From: David Otoole
Sent: 11 February 2011 13:08
To: All UCU Newcastle College Branch
Subject: Yours sincerely, Richard
Dear All
I thought that staff here might be interested in the “clear blue water” between the approach to the cuts taken by Richard Thorold the principal of Gateshead College and the unenlightened approach taken by our own management.
Best wishes
David O’Toole, UCU Branch Secretary, Newcastle College
From: Richard Thorold
Sent: 03 February 2011 18:16
To: All Staff
Subject: Once again “Rising to the Challenge”
Importance: High
Dear colleagues
I wanted to write to you as I realise that many of you may be feeling concerned or vulnerable following yesterday’s announcement by Newcastle College regarding their intention to make redundancies, coupled with similar situations in other colleges around the region. Many of you will have friends or family members who are being affected by these decisions.
I also know that most of you will be very aware of the potential impact of the significant funding cuts on our sector. These cuts will impact on us and we are still reviewing strategies for tackling these challenges.
I want to be clear that, as ever, my objective is to do all I can to protect this College, our staff and our students. Of course I cannot make any promises about what the future will hold but, as I have said before, this college is in a strong position financially and I can give you my and my Board’s commitment that we will do all we can to explore ways around these cuts to the benefit of us all.
I, the senior team and management team cannot do this alone; we have a significant challenge ahead. We need the commitment from every one of you to work with us. This might mean being prepared to work flexibly, to bring ideas forward, to look at ways to find savings, and to bring in new business opportunities – whether it’s a student enrolment, a lead for employer training, an event for the Greenhouse Brasserie or other commercial opportunity as every bit helps.
We have a successful College and a strong team – once again we need to rise to the challenge.
I also want to take this opportunity to assure you that I will always strive to be honest with you, to keep you informed of our situation and the actions we are taking to move the College forward to continued success.
Yours sincerely
Richard