University of Sussex USS consultation responses

Update 1 August 2020

 

As part of Sussex UCU's ongoing request to be informed and consulted on institutional views on USS pensions we asked about the Sussex response to the USS Employers consultation on Valuation Methodology. On 6 April the VC wrote ‘[w]e would be pleased to hear the views of the union.’ On 28 April Sussex UCU sent our views (linked below) with a repeated request for the Sussex response. The VC replied on 19 May. 

 

‘Although we shared the response to the last consultation with UCU, this was because we had said that we would take your views and time pressures meant that we were not in a position [to] do so.  However, I am afraid that we were clear that we weren’t setting precedent and the University doesn't intend to share consultations over the future of USS with you because they are consultations conducted in pursuit of negotiations.  As such, we have received legal advice from UCEA that they are exempt from the provisions of the FoIA.  Our position has been made following consultation with the Chair of Council.’

 

A subsequent FOI was refused on 17 June 2020. A subsequent request for an internal review upheld the refusal on 8 July 2020. A further request under the University's 'People Strategy' was refused on 14 July 2020. 

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We are drafting a complaint to the Information Commissioner. 

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Update 1 March 2020

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We are extremely pleased to report that in response to our public request for both consultation and sharing of USS/UUK responses the Sussex VC has (i) shared with Sussex UCU the response to the first JEP 2 consultation (linked below) and (ii) stated that the University of Sussex will consider ‘whether it is possible to discuss future consultations’ with staff. Sussex UCU will continue to ask for discussions and sharing of full responses.

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Background 

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This page collects the University of Sussex responses to UUK (Universities UK) consultations on USS (Universities Superannuation Scheme).

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UUK formally consults with all USS employers, including the University of Sussex, on aspects of USS including valuation. At Sussex these responses are considered and agreed by Council.

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These responses are not, as a rule, included in notes from Council meetings nor shared with staff. 

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Instead, these responses up to early 2020 have been obtained by Freedom of Information requests and are linked below. These cover the period from 2014 to 2020 and relate to the valuations in 2014, 2017, 2018 and now the 2020 valuation.

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If you have questions or think any responses are missing please get in touch with Sussex UCU.

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