►Outsourcing plans show "blatant disregard" for Sussex students

The Students' Union Full-time Elected Officers have been lobbying University management to reconsider their outsourcing proposals and properly consult with Sussex students. They are dissatisfied with the University's responses so far.

On Wednesday 29 August the Students' Union's Full-time Elected Officers met with the the University Registrar, John Duffy, and the Head of Human Resources, Jane Summerville, to discuss the proposals. It was hoped they would be able to respond to a number of the concerns that the Students' Union has with the proposals.

The Full-time Elected Officers have clearly detailed to management their fear that outsourcing would have a negative impact on students university experience. The Officers are not satisfied with the answers they have received so far. For this reason the Students' Union still believes that Sussex students should be gravely concerned by the outsourcing plans.

The Union fears that, if implemented, they would:

Jeopardise the safety of our campus by taking security provision & portering out of University control;

Reduce the accountability of University services and hamper students ability to influence the positive change of those services;

Put at risk the long-term future of flexible, part-time employment offered to students by the University;

Negatively impact on our distinctive and tight-knit campus community.

Furthermore, the Students' Union believes that the University has failed in its commitment to "ensure that the Union is fully engaged in the development, implementation and monitoring of the University’s plans and policies" (Point 3.8, Memorandum of Understanding, February 2012).

We are very disappointed that the University has chosen not to adhere to this agreement to consult with the Students' Union on such major issues. We believe this represents a blatant disregard for the views and opinions of Sussex students on an issue that will have serious consequences for their future university experience.

What you can do

Demonstrate

Students are organising a demo against outsourcing at 1pm on Wednesday 26 September in Library Square. Come along to find out more and show your opposition to the plans.

Facebook

Find out more on the latest meetings and events on this student-run Facebook group.

Find out more

For more information on why you should be concerned about the plans see our open letter to the Vice Chancellor.