All University Chaplaincy Staff Under Risk of Redundancy

The entire Dundee University Chaplaincy staff have been placed under risk of redundancy following this week’s announcement of further job losses.

The announcement came as “devastating” news to the University Chaplain Rev. Dr. Fiona Douglas, who told the The Jute Journal that her role, as well as the rest of the chaplaincy staff could lose their jobs.

It is not known whether the Chaplaincy will close entirely if this comes to pass.

This comes after the University announced another 190 roles were to be axed in what will be the third round of job losses.

The Dundee University Students Association (DUSA) exec team were saddened by the news, saying that the chaplaincy is viewed as a core part of the university experience.

DUSA President Tánaiste Custance, said: “I mean this precisely and literally when I say from personal experience that the chaplaincy is a life-saving part of the university.

“I really am quite emotional at this proposal.

“As a trustee of the university, I am deeply concerned that governors had no foresight of this proposal.”

Incoming DUSA President, Tom Christison, who will take up the position in July, said: “The Chaplaincy Centre provides vital pastoral support to students, and its closure would be a significant loss to our community, as well as to the societies and groups that use its space.

“Fiona Douglas is a rare asset to the University, supporting me and countless others, and was recognised with DUSA’s Public Figure of the Year Award this May.

“Losing this service would remove an invaluable source of support to both students and staff.”

A former member of staff, who wished to remain anonymous, said: “The chaplaincy has been the most important food spot for staff and students to get a warm meal on campus.

“As a low-income student and staff, the chaplaincy was my safe haven, for years, during the colder months to get some hot soup & a roll for cheap.

“For me, it was a lot of the time the only hot meal I could‘ve afforded to eat out.

“Hearing staff and students might not have its facilities in the future is absolutely devastating.”

Students who frequently use the chaplaincy also gave their viewpoints.

3rd Year History student, Anna Pettigrew, said: “The Chaplaincy as a place on campus has offered a huge amount of comfort to me and so many people I know when we were navigating grief.

“To not have this place of peace in the university anymore would be a huge loss to students and staff as a collective.

“I don’t think the university would be able to say that it supports students in the same way without it.”

2nd Year History Student, Kerr Boyle, said: “The chaplaincy centre at university is a vital and often overlooked service within our university community, providing a warm, caring and supportive service and place to go for students to go at times of need.

“Rev. Dr. Fiona Douglas and the chaplaincy staff go above and beyond to provide students and the wider university community a delicate and discreet approach to wellbeing support.

“To lose this important service would lower morale during a time which is already wrought with uncertainty, anxiety and low student mood.”

A university spokesperson said: “Staff in the Chaplaincy Centre have been informed their posts may potentially be at risk under the current proposals.

“These remain proposals while we work through the collective consultation process.”