Wednesday 20-03-2019 - 08:35

We have been concerned to hear recently about the University’s plans to restructure operations support within Durham’s colleges. These changes, though only outlined with minimal detail at present, seem likely to have an impact on student college communities.

We are calling on the University to provide greater clarity, as a matter of urgency, on how the support and activities fundamental to our collegiate identity will be supported effectively in this new structure. We are deeply concerned that the review thus far has failed to take into account the close working relationship and dependency of many student-run activities and day to day college life on the current structure. Students are understandably concerned as to whether the changes may affect their ability to organise large events, and we are working to establish what the true impacts might be. We disagree with University management that such changes would have only a minor impact on students. We believe that the student consultation framework makes clear that the more serious nature of these changes gives students a right to greater consultation.

We are working closely with Common Room Presidents’ Committees to ensure that the University engages meaningfully with the concerns of students and student leaders about these proposals and that any new changes adequately serve the colleges to maintain strong collegiate communities. Given the minimal information shared with us to date, we are seeking more clarity on the proposals so that we are able to better understand their implications and push for changes as necessary.

We also want to express our concern for those staff in our colleges who have worked hard to ensure a fantastic student experience and who may be seriously affected by the proposed changes. Many of the staff within the scope of these proposals will be represented by recognised staff Trade Unions, so we will be reaching out to these Unions to identify ways in which we can work together in the best interests of both staff and students.