THE University of Central Lancashire has announced it will not be proceeding with a proposal to convert into a company limited by guarantee.
The University and College Union and UNISON led protests against the move and raised fears that the institution could become a for-profit enterprise selling off university assets and inviting investment from private equity funds.
Although UCLAN, which has a campus in Burnley, would have remained a charity, the proposed changes would have made it easier to slim down governance structures.
Martyn Moss, UCU regional official, said: “We are pleased UCLAN has rejected plans to become a company limited by guaranteed and, in particular, recognised the concerns the unions raised about how such a move would impact on staff.
“Government policies, coupled with for-profit companies circling the university sector, have resulted in some universities considering radical strategies to cope in the new higher education environment.
“However, we do not believe becoming a private company would have done anything for the university’s or the UK’s reputation.”
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