Ordinance on provisions relating to the dismissal of academic staff on grounds of redundancy (Statute 24 Part II)

(1)    The provisions of this Ordinance apply only where the Council, as the Appropriate Body under the Statute, has decided that it is desirable that there should be a reduction in the academic staff in all or part of the University. It does not apply to dismissals which arise under the contract of employment (eg. the expiry of fixed term appointments), which may or may not be on the grounds of redundancy, but in any event the Council has not decided that there is a need for a reduction in the academic staff.

Nothing in this Ordinance shall detract from the duty of the University, where it is contemplating the dismissal of academic staff on grounds of redundancy, to consult with the representatives of the appropriate independent trade union(s), in accordance with the requirements of current legislation, such consultation to commence at the earliest opportunity.

(2)    The Chairman of the Redundancy Committee shall be appointed by the Council, from amongst the lay members of the Council.

(3)    The Redundancy Committee appointed by the Council shall:

(a)    Identify the individuals who constitute the pool of academic staff engaged in the areas identified by the Council where a reduction in academic staff is required, and from which the required redundancies will be drawn.

(b)    Determine the criteria which will be used to select individuals for redundancy from the pool taking account of the particular circumstances at the time.

(c)    Make suitable arrangements, in accordance with good practice, for continuing consultation with the appropriate trades union(s) and with the staff concerned on the criteria and procedures to be adopted, with a view to reaching agreement if possible. Every consideration will be given to means of avoiding compulsory redundancies.

(d)    Consider representations made in the course of the consultation process in (c) above. Such representations may be in writing, or made in person to the Committee.

(e)    Make written recommendations to the Council on each member of academic staff who is in the pool from which those declared redundant are to be selected, having taken account of any representations made under (d) above.

(f)    Proceed as expeditiously as possible to complete the process, while taking reasonable steps to protect the rights of individuals to present their case. However, when members of staff have been given adequate notice (normally 14 days) of the date, time and place of a hearing under (d) above, their non-attendance shall not prevent the Redundancy Committee from proceeding to consider the case(s) if the Committee decides that it is appropriate to do so in the circumstances.

(4)    The Council shall decide by a simple majority whether or not to approve the recommendations of the Redundancy Committee under 3 (e). The members of the Council who have served as members of the Redundancy Committee whose recommendations are being considered shall not be debarred from voting on the decision by the Council.

(5)    Following approval of the Redundancy Committee’s recommendations by the Council, the Registrar is authorised as the Appropriate Officer to proceed to dismiss the selected members of academic staff on grounds of redundancy, in accordance with the procedure set out in the Statute.