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Over recent years, like many other UK universities, Sussex has been facing significant financial challenges that have required cost reduction measures to be taken including some institutional reorganisation and during June and July, we have been consulting with our staff and trade unions about proposals to restructure the University to reduce our staffing base to align with the current lower student numbers. This means that up to 192 staff (out of 3,300) may eventually leave the University. However, it is important to note that this is a consultation, and no decisions have yet been made about these changes.

Throughout this process our commitment to providing you with an inspiring, high-quality education, and to supporting our staff, remains our highest priority – and the value of a Sussex degree will be maintained.

Consultation timeline

The consultation closed on 21 July 2026 and the feedback on the proposals will be considered over the next eight weeks. At that point a revised set of proposals will be confirmed and taken to the University’s Senate, for discussion, and then to Council, for approval. Alongside this process there is also a ‘Voluntary Leavers’ Scheme, which is available to staff whose roles are ‘at risk’ in light of the proposals. Our approach to this very difficult situation is to uphold our values; seek to avoid compulsory redundancies if possible; and maintain as much continuity as possible. We will always seek to ensure continuity for students through this process, and to engage and communicate with students - with transparency and care - where changes need to be made.

The final proposals for cost and staff reductions will go to Council in October and may result in staff leaving the University in December 2026 or early in 2027.

Continued support for students with disabilities

We have heard student concerns about the provision of specialist mentors and tutors for disabled students, collated by the USSU sabbatical team. Please be assured that there will continue to be disability advisory services. We will consider your feedback in making decisions about how we provide these services.

Postgraduate researchers

We are aware that there are concerns amongst postgraduate researchers, particularly relating to continuity of supervision. Please be assured that we are paying close attention to this and we will take steps to ensure continuity of appropriate supervision. For the majority of students, the arrangements will remain the same. If a change to supervision arrangements is needed, it will be discussed directly with any students affected, and the supervision arrangements will be tailored to individual circumstances, considering factors such as research stage, project focus, and the expertise of colleagues.

We will continue to update you as we go through this process. If you have further questions or feedback, please continue to contact your USSU Reps and sabbatical team or email Professor Kate O’Riordan, Pro-Vice Chancellor for Education and Students, via PVCEducation@sussex.ac.uk.