http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/20/115394/union-appeals-to-tribunal-over-social-work-school-closure.htm
So it looks as if negotiations between the University of Reading and Thames Valley University have fallen through. However Reading are negotiating with another university, do you think this is too late for a 2011-2012 intake of students?
Also, with reference to the tribunal, I'm sure the majority of people on here are pleased they are taking action against the university but what could such a thing lead too? I very much doubt the university with reverse their decision to close the school, or is it more about the jobs of the school staff?
Considering Reading was one of a small handful of universities that completely met all the standards/requirements set out by the GSCC and had no recommendations for improvement, it seems such a shame that a) it's closing and b) negotiations with the closest uni fell through.
There is such a need out there for good quality established degree courses. In my opinion, I am glad they are taking action as negotiations prior to deciding to close the school clearly didn't take place. Must be a very uneasy time for the staff.
Hi Andy_Pandy,
this was a real shocker when it was announced, 18 months ago. Hard to believe that such a successful school could be axed just because the University hierarchy wanted the teaching space for more "profitable" subjects. Also, 18-months ago there was a very clear message coming through that social work was gravely under-pressure and LAs were heavily investing in recruiting SWPs from outside the UK. It beggared belief then and beggars belief today, still.
Little has been said about the students stuck in the middle of this. After all the academics have work contracts and have employment law through which to seek recourse. The students have nothing, the Students Union raise concerns in mid 2009 but all has gone quite over the past year. I sincerely hope that the uncertainty has not impacted grades or the commitment of students to pursue their chosen career in social work.
Our loss as a profession :-(
Hey there sodomgomarrah
I was equally shocked to hear about this 18months ago and am led to believe students have had a number of concerns, not only about their future but about the future of the staff. It appears a very close school and the staff seem extremelly committed to developing good social workers.
Put it this way, there is so much I could say, and in fact it would make interesting reading but I don't think this is the place to say it (nothing bad, but i know of the fears, worries, conerns, other issues etc that students there have been/are going through). However, I am led to believe that the university have expressed their commitment to the current students.
A real loss :(
Andy_Pandy: Also, with reference to the tribunal, I'm sure the majority of people on here are pleased they are taking action against the university but what could such a thing lead too? I very much doubt the university with reverse their decision to close the school, or is it more about the jobs of the school staff?
Probably it'll lead to financial compensation for the lecturers, if the action is successful. *vibes* to anyone who is stuck in the middle of it though, that must be so fraught.
http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/19/115614/reading-social-work-department-to-shut-after-talks-fail.htm
I cannot believe this, it is so sad. That is not only the University of Reading who dont see social work as important, but 2 other universities cannot see the value in investing in their current schools in order to expand.
I hear that the course here is well managed, highly skilled/experienced pratitioners and academics as lecturers, established and adamant that students will get a stat placement. It is such a shame, and the lecturers who are potentially going to be jobless.