This motion was passed at GUCU Branch meeting on 08/01/2024
Goldsmiths UCU branch notes that:
- The failure of the previous restructure has led to substantial administrative chaos alongside unsustainable workloads for both academic and professional services staff at Goldsmiths;
- The previous restructure’s failure has led to extensive student dissatisfaction with the lack of support that has resulted from the removal of dedicated Departmental support teams and the centralisation of student services. The audit produced by Goldsmiths Students Union evidences this;
- Falling student numbers and thus less student income need to be explained not just by reference to national trends, but by increased student dissatisfaction at Goldsmiths and the reputational damage the College has incurred due to the previous failed restructure;
- There is increasing dissatisfaction, disaffection, and demoralisation amongst staff and students alike;
- The current deficit reveals that the previous restructure did not resolve the financial situation at Goldsmiths;
- The solution to the failed restructure is not another restructure, especially one which is being rammed through without proper consultation, transparency or accountability for past failures and at unwarranted speed.
This branch believes that:
- There has been no public acknowledgment of the profound damage caused by the former restructure by SMT;
- Another destructive restructure will cause irreparable harm to the College;
- A comprehensive analysis regarding the damage done by the previous restructure is urgent yet this has not been carried out;
- No evidence has been presented that the proposed restructure will address the College’s financial difficulties without further damaging student recruitment and retention;
- The Warden has ultimate responsibility for managing the operational activities of the College and must therefore be held accountable for the damage that the previous restructure has incurred in relation to finances, reputation and morale.
- The Warden has lost the trust, the goodwill, and the respect of the Goldsmiths community.
This branch resolves that:
- To censure the Warden for her reckless pursuit of yet another restructure and her refusal to take responsibility for the disaster of the last failed restructure.
- To demand that the proposed plans be put on hold immediately and that all proposals for departmental and administrative reorganisation be presented, in detail and with transparency, to the entire Goldsmiths community so that a meaningful consultation can be carried out.