Please feel free to personalise the below text as an email to the VC and Chair of Council.
Address to: Vice Chancellor Jane Norman (bazjn@nottingham.ac.uk) and Chair of Council Kieth O’Nions (brako7@nottingham.ac.uk)
Subject: A message from a UoN staff member
Dear Vice Chancellor, Chair of Council
I am writing to you as a member of staff who has witnessed first-hand the escalating disruption caused by the current industrial action short of strike. I want to express the deep frustration I feel at the challenges this has brought to our working environment and to the student experience — difficulties which I know are felt acutely across the university.
And yet, while these consequences are tangible, so too is my sympathy for the staff members undertaking this action. The choice to engage in such action is never made lightly. It reflects a serious and sustained effort to continue raising concerns about the severe and avoidable job cuts that affect not only working conditions, but also the long-term stability and culture within our institution.
I believe strongly that our university’s leadership has both the opportunity and responsibility to address these concerns head-on. A public and constructive response to the issues raised by our trade unions — one that actively opens channels for meaningful dialogue — could be a turning point. It would demonstrate genuine commitment to our shared values of collegiality, equity and respect.
I appreciate the complexity of these negotiations, and I do not underestimate the pressures facing senior leadership. However, I urge you to show proactive engagement with union representatives and with the wider staff body — not simply to resolve disruption, but to rebuild trust and morale within our university community.
Thank you for taking the time to consider these thoughts and the important points raised through the UoN UCU branch’s Counter Proposal to Phase One. I remain hopeful that, with openness and resolve, we can move towards a resolution that benefits all.
Yours sincerely,
[Your Name]
