Joint Communication from Southampton University and College Union (UCU) and the University of Southampton (UoS) regarding the Reward Project
16 September 2014
The Reward Project (previously known as the Academic Reward Project) is a key strategic project for the University and is now moving towards the implementation stage. The recent 2020 Strategy Refresh sets out implementation milestones that initially impact ERE (Education, Research and Enterprise) staff and will then extend to all staff over the next few years.
There has been a high level of engagement by UCU (who represent all staff at levels 4-6 at the University) throughout the life of the project. The feedback gained throughout the negotiation process was very useful and has now been incorporated into a series of policy statements on the key aspects of the project which were recently approved by the UCU’s National Executive Committee on the recommendation of University’s UCU branch.
A local ballot of UCU members will commence on these policy statements and associated documents shortly. UCU members will receive an email from Southampton UCU with a link to the online ballot and voting details.
Southampton UCU and the University have worked closely over a number of years to develop the proposals and believe they represent a much improved way of developing, rewarding and recognising employees for their commitment to the University.
For those who are eligible to vote in this ballot, there are a number of documents that will need to be read before casting your vote. These are as follows and can be found here:
- Policies that apply to staff at Levels 4-6:
- Appraisal
- ERE Probation
- ERE Pathways
- ERE Promotions
- HRZ Pay Protection at Level 6
- Responsibility Allowance
- Policies that apply to staff at Level 7:
- All of the above, plus Personal Value Allowance and Market Weighting Allowance*
- Proposed revised pay scales for levels 1-6, which show the removal of HRZ at level 6 only
- A proposed implementation timeline that includes professional and technical staff at levels 4-7
- 2 letters from UoS to UCU dated 29/07/14 and 09/09/14
* Please note the existing Market Supplement policy is unchanged for levels 4-6
We are currently planning the next phase of the Reward Project, which will eventually apply to all staff at the University. The next phase will focus on all academic-related professional and technical staff (MSA and TAE) at the same levels (4-7) and is planned to be implemented from October 2015.
Further information regarding the ballot will be sent to UCU members in the next few days. In the meantime, we would encourage you to visit the website and familiarise yourself with the above information. A set of Frequently Asked Questions is also available here as supporting guidance for the policy documentation. If you have any other queries, please email us.
To view further information about the project please view the Project website.
Professor Adam Wheeler
Provost & Deputy Vice-Chancellor
University of Southampton
Dr Denis Nicole
Vice President
Southampton University and College Union