financial" pressures currently facing the organisation.

This included a drop in international students coming to Aberdeen to study courses, which has been blamed on changes to UK immigration policy.

The university also highlighted it has suffered from a "severe decline" in public funding.

Professor Olivier said: "Universities in Scotland and throughout the UK are facing significant financial challenges due to a steep drop in international student numbers caused by changes to UK immigration policy; a severe decline in public funding; and acute cost pressures in the current economic climate.

“Robert Gordon University is a successful institution and we have seen significant growth in recent years. However, it’s important that we act now and respond to these external financial pressures to not only maintain our long-term financial sustainability but also to continue delivering on our wide-ranging strategic commitments to the North East and beyond.

“As part of our detailed plans to navigate these sector challenges, we have committed to taking some challenging yet necessary actions and have now opened a voluntary severance scheme for the majority of staff to apply to.

"While we have always recognised staff as our biggest asset, we are at a place where we must streamline our structure and reprofile our workforce.

Restructure of organisation

A consultation has also been launched on a proposed restructure of the university.

However, Professor Olivier stressed this would not have a "significant" impact in its course offering to current and future students with no courses being shut down.

He continued: “We have also commenced a period of consultation for a proposed restructure of our organisation. This proposal will not result in any significant change in academic offering to all of our current and future students as we are not closing any of our subject provision.

“These are carefully considered decisions and have included regular consultation with relevant stakeholders, including trade union representatives."