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What is going on?

Since the 21st January there has been reduced portering on campus, the statement below is the Universities explanation of the situation that we are in and what to expect.

It explains that Derwent, Vanbrugh and Wentworth porters lodges are closed and will be until the 28th April due to a shortage of staff and that the period of closure is whilst new staff are recruited. The colleges where the lodges are closed are covered by the other lodges in this period.

Reduction in Portering

Security & Support Services have seen the departure of a number of valued staff in December, and during a late recruiting exercise for security, a further three porters moved to Security. This has resulted in a staffing shortfall of 14, which is 26% of the
workforce. In addition we are supporting a further 5 staff who have been ill for some time and this places us with a 36% deficiency. As a result the roster has insufficient staff for it to work and Senior Porters have been filling duties with staff on O/T as best they can. The current ad hoc situation is not sustainable.

Recruiting will take 3 months and there is no opportunity to reduce that period. In order for both academic and administrative operations to continue, there will be a consolidation of resources – a short term reconfiguration to provide the necessary support to the University at this. The situation is not one of reductions, however, it is a plan to provide a level of support at a time when, in the short term, there are insufficient staff to keep receptions as traditionally supported.

To this end the following temporary changes to college support will take place from Sunday 21 January 2007 to 28 April 2007 inclusive:

•The full closure of Derwent and Vanbrugh College Reception
•The full closure of Wentworth Reception for direct portering support but YCP will staff the reception from 1400 – 1700 hours Monday to Friday
•The provision of a 24 hours portered reception at; Alcuin (North), Langwith (Central Spine), Goodricke (South) and Halifax (Off Campus)

There will not be any ‘planned’ changes to academic areas, however, priority will go to the above as the minimum support that is to be provided to these college areas. nSenior Porters will also continue to give direct support.

This has no connection with either post HERA/Framework planning or the ongoing University Review (the latter is yet to be concluded). This is a short term change to operations introduced through necessity, solely driven by a shortage of trained staff and the support of all is sought at this difficult time.

To assist all customers, a ‘Frequently Asked Questions’ document will be issued during the afternoon of Friday 19 January 2007 for all to refer to regarding where to get support, and it will be available at each College Reception whether open or closed.

Ken Batten
Security & Support Services Manager

Page Created: 13th Jun, 2007
Last Updated: 12:50pm on 3rd Jul, 2007 by Matthew Knight