This week, all colleagues were invited to take part in a poll to share their views on cost savings and efficiencies ideas generated by staff.

The poll follows on from a series of focus groups held during August and September which invited suggestions from colleagues on ways the institution could find savings in relation to the paybill and ideas for improving efficiencies in how we operate, and generate further income to help ensure Sussex remain sustainable.

All staff were given the opportunity to share their ideas via an online form as well as to attend one of the live sessions.

The poll will enable us to get a view from across the institution on the strength (or otherwise) of staff support for the ideas that were generated before they are developed, should the situation arise where these are needed.

This poll is being conducted against a very challenging financial backdrop faced by the University and the sector. Finance Director, Allan Spencer, updated staff on the University’s finances in a series of webinars over the summer; including significant challenges to our cost base as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic, which is likely to be compounded by a reduction in international student numbers.

All colleagues are encouraged to take part, but participation in the poll is voluntary, and all responses will only be shared in the University on an anonymised basis. 

Any proposals in relation to staff pay savings would be subject to equality analysis and the normal consultation process with the trade unions if it is decided to take them forward in the light of financial information.

The email, sent to all staff on Wednesday (21 October). will have come from Qualtrics, with the subject line ‘Have your say and take part in poll’. If you’ve not yet received the email please check your junk folder.

Personal data is processed by Qualtrics in line with their privacy notice, linked to in the survey.  

The poll will close at 5pm on Monday 2 November.