In October, London South Bank University confirmed its intention both to end its so-called ‘consultation’ process, and to implement the change proposal put to staff in June 2010. If carried out, this means that by the end of July 2011, LLU+ will cease to be part of London South Bank University - and existing staff will be made redundant.

 

In these circumstances, LLU+ is exploring ways forward to ensure its survival and the continuation of its work, including moving to another suitable institution, or setting up as an independent unit.

 

However, DefendLLU+ Campaign believes the university’s decision to be seriously flawed:

 

•  We do not believe the University Governors were adequately briefed or informed prior to the meeting at which the decision was made to endorse LSBU Executive’s recommendation to close LLU+

•  We do not believe  that the process of decision-making was itself fair and transparent eg we understand that there was no ‘show of hands’ vote regarding the future of LLU+ at this governing body meeting.

•  We are concerned that minutes of key meetings are not in the public domain, in apparent contravention of the university’s own policy. According to article 55 of LSBU’s ‘Memorandum and Articles of Association’: “Copies of all Company, Board of Governors' and committee papers including agenda, draft minutes, once approved by the Chairman, and signed minutes shall be made available to Students and Staff except where such material relates to named members of Staff or Students or prospective members of Staff or Students, or to matters which the Chairman, the Board of Governors or any committee thereof are satisfied should be dealt with on a confidential basis.”

•  We utterly reject the University’s claim that the work of LLU+ does not form part of its ‘core business’. Our work is all about education and widening participation; what, if not this, is this or any university’s ‘core business’?

•  We believe that in endangering the survival of LLU+, LSBU is threatening the continuation of work which is vital to both the national interest and the interests of learners, employers and institutions across extremely wide sections of society.

•  We believe this decision is a failure of vision that will be damaging to the university and its reputation generally.

•  We argue that we have not been provided with the promised opportunity to present our case to representatives of the governing body, prior to the meeting at which the decision was made.

 

 

Further, the manner of LSBU’s implementation of both the consultation period and now the change proposal has been -  and is being - extremely threatening to LLU+’s continuation beyond July 2011 in any form. LSBU, despite a stated intention to support us, has repeatedly obstructed the ability of LLU+ to commit to new work and contracts beyond July 2011. This has already resulted in the loss of at least one major contract. This approach seriously compromises, and could undermine, our financial viability as an independent unit from July 2011. Far from supporting us, the LSBU agenda appears to be not only to close LLU+ and make all staff redundant, but to also endanger our work and our livelihoods beyond the remit of our time with LSBU.

 

We call upon the university to reverse its decision.