Statement in response to Newyddion news story

We are very sorry individuals feel they have not been treated fairly. We condemn all forms of bullying, harassment, and discrimination. Allegations are treated seriously and thoroughly examined, including by independent external investigators, when appropriate. This approach is underpinned by providing support for those affected, and taking decisive action, to ensure a safe and respectful working environment.

We don’t agree with the assertions but are unable to comment on the details regarding the two former members of staff that S4C spoke with due to the ongoing legal action.

As is the case across the Higher Education sector, we are currently facing a range of significant challenges. In response, we are actively reshaping our educational provision and adapting our delivery methods to better meet industry, economic, and societal demands. This process of adaptation and evolution has required us to make some difficult decisions. We have done everything possible to limit the impact on colleagues. However, unfortunately, there have been voluntary and compulsory redundancies, and we are deeply sorry for this.

Our priority is always to ensure fairness and transparency. We have held constructive discussions with our recognised trade unions through every stage with the aim of mitigating the impact on colleagues. We have also talked openly and honestly with colleagues about the scale of change required and the approach we are taking. We are committed to listening so we can improve our processes and understand what further support we can offer.

We remain steadfastly committed to our founding mission to be a vocationally focused institution, upholding the highest academic standards, providing the best possible student and staff experience and opportunities, and fostering inclusive environments for all.

A complex organisation employing more than 2,000 people requires proactive and inclusive management. Over the past couple of years we have introduced a new People Strategy, leadership training programmes and policies including a Dignity at Work and Study Policy reflecting our strong commitment to fostering safe, inclusive, and supportive working, learning, and teaching environments for our whole community. The University continues to proactively monitor our work environment for colleagues, with trade unions, including stress management, to drive continual improvements in employee wellbeing. There’s always more to do, and we are committed to doing that work.  

In 2023, we introduced a Report and Support system to enable staff and students to raise any concerns about bullying, harassment or discrimination, either named or anonymously, along with processes and structures to respond to concerns. We strongly encourage anyone who is experiencing any form of bullying and harassment to report it so we can support them, robustly address any issues and take appropriate action. Alongside this our Employee Assistance Programme, delivered by an external provider, offers colleagues access to confidential and impartial resources to support mental health and wellbeing.

Last year our Athena SWAN bronze award was renewed, reaffirming our ongoing commitment to advancing gender equality. We also achieved the Race Equality Charter bronze award last year – the Advance HE Race Equality Charter aims to help universities in their work to improve the representation, progression and success of Black, Asian and minority ethnic staff and students in higher education.

Our senior leadership team too has evolved considerably in recent years, reflecting a refreshed direction and renewed commitment to our values. With a new Vice-Chancellor joining in the coming days, our leadership is firmly focused on delivering the highest standards and the best possible experience for both students and colleagues.

There is lots of positive work continuing with the latest National Student Survey scores showing increases for the University in overall student satisfaction and positivity, and the University ranked 43^rd (out of 123) in the last Guardian University Guide – our highest ever ranking. We work closely with our Students’ Union and student representatives to listen to and act on feedback as well as ensuring that students are at the heart of our decision making.

As Wales’s leading widening access university, we are extremely proud of the opportunities that we offer and the positive impact the University has both socially and economically within our region.