This is part of the regular series of USS communications to update staff on the progress of the 2020 valuation of the USS pension scheme.
In this update:
- Update from Chair of Council on UUK consultation
- Leftover questions from USS staff forum answered online
- USS Trustee agrees to JNC extension
- A reminder of where to find resources
Update from Chair of Council on UUK consultation
The University has submitted its response to the employer consultation on USS instigated by Universities UK (UUK). The deadline for the consultation was on Monday 24 May. The Chair of Council, the University’s governing body, has asked for the following update to be shared with staff:
Dame Denise Holt, Chair of Council, said: “As a matter of principle, negotiations are generally more likely to lead to a successful outcome if they are held privately and all parties refrain from seeking to broadcast their positions. This principle has underpinned your Council’s reticence in publishing its response to a consultation by UUK of its members, designed to inform its negotiating position in forthcoming talks with UCU. However, I understand that a majority of universities have decided in this instance to publish their responses. Whilst I disagree with their decision, I am also mindful that Sussex colleagues might misinterpret our silence on the matter. I have therefore, exceptionally, taken the decision to publish the full text of our response. My decision to publish on this occasion does not set a precedent for any future consultation exercise. It’s important to emphasise that we are one of the smaller universities in UUK’s universe; their negotiating position will be influenced by the totality of members.”
You can read the University’s consultation response [login required] on our USS 2020 valuation web page.
Leftover questions from USS staff forum answered online
On 13 May, the Vice-Chancellor, Adam Tickell, and Director of Finance, Allan Spencer, held an open staff forum on the 2020 valuation of USS. We have been holding these and other sessions to ensure staff are informed about the ongoing position – nothing is being asked of colleagues at this stage. Around 90 members of staff attended to hear an update on the University’s position on the valuation and to ask a wide range of questions. Answers to any questions leftover from the session have been published on our USS 2020 valuation web page.
USS Trustee agrees to JNC extension
The USS Trustee has emailed scheme members with an update. In it, it stated that the Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC), representing employers and members, has requested a three-month extension to the period under the scheme rules in which it has to reach a decision as to how to address the cost of the increase to the contribution rate. The USS Trustee has agreed to the extension and has stated that it expects the JNC to reach a decision by the end of August. The Trustee has also said that it will look at how any alternative proposals put forward may impact contributions.
A reminder of where to find resources
We are keeping up-to-date information about the 2020 valuation on our website. This includes links to key documents published by the main parties. If you have questions about your individual pension or circumstances, you can contact pensions@sussex.ac.uk.