Canterbury Christ Church University staff and students deliver vote of no confidence in vice chancellor, senior management and governors

The vote, organised by the CCCU branch of the University and College Union (UCU), was passed by 359 (96%) votes to 16 (4%) following growing anger over the institution's handling of current financial and strategic decisions.

The result comes amid an ongoing dispute between CCCU UCU and university management regarding the failure to rule out compulsory redundancies (CRs) in both the 2024-25 and 2025-26 academic years. Despite repeated requests from UCU, the university has refused to commit to ruling out CRs or an Enhanced Voluntary Redundancy scheme alongside the current Transformation Change Programme consultations.

The vote, which was open to all CCCU staff and students, was launched at a CCCU UCU branch meeting on 12 March 2025 and closed at 5pm on 31 March. It asked participants whether they had confidence in the vice chancellor, SMT, and board of governors' ability to effectively and responsibly oversee the current financial and strategic operations of the university. 

UCU has repeatedly called for meaningful engagement with staff representatives, a halt to compulsory redundancies, and a commitment to voluntary alternatives. The union says today's vote shows a clear mandate for change and a leadership willing to put the university community first.

UCU regional official, Michael Moran said: 'This vote sends a clear and powerful message to CCCU management: staff and students have lost faith in the current leadership. The refusal to rule out compulsory redundancies, the lack of transparency, and the absence of a credible alternative plan have left the university community in a state of deep uncertainty and distress. It's time for those at the top to listen, act, and rebuild trust'.

UCU general secretary Jo Grady said: 'University leaders must be held accountable when their decisions undermine staff security and student confidence. This result reflects a deep frustration with the direction of leadership at CCCU and management must urgently change course before more damage is done'.