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Edited for clarification(I WROTE TO THE MP AS A PARENT OF A PROSPECTIVE STUDENT)

Thank you for contacting me about the proposed redundancy programme at the University of Exeter. 

While you are not one of my constituents, and parliamentary rules prohibit me from making representations on your behalf, I am aware that this is an issue of significant concern to staff and students across the University of Exeter community. Given the importance of these proposals and their potential impact on colleagues, students, and the future of the institution, I wanted to update you on the actions I have taken alongside parliamentary colleagues, and the discussions I have had with both staff representatives and the University's leadership.

I recognise that this is a very stressful time for staff, and I stand in solidarity with everyone affected. Alongside Perran Moon MP and Jayne Kirkham MP, my Cornish Labour colleagues with an interest in the Penryn campus, I will continue to make representations to the University’s leadership regarding the way this consultation has been conducted, the need for transparency and access to data, and the importance of the Faculty of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences to both the University and the wider region. 

I greatly value the contribution that the University and its staff make to Exeter, and I recognise the significant pressures facing the higher education sector. I have previously met with trade unions, employees, and University representatives to discuss how I can best support the institution and its workforce. Redundancy programmes that affect local residents and the long-term sustainability of the institution itself are of deep concern across both Exeter and Cornwall. We will therefore continue to hold the University's leadership to account, both for the decisions it makes and for the manner in which those decisions are reached. 

Following the announcement of the proposed redundancy programme, on 30 June I met with representatives from the University and College Union (UCU) at the University of Exeter, alongside my Cornish Labour colleagues. During that meeting, we heard directly about the impact these proposals could have on staff and discussed how we could best support those affected. UCU raised concerns about the modelling underpinning the proposed changes, and argued that sufficient data had not been shared to enable meaningful scrutiny of the University's rationale, or to develop an effective response. 

On 6 July, we met with the University's Vice-Chancellor, Professor Lisa Roberts, to raise the issues highlighted by UCU. We also expressed concerns that a disproportionate number of proposed redundancies could fall within the Faculty of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences, potentially undermining the long-term sustainability of the faculty. The Vice-Chancellor emphasised her commitment to the Faculty of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences, noting that it would remain one of the largest humanities faculties in the country.  

We were assured, by the Vice-Chancellor, of the University's commitment to pursuing a voluntary-first approach to any workforce changes, and her affirmation of the University's commitment to a comprehensive model that continues to invest in the humanities and social sciences. This is welcome and important in maintaining the University's continued value to students, research, the local economy, and its standing among Russell Group institutions. Following our meeting, we welcome her commitment to sharing information transparently with stakeholders, including UCU, as the consultation continues. 

On 22 July, we wrote jointly to the Vice-Chancellor to set out our concerns in writing, and I have attached our correspondence to this email. While we recognise that difficult decisions must sometimes be made within an institution of the University's size, we made clear our view that compulsory redundancies should be avoided wherever possible. We believe that alternatives, including recruitment freezes, redeployment, retraining opportunities, and voluntary redundancy schemes, should be fully explored before any reduction in academic provision is considered.  

As the consultation progresses, we have urged the University's leadership to communicate clearly and openly about its strategy for the future and the likely impact of any proposed changes on staff, students, and the wider University community. We will continue to engage constructively with all parties, and we will monitor the University's actions closely. 

Thank you again for taking the time to contact me about this important issue. 

Best wishes, 



Steve Race MP

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