22 March 2017

The University of Queensland has released the second stage of its finance and human resources services and resourcing review.

UQ Chief Operating Officer Mr Greg Pringle said the stage two recruitment and transition plan was open for consideration and implementation.

Extensive consultation last year preceded the implementation of the first stage of the change process.

“The amended formal proposal released in October 2016 outlines how UQ will transform finance and human services to improve service delivery through increased capability and improved processes and systems,” Mr Pringle said.

“This is critical if UQ is to continue delivering global top-50 quality education and research and developing sought-after graduates who will create positive change globally.

“This will become even more challenging in a future which regrettably is likely to involve shrinking government investment in higher education.”

Through streamlining and automating processes, the plan aims to reduce expenditure on our finance and human resource functions, with eligible finance and human resources staff being invited to apply for a voluntary separation package.

Mr Pringle said this could be followed by further redundancy offers.

Reduction in UQ’s finance and human resources expenditure and maintenance of service quality are vital and will allow the university to re-invest in academic and teaching excellence and the student experience,” he said.

“This will be difficult, but UQ is committed to supporting staff throughout the change and to keeping communication lines open,” he said.

Mr Pringle said UQ aimed to reduce finance and human service delivery costs over time by up to 25%.

The university will continue to review service delivery in other areas as part of normal organisational change processes.

Media: UQ Communications; communications@uq.edu.au, 07 3365 1120.