£4 million savings plan by University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) see staff face redundancy risk
The University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) is aiming to save £4 million through a restructuring exercise.
The restructure focuses on UHI's executive office function which delivers learning, teaching and research across a number of disciplines and internally provides strategy, governance, academic quality and standards and a range of other support functions.
Already the University and College Union (UCU) has announced it will be balloting staff regarding potential industrial action over the plans.
The restructure will be a mixture of "staff and non-staff savings" including the sale of current premises located in Ness Walk, Inverness.
A spokesperson of UHI said: "We value our employees greatly, and we continue to do all that we reasonably can to ensure the job security of our existing staff.
"However, the proposed restructure will sadly result in some posts being placed at risk of redundancy, with every effort being made to redeploy staff where possible."
Vicki Nairn, interim principal and vice-chancellor, said: “Our 2030 strategy sets out key opportunities for future growth in areas including student experience, business engagement and research, which we are committed to delivering.
"Like many organisations, we are responding to the challenges of the current economic climate.
“By taking proactive measures now in reshaping the structure of the executive office we will ensure that we are in the very best position to provide a platform for the future growth of UHI, to deliver the best possible experience to our students, staff and communities.
"This change programme will deliver financial sustainability through a more streamlined, efficient and effective organisation in line with our 2030 strategy.”
